Having a bookkeeper for your landscaping business is a crucial part of your day-to-day business management, and getting an accountant is equally important but for different reasons.
Bookkeepers will help you in the day-to-day management and tracking of your business’ money. But getting an accountant is equally important, for different reasons.
An accountant will take the daily tracking and organizing of your finances and help you strategize for the future, ensure compliance during tax season, and provide practical advice and insight.
Because your relationship with your accountant is highly collaborative, it’s important to establish a strong partnership from the outset. Wondering how to make that happen?
Here’s our advice:
Clearly define your business goals and objectives
The best thing you can do for your accountant is to make sure you are both on the same page. Accountants can provide insight into a lot of different areas, but only you can determine the information that will be most helpful for your particular business needs and questions. Being as upfront about those needs as possible will help you and your accountant start off on the same page and find success together.
Choose the right accountant for your landscaping business
There are different areas of expertise within the accounting world – you don’t need an accountant for your landscaping business who has only worked with lawyers in the past. Find an accountant who understands your industry in some way, is on the same page with you about your business goals, and seems like a good fit overall.
Provide accurate and timely financial information
Your accountant can only serve you according to the information you provide them – so be on their side and remain proactive about giving them what they need! They will need your financial records and any other relevant information you can share.
Collaborate on financial planning and budgeting
While your accountant can provide guidance and answer questions, don’t hire an accountant and expect them to assume responsibility for your business’ finances. Working with an accountant happens best through collaboration and open communication – let them be a helpful resource to provide guidance, but remember that you call the shots at the end of the day. Your accountant wants and needs to collaborate with you in order to do their job well. Clear channels of communication will help you both in the long run!
Utilize their tax planning and compliance services
Taxes may not be a beast you want to tackle on your own. Depending on your company’s needs, you can hire an accountant to help you with your taxes. And if just thinking about tax season makes you break into a sweat, we would recommend you search for an accountant who offers tax services. It will save you a headache, enable them to do their best work and keep you in compliance.
Continuously evaluate and reassess your financial goals
As we’ve already said, communication is key in the relationship between you and your accountant. Having an initial conversation about your goals is great, but the best way to maintain clarity between you and your accountant is to be mindful of your own financial goals and share any new developments with your accountant. Your relationship with them is one that can shift over time depending on how your business is doing and what new needs you may have.
