How to find an accountant for your small business in 2025

As your business grows and evolves, hiring an accountant is one of the smartest investments you can make for keeping your finances on track. A qualified accountant will help ensure your financial records are accurate and well-organized, and they can provide invaluable assistance in understanding your financial data. Plus, an accountant’s services can save you lots of headaches (and potential penalties) when it’s time to file taxes for your business.

If you're looking for a good accountant to support your business's financial health and growth, this guide is here to help. We’ll talk about some key strategies for finding a reputable small business accountant—but first, let’s look at what an accountant actually does and their key responsibilities.

Roles and responsibilities of an accountant

When to hire an accountant

If you’ve noticed any of these critical accounting errors …

Accounting firm, contractor, or employee?

Bookkeepers vs. accountants vs. CPAs

What to look for in an accountant

Types of accountants

Steps to find the best accountant

Pricing considerations for an accountant

Next steps in finding your perfect accountant

Roles and responsibilities of an accountant

An accountant’s responsibilities can vary widely depending on their qualifications and the specific dimensions of their role. Accounting roles can include everything from a corporate accountant working for a large enterprise to a freelance CPA whose clients are small business owners. Most accountants, however, will be responsible for some combination of tasks that include:

• Bookkeeping: Many accountants handle day-to-day bookkeeping tasks such as payables, receivables, reconciliation, and recording transactions in accordance with the IRS’s record-keeping standards.
• Financial reporting: Another key accounting skill set is preparing financial reports such as balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow statements.
• Compliance: Accountants often take a front-line role in keeping a business financially compliant with relevant standards such as Generally Accepted Accounting Practices (GAAP).
• Tax preparation: Preparing and submitting business tax records to the IRS and state revenue agencies is another key responsibility for many accountants.
• Insights and planning: When business leaders need financial insights for reducing costs, finding growth areas, or other key planning tasks, they often rely on accountants’ help to look for financial insights in data.
• Budgeting and forecasting: Accountants also help a business chart its roadmap for success by assisting with preparing budgets and forecasts. 

When to hire an accountant

Knowing when to hire an accountant is key for the financial health of your small business. If managing finances becomes overwhelming or you find errors in your bookkeeping, it might be time to seek professional help. An accountant can provide expert guidance and ensure your financial records are accurate.

If you’ve noticed any of these critical accounting errors …

… it might be time to consider working with a professional accountant. These errors can cause issues ranging from embarrassment to serious financial losses or business disruptions. They’re far from the only accounting errors that a business can make — but they’re both some of the most common and some of the most potentially disruptive.

Mixing business and personal finances

Comingling business and personal finances is a common mistake for small business owners. When you can’t easily separate business from personal expenses, it’s difficult to prepare accurate tax returns and get all of the deductions you’re entitled to — and it puts you at increased risk of landing in the crosshairs of an IRS audit. An accountant can help you determine what’s what and establish clear separation between business and personal funds.

Reconciling payments incorrectly

Reconciling payments is a basic but critical task of business bookkeeping. It involves comparing bank account transactions to your records to spot discrepancies such as missing deposits, incorrect amounts, or unauthorized transactions. Reconciliation can be a time-consuming task for business owners, and it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not a trained bookkeeper. Accountants are trained in reconciliation and know how to make the process quick, easy, and reliable.

Missing receipts or other tax documents

No business owner wants to arrive at tax season and realize they’re missing key receipts or other documentation. An accountant will help you stay on top of filing and organizing documents like invoices and receipts, and when tax time comes, they can take care of tricky and time-consuming tasks like categorizing expenses and calculating depreciation.

Incorrect payroll processing

Failure to process payroll correctly is one of the most serious accounting mistakes for small businesses. It can put your business in legal jeopardy from labor and tax authorities, not to mention doing severe damage to employee morale and relationships. A trained accountant can help you ensure your payroll processing systems are set up correctly and handle tasks such as W-4 filings, direct deposits, and monitoring for compliance with relevant standards like minimum wage laws. 

Cash flow management issues

Cash flow can be one of the most vexing problems for SMBs. Even profitable businesses can struggle to pay bills without smart cash flow management. An accountant’s skills can help you improve your business’s cash flow through practices like automating payments, scenario planning, diversifying revenue streams, and strategic payment scheduling. 

