By: Jennifer Brazer
Jennifer is the author of From Cubicle to Cloud and Founder/CEO of Complete Controller, a pioneering financial services firm that helps entrepreneurs break free of traditional constraints and scale their businesses to new heights.
Fact Checked By: Brittany McMillen
Unlock Your Finances: How a Professional Accountant Can Transform Your Business
Your business might look unstoppable on the surface, but behind the scenes, messy books or a lack of financial strategy might be silently holding it back. It reminds me of a Ferrari stuck in second gear—lots of power, but not efficiently going anywhere. That’s where a professional accountant enters the picture. They aren’t just number crunchers; they’re your pit crew, optimizing every component of your financial engine so you can soar.
Over the last 15 years as the Founder and CEO of Complete Controller, I’ve witnessed how small and large businesses can thrive when they have the right financial tools and professionals. Today, I’ll show you exactly how a certified accountant becomes the secret weapon that transforms your business.
Why Every Business Needs a Professional Accountant
Let’s start with a simple truth: running a business without a professional accountant is like flying a plane without a dashboard. You’re operating blind, unsure whether you’re on course or about to crash. Even though 70% of small businesses still don’t have an accountant, those that do report better outcomes—clear strategies, fewer missed opportunities, and more time to focus on growth.
So, what can a certified public accountant (CPA) really do for you?
Clarity for better decisions
The best decisions are made from reliable data. A professional accountant provides clean, organized financial records that allow you to plan for growth, allocate resources wisely, and sidestep risks.
I worked with a client once—let’s call them XYZ Inc.—who came to us drowning in spreadsheet chaos. They had no cash flow statements, no tax strategies, and absolutely no idea how much money was leaking out of their business. Within months, their dedicated accountant turned guesswork into actionable numbers. They identified opportunities to cut unnecessary costs, reclaimed thousands through proper tax deductions, and created a roadmap for future growth.
Savings in time and stress
If you’ve spent late nights Googling tax regulations or trying to reconcile receipts, you know how hard it is to “DIY” your accounting. A professional handles the nitty-gritty—bookkeeping, audits, tax filings—so you can focus on what you do best.
Case in point: partnering with an accountant saved one of my freelance clients more than twelve hours a week. By the end of the year, her tax professional also reclaimed $15,000 in overlooked deductions. Over and over, I’ve seen how accountants don’t just save you money—they give you your life back.
Staying fully compliant
Tax codes are complicated, evolving monsters. A skilled tax advisor ensures you avoid mistakes and leverage every opportunity within the law to reduce your tax burden. It’s not just about avoiding sleepless nights; it’s about walking into tax season knowing there’s nothing left to chance.
Key Services Professional Accountants Provide
A lot of people misunderstand what accountants actually do. These are just a few of the incredible ways they can bring value to your business.
Tax preparation: Stop leaving money on the table
Taxes are often where businesses lose the most money unknowingly. An experienced professional doesn’t just file your taxes—they analyze your financial data to uncover credits and deductions you might have missed. For example, according to MKS&H, professional accountants are instrumental in uncovering hidden tax savings and ensuring compliance.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until March or April to think about taxes! Planning ahead ensures you optimize every opportunity.
Bookkeeping services: The foundation of financial health
Keeping your books in order is essential, yet it’s one of the most overlooked areas of business management. Clean financial records highlight potential cost savings and are critical for securing loans or attracting investors.
As someone who’s worked hands-on with thousands of entrepreneurs, I can confirm that monthly financial statement reviews are non-negotiable. Accountants also incorporate accurate financial statement information, underscoring how clean records empower long-term success.
Audits: A tune-up for your financial health
The word “audit” might sound intimidating, but think of it as a necessary check-up for your business’s financial health. An audit identifies inconsistencies, fraud, or errors that could be costing your company money.
I once worked with a mid-sized business that couldn’t figure out why their cash flow wasn’t meeting projections. Their accountant performed an internal audit and found $75,000 in recurring billing errors. Running leaner and meaner has long-term benefits far beyond the numbers.
Financial consulting: A visionary partner
Whether you need to build a budget, allocate cash flow, or plan for expansion, a financial consultant will provide customized strategies tailored to your goals. Do you know where your business stands today? More importantly, do you have a roadmap for where you want it to be five years down the line? If not, a professional accountant can help.
Choosing the Right Professional Accountant
Not all accountants are created equal—finding the right one for your industry, size, and needs is critical. So, how do you find a perfect match?
Qualifications and experience
Look for certified professionals like CPAs and verify their background in your industry. For example, a tech startup’s accountant needs a different skill set than someone working with brick-and-mortar retailers.
Understanding the tax preparer’s qualifications is crucial when making a choice.
Communication and trust
Your accountant should feel like a partner, not someone speaking in incomprehensible jargon. When interviewing, ask yourself: Does their advice align with your business vision? Great financial consultants will work with you to build trust, simplify data in understandable terms, and tailor recommendations to your goals.
Cost vs. value
While affordability matters, consider the return on investment. As a freelancer or startup, you might benefit from affordable accounting services, while growing organizations may need full-scale support. Remember, the savings and insights accountants deliver will often outweigh their fees.
For example, automating repetitive tasks alone often saves businesses hours of manual work.
Impact on Small Businesses and Freelancers
You can’t afford to skip this step if you run a small business or are self-employed. A 2024 report found that only 30% of small businesses have accountants—and that’s a problem.
For small businesses
A professional accountant for small businesses:
- Maintains compliance with changing regulations.
- Produces clean records that are ready for any investor meetings.
- Highlights opportunities to minimize overhead costs.
Don’t know where to begin? Check out these small business bookkeeping tips to start laying the groundwork.
For freelancers
Freelancers often juggle income from multiple clients and overlook expenses that could save them thousands in taxes. Leveraging affordable accounting services for freelancers ensures no stone is left unturned.
Conclusion
Every thriving business has one thing in common: they treat accounting as an investment, not a burden. A skilled professional accountant will empower you to cut costs, free up bandwidth, and navigate financial challenges with certainty.
Want to elevate your finances? Let my team at Complete Controller guide you. It’s time to stop surviving and start thriving. Are you ready?
FAQ
What are the top benefits of hiring an accountant?
Expert bookkeeping, strategic tax preparation, audit support, and consulting tailored to your success.
How do I choose the right accountant?
Look for a CPA with relatable industry experience, strong communication skills, and a focus on ROI.
Are accountants affordable for small businesses or freelancers?
Yes. Many offer scalable, affordable packages aligned to your needs.
Can accountants save me time?
Absolutely. They’ll handle the complexities so you can focus on growing your business.
About Complete Controller® – America’s Bookkeeping Experts Complete Controller is the Nation’s Leader in virtual bookkeeping, providing service to businesses and households alike. Utilizing Complete Controller’s technology, clients gain access to a cloud platform where their QuickBooks™️ file, critical financial documents, and back-office tools are hosted in an efficient SSO environment. Complete Controller’s team of certified US-based accounting professionals provide bookkeeping, record storage, performance reporting, and controller services including training, cash-flow management, budgeting and forecasting, process and controls advisement, and bill-pay. With flat-rate service plans, Complete Controller is the most cost-effective expert accounting solution for business, family-office, trusts, and households of any size or complexity.
