Quick Answers: Who’s the Best Accountant to Help My Milwaukee Business Grow?
- The “perfect” accountant doesn’t exist. But the right fit for your business growth does.
- Look for an accountant who understands your industry so they don’t miss critical savings opportunities or cash flow issues.
- Choose one who is a strategic advisor. Not just a data entry clerk.
- You need an accountant who communicates consistently and feels like a year-round partner.
Every business owner wants to find the best accountant… one who pulls their weight. Like there’s a golden unicorn accountant out there who will magically triple profits while making all the complicated financial stuff disappear.
Sorry to break it to you: they don’t exist.
But the right small business accountant for your long-term growth absolutely does. And finding them matters more than most owners realize:
- 98 percent of small business owners say their accountant boosts their confidence in their business.
- 9 out of 10 say their accountant helps their business grow.
.jpg)
Your business’s future rides on this choice. So, here’s your checklist for making sure it’s the right one.
1. Does the accountant understand my Southeastern Wisconsin business?
Strong accountants make it their job to understand the ins and outs of the businesses they serve. When they do, they’re better equipped to identify savings opportunities, highlight compliance risks, and flag cash flow issues.
Whether or not they’ve worked with others in your industry, the real test is how committed they are to understanding your operations and tailoring advice accordingly.
2. Will the accountant be a strategic advisor?
The right accountant acts as a strategic advisor. Not just a data entry clerk. They’ll help you with:
- Pricing strategies
- Hiring decisions
- Cash flow management
- Expansion or exit planning
Think about it this way: you wouldn’t hire a fitness trainer who only checks your weight. You want someone coaching you along the way. Same idea here.
3. Does the accountant communicate regularly?
It’s not fun to get blindsided by a cash flow problem or a missed a deadline.
The right accountant builds communication into the relationship, making sure you’re never left guessing. That looks like scheduling regular check-ins (quarterly or even monthly) so you’re reviewing your numbers together.
It also means sending guidance before deadlines or cash flow crunches hit, and explaining your financials in plain English (not accountant jargon).
The best accountant for your business should feel like a partner who’s walking with you. Not a once-a-year transaction.
FAQs
“Should I hire a CPA or a bookkeeper?”
You probably need both. A bookkeeper records your daily transactions and makes sure the books are accurate. A CPA interprets those numbers, files taxes, and gives business strategy advice.
“How much does a small business accountant cost?”
It varies. Monthly bookkeeping packages can start in the low hundreds, while a CPA offering strategic tax planning may run into the thousands annually. The key is to see cost as an investment in growth and tax savings.
“What questions should I ask before hiring an accountant?”
Some important questions to ask are:
“How often will we meet or review finances?”
“What software do you use?”
“Will you provide proactive advice or just record transactions?”
“What is a “fractional CFO,” and do I need one?”
A fractional CFO (Chief Financial Officer) is an experienced financial leader you can hire on a part-time basis. They provide high-level strategic guidance (like a full-time CFO) without the high salary.
You might consider one if you need help with cash flow management, preparing for a sale or investment, or if you simply need a financial co-pilot to help you make smarter business decisions.
“Can an accountant really help my business grow?”
Yes, when they go beyond basic compliance. A growth-focused accountant helps identify profit leaks, guides decisions on hiring and pricing, and provides a clear financial picture to help you plan for the future.
Have you been asking yourself whether you’re truly getting the guidance you need to achieve your business goals?
Then let’s have a conversation about where your business is headed, and how we can help you reach those goals. My team and I are in your corner. We can give you the kind of forward-looking advice that fuels growth, and stay connected so you’re never left wondering what’s around the corner:
414-325-2040