What Questions Should I Ask My Accountant?
If you’re like most small business owners, you probably meet with your accountant at tax time, hand over a stack of documents, and hope everything comes out right.
But here’s the truth: your accountant can be far more than a tax preparer—they can be one of your most valuable business advisors.
The key? Asking the right questions.
So, what should you be asking?
Let’s walk through some questions that will not only protect your business but also help it grow.
Why Asking Questions Matters
Your accountant has insight into your numbers that you may not see in the day-to-day grind. Think of them as a financial coach. But just like any coach, their advice is only as good as the questions you ask. If you’re not asking, you could be leaving money on the table—or walking into risks blind.
Here’s the bigger question: Are you using your accountant as a partner or just as a paperwork processor?
Smart Questions to Ask Your Accountant
- What do my financial statements really say about my business health?
It’s one thing to glance at the numbers; it’s another to understand the story they tell. Are your sales trending up? Are expenses creeping higher than they should? Asking this forces your accountant to translate numbers into plain language.
- How can I improve my cash flow?
Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. Even profitable businesses fail when cash runs short. Your accountant can highlight ways to smooth out dips and avoid being caught off guard.
- Am I taking advantage of every deduction and credit available?
Tax laws change constantly, and you don’t want to miss opportunities. This question opens the door to strategies that could save you thousands.
- What do my numbers tell me about growth?
Are you ready to hire? Can you expand into a new location? Your accountant can spot the financial signals that show whether your business is strong enough to handle growth—or whether it’s wiser to wait.
- What risks do you see in my financials?
Sometimes the red flags are hidden—like too much debt, slow-paying customers, or mixing personal and business expenses. Your accountant sees patterns you may miss.
- Are there better tools or systems I should be using?
If you’re still buried in spreadsheets or scrambling at year-end, your accountant may be able to recommend tech that simplifies your bookkeeping and saves you time.
Getting the Most Out of Your Accountant
It’s not enough to ask these questions once. Make it a habit to schedule regular check-ins—quarterly is a great place to start.
Be upfront about your goals and struggles. Want to retire early? Dreaming of scaling? Wrestling with debt? Share it.
The more your accountant knows, the better advice you’ll get.
Think about it: Are you having proactive conversations, or are you waiting until problems show up?
Summary: Steps to Take
- Write down the questions above and bring them to your next meeting.
- Ask your accountant to explain things in everyday language—you don’t need jargon.
- Schedule check-ins throughout the year, not just at tax time.
- Be open about your goals so your accountant can help you reach them.
Your business deserves more than just number crunching—it deserves guidance that moves you forward. If you’re ready to start asking the right questions and getting real answers, I’d enjoy talking with you. Let’s make your financials work for you, not against you.