As a small business owner, there is a lot you have to take into consideration. The day to day running of your business requires a lot of planning, from licensing and permits to leasing your location and registering all of your company trademarks. Needless to say, a huge part of running any business is the financial aspect, and many business owners find themselves asking the question, “Do I need a CPA for my small business?” Hiring an accountant might seem like something only bigger businesses do, but it’s something you should seriously consider no matter where you are in the growth of your company. Here are a few reasons why:
You Will Save Money
Of course, hiring a CPA isn’t cheap; it can be one of the bigger expenses you incur when you go into business. Even so, securing the services of a good accountant will ultimately pay for itself. First, consider how much time you will spend poring over the finances for your business. Every minute you spend trying to balance your books is a minute that you can no longer devote to other crucial aspects of running a business. If you’re spending hours each day working on tax forms, you aren’t bringing money in. Not only that, you can rest easy knowing that you have a financial expert working to save your company as much money as possible. Even if you yourself are financially savvy, you might find yourself spread too thin as a result of taking on every other job a business owner must deal with.
A CPA Can Help You Deal With The Unexpected
Running a business always come with an element of unpredictability. Especially as your business grows, you may find yourself dealing with problems you never considered. As your business grows, and you hire more employees, contract out more work, order more equipment, and generate more income, a talented accountant will help you to get it all under control. They will also help you deal with any unexpected financial curve balls that may come your way and threaten your business.
An Accountant Will Help With The Legal Aspects
Depending on a number of factors, including your location and the type of business you are running, the laws that govern your company can vary widely. For example, the tax laws you are bound to will depend on what type of business structure you have. Will you be the sole proprietor? Or an LLC? Are you working from home? Or do you operate out of a storefront? But even if you are the sole proprietor of the business, a CPA can help you navigate the tangled web that is local business law. Ultimately, you will need the assistance of someone who is experienced in dealing with businesses of all types and sizes. They can also assist you should you face the unfortunate situation of a lawsuit being filed against your company.
When To Hire A CPA
As a CPA can charge up to several hundred dollars an hour, it’s important to be responsible when securing the services of one. Make sure to thoroughly research anyone you are considering hiring, and ensure that they have all of the proper certifications that a CPA requires. While many small business owners worry that hiring an accountant will be an expense they can’t afford, or force them to relinquish control of certain aspects of their business, the truth is that having a great CPA can increase your savings and your profits while also offering you greater freedom to manage the other aspects of running a business. With all of these considerations in mind, the answer to the question, “Do I need a CPA for my small business?” is almost always YES!