Excessively high tax bills

Maybe you’re making a key preventable mistake, like failing to make sufficient estimated tax payments on time, or perhaps your business just isn’t optimizing deductions and tax credits. Either way, a high tax bill can definitely be a sign that you should work with an accountant who specializes in tax filing and efficiency. They’ll be able to coach you on ways you may be able to reduce your tax liability such as deductible expenses, business structures, and credits.

Is hiring an accountant for a small business worth it?

In the long run, the peace of mind and financial benefits an accountant offers make them a worthwhile investment for any small business. Accountants are experts in managing finances, complying with tax regulations, and offering strategic financial advice. Their help allows you to focus on your core business operations without worrying about the complexities of financial management.

How much does a CPA cost for a small business?

There’s no standard rate for a CPA, but you should expect a CPA’s services to cost more than the services of a bookkeeper or non-CPA accountant. Many small businesses don’t need a CPA, so it’s worth considering accountants with other credentials like the IRS Enrolled Agent program whose services may cost less. QuickBooks Live makes it easy to get in touch with an expert accountant whose qualifications meet your needs.

Accounting firm, contractor, or employee?

Deciding between an accounting firm, a contractor, or a full-time employee depends on your business's specific needs and financial complexity.

Employee

Hiring an in-house accountant offers dedicated attention to your finances but may be more costly. Larger businesses often have one or more full-time accountants who work in-house and may head up finance departments.

Accounting firm

An accounting firm can provide comprehensive services and specialized expertise, which is ideal for growing businesses. If your business needs regular services from a qualified accountant but a full-time, in-house accountant isn’t the right fit, working with an accounting firm could be the best option for you.

Contractors

Contractors are suitable for specific projects or part-time needs because they provide flexibility and cost savings. Working with an accountant on contract is often a smart choice for sole proprietors and other owners of very small businesses who need to keep costs as low as possible. 

Explore our hiring guide to find the best fit for your business.

Bookkeepers vs. accountants vs. CPAs

Each role offers unique skills and services, and selecting the appropriate one depends on your financial needs and goals.

Bookkeeper

Bookkeepers play more of an administrative role. They handle your business's day-to-day financial transactions, such as recording sales, receipts, and payments. Bookkeepers also maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, making them vital for managing cash flow and keeping your books balanced. Bookkeeping help is available through services like QuickBooks Live, which connects you to professional bookkeeping experts whether you need quick advice or full-service accounting and tax preparation. 

Accountant

Accountants provide more comprehensive financial analysis and reporting. They prepare financial statements, offer tax advice, and help with budgeting and financial planning, which can give you a clearer picture of your business's financial health.

CPA 

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) have passed rigorous exams and met strict licensing requirements. They offer advanced services, including audit and assurance, complex tax preparation, and strategic financial advice. CPAs are ideal if your business needs high-level financial oversight and compliance assurance.

Is a CPA better than an accountant?

A CPA isn’t necessarily better than an accountant, but CPAs do have rigorous training that makes them more qualified for certain roles. A CPA is an accountant who has taken and passed the Certified Public Accountant exam, usually (but not always) in addition to having a degree in accounting or a related subject. Thus, all CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs.

Most businesses aren’t required to use a CPA. An accountant doesn’t have to be a CPA to perform day-to-day accounting functions, or to file your business’s taxes. However, CPAs have additional training that can make them more qualified for high-level accounting roles and working with complex clients. CPAs can also represent taxpayers in IRS hearings.

What to look for in an accountant

To choose the right accountant for your small business, you’ll need to evaluate key factors such as:

Qualifications

Look for an accountant with the necessary educational background and certifications. Verify that they have a degree in accounting or a related field and any professional certifications, such as CPA, CMA (Certified Management Accountant), or IRS Enrolled Agent.

Experience

Consider the accountant's experience in working with businesses similar to yours. Industry-specific experience can provide insights and tailored advice that can benefit your financial strategies and operations.

Software proficiency

Make sure your accountant is well-versed in the accounting software you use or plan to use. A professional who knows how to use popular accounting software like QuickBooks can manage your finances more efficiently and accurately.

Services offered

Consider which specific accounting services you need, and ensure you’re working with an accountant who offers them. Some businesses might only need basic bookkeeping and tax preparation, while others might be looking for full-service accountants who can provide in-depth reporting. 

