4 signs you’ve outgrown your accountant

4 signs you’ve outgrown your accountant.

Some businesses, especially smaller companies aiming for growth, sticking with their current accountant could potentially lead to financial losses and hinder their progress. It's a challenging decision to contemplate, yet a crucial one that can significantly impact both you and your business. How can you determine if you've surpassed the capabilities of your current accountant?

We’ve identified four signs. If you’ve experienced most or all of these, it’s time to have a tough conversation with your current advisor and find a more strategic advisory partner like Smart Business Solutions:

1. You're the one initiating the calls, and they aren't reaching out to you

When was the last occasion your accountant reached out to discuss a matter that went beyond the realm of taxes?

As a business owner or leader, you're undoubtedly vigilant about staying informed on industry trends, potential risks, and avenues for growth. If you find yourself reading about these critical issues without any proactive communication from your accountant, your business could be missing out on financial gains and valuable opportunities.

To steer your business effectively, it's imperative that you comprehend how these factors can influence your company's financial health, both in the present and the future. Whether it's seizing the moment when opportunities arise or fortifying your strategies during global crises, having a financial advisor who remains well-versed in emerging trends, potential threats, and regulatory adjustments is indispensable.

This means having a financial expert who can not only navigate profit and loss but also harness data analysis and insights, providing you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions precisely when they matter most.

2. Their approach to their own business doesn't instill confidence

In today's fast-evolving business landscape, all companies must stay in step with technological advancements. If your accountant is relying on outdated systems, it's natural to be hesitant about seeking or trusting their guidance regarding your business's strategy. Furthermore, this might cast doubt on their advice in a broader context.

While it's not expected that accountants become tech experts, modern financial advisors should possess a solid understanding of the changes and developments in the technical landscape, as well as current and emerging business software solutions that could prove advantageous for their clients.

Implementing straightforward and cost-effective automations can save businesses both time and money while bolstering client and customer satisfaction. However, you can't embrace these changes if you're unaware of them. Your adviser should be across what you can do with your tech stack to do better business.

3. They are not actively contributing to your growth strategy

As your business grows and becomes more intricate, your initial accountant's setup for tax efficiency and asset protection may no longer suffice. You might require a revised structure and online accounting system as part of a broader transformation plan.

When considering offshore expansion or investing in research and development, can your accountant guide you through the legal, tax, and regulatory intricacies to recommend the best path?

What about franchising or mergers and acquisitions? Is your accountant equipped to advise on the opportunities they offer in the short, medium, and long term?

If your accountant lacks knowledge in your sector, they may miss out on valuable tax incentives, grants, or regulatory changes that could shape your expansion strategy.

4. You're the sole one prioritising readiness for disruption

COVID-19 has forced businesses to focus on the immediate challenges, whether surviving lockdowns or adapting to changing consumer behavior. Disruption is now the norm, with issues like supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs, inflation, and labor shortages. In this uncertain environment, succession planning for your business is crucial. If you're the only one discussing future strategies, it's time to seek financial expertise that can help your business thrive and grow.

In conclusion, recognising the signs that you've outgrown your small business accountant is a crucial step in the evolution of your company. Transitioning to a more sophisticated accounting firm can provide the expertise and resources needed to support your business's growth and development. While the decision to make this transition can be challenging, it's ultimately a positive step forward in securing the financial success of your business.

Outgrown your accountant?

Smart Business Solutions can provide the expertise and resources needed to support your business's growth and development.

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