As a small business owner, you wear a lot of hats—marketer, manager, problem-solver, and sometimes even bookkeeper. With so much on your plate, it’s easy for financial management to take a backseat—until tax season or a cash flow issue forces it to the front of the line.
But when it comes to your finances, you need a strong resource to help you navigate the numbers, keep your business compliant, and guide you toward profitability. That’s where a great accountant comes in.
A great accountant is more than just a number cruncher. They’re an advisor, a sounding board, and a resource to help your business get set up for long-term success.
The right accountant will keep your books in order and provide valuable insights to help you grow and make informed decisions.
The wrong accountant may keep you in the dark or not be accessible until it's too late to change your tax situation. They also may not have the ally viewpoint that you do, and only see you as someone who pays their bills.
So, how do you find that accountant you’re looking for? The one who can be that trusted resource to help your business grow? First, you need to know what you should expect them to do for you.
So, what should you expect from your accountant? Here are the top five things you should expect from a great accountant.
A great accountant doesn’t just react to your financial situation—they help you plan for the future. Instead of simply reporting on past numbers, they take an active role in helping you shape your business strategy. They analyze trends, anticipate challenges, and provide data-driven insights that help you set goals and make informed decisions before problems arise.
Your accountant should be a key resource in helping you navigate financial risks, identify new opportunities, and strive for long-term sustainability. Whether advising on major business decisions, helping you plan for tax season well in advance, or assisting with cost-saving strategies, they should act as a trusted guide to keep your business on a strong financial path.
They should provide insights into tax-saving strategies that minimize your liabilities and keep more money in your business. These may include identifying deductions, leveraging tax credits, and avoiding overpaying throughout the year.
A skilled accountant does more than calculations—they become a support team in your business’s success. By offering proactive insights, anticipating financial challenges, and providing data-driven guidance, they help you make informed decisions before issues arise.
Finances can be complicated, but a great accountant makes everything easier to understand. You shouldn’t feel overwhelmed or left in the dark about your own business’s numbers. A good accountant keeps you informed so you can make confident, well-informed decisions.
Here’s what you should expect from your accountant when it comes to communication:
If your accountant isn’t educating and informing you, you may not get the full value of their expertise. A great accountant is a financial guide, helping you understand your numbers and use them to make smarter business decisions.
When it comes to your business finances, accuracy is everything. Even small bookkeeping or tax filing mistakes can lead to costly penalties, cash flow problems, or compliance issues. Now, no accountant is perfect — we are human after all — but a great accountant gives you peace of mind that your financial records are in order and your business is operating correctly.
Here’s what you should expect from an accountant who prioritizes accuracy and compliance.
One of the most important skills your accountant can have is helping you make sure you have accurate books. They should have a system for double-checking, flagging potential issues, and preventing problems before they arise so you can focus on growing your business with confidence.
Today’s accountants should leverage the latest tools and technology to make financial management easier for you. Expect your accountant to use cloud-based accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero for real-time financial access. They should offer digital invoicing and payroll systems to streamline operations.
Secure online document sharing replaces traditional paperwork, making tax time easier. Integrating accounting software with other business tools eliminates repetitive data entry and improves efficiency. Many now use AI-powered tools to automate expense tracking and flag discrepancies, freeing up time for higher-level planning.
A tech-savvy accountant saves time, reduces mistakes, and provides valuable, up-to-date financial insights. If your business relies on outdated methods, you could miss out on valuable efficiencies that make running it easier and more profitable.
Your accountant should be more than just someone who crunches numbers and files tax returns—they should be an active aid in helping your business thrive. A great accountant takes the time to truly understand your business, learning about your goals, challenges, and long-term vision. By gaining this deeper insight, they can offer financial strategies beyond compliance and reporting, helping you make smarter business decisions that drive growth.
A trusted accountant helps you strategize ways to increase profitability, manage expenses more effectively, and uncover opportunities for tax savings. Whether it’s identifying inefficiencies, cash flow solutions, or recommending tools for your business, they should proactively bring ideas to the table to improve your bottom line.
Accessibility is also key, as we talked about above. Your accountant should be available when you need them, not just when tax season rolls around. Whether you have a pressing question, need guidance, or want to discuss the future, they should be a reliable resource you can turn to year-round.
When you have a service provider who is just as invested in your business as you are, you gain financial clarity and the peace of mind to focus on what you do best—growing your business.
Your accountant plays a crucial role in your business’s financial health. If you’re not getting all five items above from your accountant, it may be time to talk to others.
At TMA Accounting, we take pride in being more than just number crunchers—we’re your trusted resource. Let's talk if you’re looking for an accountant who’s passionate about your business's success. Contact us today to see how we can help your business thrive!