Why Every Small Business Needs an Accountant
Running a small business is no easy feat. From overseeing daily operations and managing client relationships to supporting your team, there’s often little time left to deep-dive into your finances. Yet, understanding the financial health of your business is crucial — and for many owners, it can feel like an overwhelming burden.
That’s where small and medium-sized business (SMB) accounting plays a vital role. It not only supports better financial decision-making but also contributes to business stability and long-term growth.
At Zyla Accountants, we’ve seen firsthand the transformational impact an accountant can have on small business success — and the research supports it. Around 70% of small businesses don’t currently have an accountant, with over half relying solely on the owner or manager to handle financial tasks. However, businesses that do work with an accountant experience, on average, an 11.5% increase in revenue, improved confidence, and better overall wellbeing according to research.
Here’s how an SMB accountant can help transform your business.
1. Boosting Profit Margins
One of the most immediate advantages of having an SMB accountant is the ability to identify how to maximise your profit margins. By helping you understand where to cut costs and where to invest, an accountant ensures your business finances are being managed in the smartest way possible.
For example, strategic spending decisions—knowing when to invest in growth and when to tighten the belt—can be the difference between thriving and surviving. One in seven small business owners reported a transformational effect on profit margins after implementing SMB accounting strategies.
2. Effective Cost Management
Cost control is essential for sustainable growth. An SMB accountant helps you create structured budgets, identify unnecessary spending, and introduce streamlined financial processes.
With financial forecasting and regular budget reviews, you’ll be able to avoid overspending, allocate funds efficiently, and gain greater peace of mind knowing your business is operating within its means.
3. Ensuring Regulatory Compliance
From changing tax laws to evolving VAT and payroll regulations, staying compliant can feel like a full-time job in itself. An accountant can lift this burden and help you:
Submit taxes accurately and on time
Avoid costly penalties or mistakes
Keep well-organised records for a stress-free audit
In fact, over 40% of small business owners reported a marked improvement in their regulatory compliance after partnering with an SMB accountant.
4. Enhancing Business Planning and Strategy
An accountant isn’t just there for tax season — they’re a valuable strategic partner. Whether you’re looking to grow, invest, or simply stabilise during uncertain times, accountants can help you:
Forecast financial growth
Set achievable goals
Make informed decisions about expansion or cost reduction
Having a financial roadmap guided by expert advice gives you the clarity and confidence to lead with purpose.
5. Improving Financial Literacy
Financial terminology and reporting can be confusing — especially when you're wearing many hats as a business owner. SMB accountants don’t just manage your finances; they help you understand them.
By demystifying key concepts and offering guidance, they empower you to become more confident in making big financial decisions. 40% of small business owners said their financial literacy significantly improved after working with an accountant.
6. Reducing Stress and Mental Burden
Managing finances solo can be mentally exhausting. Partnering with an accountant can ease this pressure, giving you the freedom to focus on what matters most — growing your business.
With professional support in place, you can stop worrying about compliance, deadlines, and spreadsheets, and instead start planning your next big move. In our research, 1 in 5 small business owners said that working with an SMB accountant had a transformational impact on their stress levels.
Accountants as Partners in Growth
At Zyla Accountants, we believe that accountants are more than just number crunchers — they’re trusted advisors. We support small businesses not just in surviving the financial side of entrepreneurship, but in thriving through it.
By hiring an SMB accountant, you're not just outsourcing a task — you’re investing in expertise, building a future-proof plan, and gaining a partner who understands how to move your business forward.
Whether you're just starting out or scaling fast, we're here to help you turn financial clarity into business success.
Ready to transform your business with the help of an SMB accountant?
Get in touch with the Zyla Accountants team today — let’s grow your business, together.