Running a small business pulls you in many directions. You deal with sales, operations, people, suppliers, marketing and a long list of daily tasks. Under all of that sits one core piece: your numbers. This is why a clear, steady relationship with your accountant or financial adviser can become one of your strongest assets.
Many owners call their adviser only when something goes wrong: cashflow pressure, a tax deadline, or a shock in the accounts. With better communication, your accountant becomes a partner who helps you shape decisions, not just fix problems.
This guide walks through how to get more value from that relationship. It covers which questions to ask, which reports to request, and how to use the insights to guide better business choices.
Why clear communication matters
Good advice depends on real information. When your accountant understands how your business works, your goals, your pain points, your plans, your daily reality, their guidance becomes sharper and more relevant.
Good communication helps you:
- Avoid last-minute tax pressure
- Plan ahead for tight cashflow periods
- Track your financial position with confidence
- Make informed decisions in operations
- Stay compliant without shocks
When you treat your accountant as part of your decision-making team, not as someone who steps in once a year, you set yourself up for stronger outcomes in both business and personal finance.
The questions every small business owner should ask
Whether you meet each month, each quarter or a few times a year, these questions will anchor better conversations.
1. What do these numbers mean for my business?
Many owners receive reports that feel unclear. Your accountant’s job is to make the information easy to follow. Ask them to walk you through:
- Trends they can see
- Which figures carry the most weight
- What may need attention over the next three to six months
If something feels vague, ask again. A good adviser will speak in plain English.
2. Are there risks or red flags I should know about?
Your accountant views your figures with a wider lens. They can spot seasonal trends, compliance risks, or spending patterns that you may miss.
Encourage them to call out:
- Cashflow strain
- Upcoming tax obligations
- Irregular spending
- Areas of overspending
3. What can I do now to improve my numbers later?
A proactive accountant helps you plan ahead.
They may guide you on:
- Lifting margins
- Adjusting prices
- Managing debt
- Cleaning up bookkeeping processes
- Budgeting for future costs
4. How can I organise my financial systems better?
Some of the biggest gains come from simple fixes. Your adviser may suggest:
- Stronger bookkeeping habits
- Updated software
- Light automations that cut admin
- Better coding of receipts
- A clearer chart of accounts
If you work with an Australian bookkeeping team like Tall Books, you can also ask for workflows that match your operations.
Reports and numbers you should request regularly
You don’t need to turn into an accountant. You only need timely information. Most small business owners should review these reports either monthly or quarterly.
Monthly essentials:
- Profit and loss: income against expenses
- Balance sheet: assets, liabilities and equity
- Cashflow summary: money in, money out and future commitments
- Aged receivables and payables: who owes you and who you owe
Quarterly essentials:
- BAS preparation and summary (for GST-registered businesses)
- Budget vs actual performance
- Job or project profitability
Occasional but important:
- Cashflow or profit forecasts
- Tax planning estimates
- Payroll reviews
- End-of-year reconciliations
These reports give you early signals. The value sits in the discussion with your adviser about what to do next.
How to use insights from your accountant to guide decisions
Numbers only matter when you act on them. Use your adviser’s input to steer choices around:
Cashflow planning
If you know a slow period is coming, you can cut costs, stagger staff hours or collect deposits sooner.
Pricing and profitability
Tight margins show up fast. Your adviser can help you spot where to adjust.
Growth opportunities
Forecasting helps you judge if you can expand, hire or invest.
Personal finance links
Your business income affects your super, savings, home loan plans and investments. A good accountant helps you tie these pieces together.
What you should expect from a quality accountant
A strong accountant does more than lodge forms. You should expect:
- Clear explanations
- Proactive contact
- Timely replies
- Regular reporting
- Strategic insight
- Genuine interest in your performance
- Guidance that fits Australian compliance and market conditions
If you are not receiving this level of support, it may be worth seeking an adviser who can offer more value.
Getting the most from the relationship
These habits will help the partnership run smoothly:
- Share updates on new hires, products or big contracts
- Keep records tidy to reduce back-and-forth
- Ask questions early rather than waiting
- Book check-ins throughout the year
- Be open about challenges
Your accountant can only work with what they know. More transparency means better advice.
Final thoughts
Small business owners make stronger choices when they have clear, reliable financial guidance. By building a steady rhythm of communication with your accountant or adviser, you gain clarity, confidence and control over your next steps.
If you want support from a team that understands small businesses and values simple, friendly communication, you can contact us at Tall Books for tailored help.