Fees and billing

If you’re working with a third-party accountant, be aware of the billing structures they use to charge for their services. Some charge a flat fee for a project (such as a tax return filing), some charge an hourly rate, and some work on a retainer, among other possibilities. An accountant should explain their fee structure and compensation in detail before you begin working together.

Types of accountants

Understanding the various types of accountants can help you find the right professional for your business or industry. Here are a few to consider.

Government accountants

Government accountants work within public sector organizations. In a typical work day, these professionals ensure compliance with government regulations, handle financial reporting for government agencies, and manage and audit public funds.

Corporate accountants

Corporate accountants, also known as management accountants, work within companies to manage financial records, budgeting, and strategic planning. In addition, they analyze and present financial data to senior management to help them with decision-making and improving business operations.

Public accountants

Public accountants provide a wide range of accounting services to businesses and individuals, including tax preparation, auditing, and consulting. They often work for accounting firms and serve multiple clients.

Forensic accountants

Forensic accountants specialize in investigating financial discrepancies and fraud. Their responsibilities include analyzing financial records to uncover illegal activities and providing expert testimony in legal cases.

Steps to find the best accountant

Find out how to find the best accountant for your small business by following these steps:

1. Define your needs

Start by identifying the specific services you need from an accountant, such as basic bookkeeping, tax preparation, or comprehensive financial planning. Having a clear understanding of your needs will help you narrow down your options.

2. Seek recommendations 

Ask for recommendations from other business owners, colleagues, or financial advisors. You can also use resources like the American Institute of CPAs or the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, as well as QuickBooks Find a Certified ProAdvisor, to search for qualified accountants by state and region.

3. Check credentials and references

Verify the accountant's qualifications, certifications, and licenses. Request references and contact their previous clients to gauge their reliability, professionalism, and the quality of their work. For some qualifications, you can use search services like CPAVerify to check that the accountant’s credentials are legitimate. QuickBooks Live also makes it easy to find professional accountants with the credentials you’re looking for. 

4. Assess industry experience

Every industry has unique accounting needs. However, some industries—including but not limited to construction, hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture—have highly specific accounting needs that can be challenging for accountants without industry experience. Look for candidates with experience in your specific industry and familiarity with industry standards. 

5. Conduct interviews

Interview potential candidates to get a sense of their expertise, communication skills, and compatibility with your business. Prepare questions that address your specific financial needs and take notes on how they respond so you can evaluate them later.

6. Evaluate costs

Consider the accountant's fees and make sure they fit your budget. It’s smart to compare costs among different candidates and weigh the value of their services against their fees. In some cases, choosing an accountant with a different fee structure (such as a flat project fee rather than a retainer) can make it easier to fit accounting services into your budget. Be aware that some accountants may not quote you a fee before the initial consultation, so choose one that offers free consultations if possible.

7. Verify availability

Set expectations for turnarounds, response times, and availability dates and hours. Remember that many accountants are going through their heaviest workload during tax season, and reach out early if you want to find an accountant for tax work (especially if you have a more complex business tax return).

8. Consider growth potential

A fast-growing business may outgrow smaller accounting providers quickly. If you have ambitious growth targets, it can be important to work with an accountant who can scale their services as your business expands. Working with an accounting firm or an online accounting service like QuickBooks Live Expert, which features on-demand accounting help from professionals, can allow you to quickly increase your accounting capabilities.

Pricing considerations for an accountant

The cost of accounting services can vary widely and depends on many different factors. However, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a full-time professional accountant is approximately $80,000 per year. It’s a professional service that requires significant education and experience, which means that professional accounting help can be costly, depending on your needs.

The factors that can affect the cost of your accounting services include:

• The specific services you need
• Your accountant’s qualifications
• Whether you want to employ a full-time or part-time accountant
• The size and complexity of your business
• Duration of the contract

A free consultation is usually the best place to start when determining how much you can expect to pay for an accountant’s services.

Next steps in finding your perfect accountant

Take the time to find an accountant who understands your industry and can offer the expertise you need. With the right accountant by your side, you can confidently manage your business’s finances and focus on what you do best — growing your business.

And remember, using accounting software like QuickBooks can streamline your financial management and make collaboration with your accountant seamless. This software can help keep your financial data organized, making it easier for your accountant to provide the best possible service.