Summary
Accountantsdo more than crunch numbers. They keep your business financially organized, tax-compliant, and strategically prepared. Think of them as your financial translators and planning partners.
So what does an accountant do?
Ever found yourself wondering,"What exactly does an accountant do?"You're not alone. Whether you're hiring your first bookkeeper or trying to decode your year-end tax prep, understanding accounting basics can make you a sharper, more strategic business owner.
(Inspired by thispopular Reddit threadon what accountants do.)
WhatIsan Accountant?
At their core,accountantsare your business's financial storytellers. They track, sort, and explain your money: what came in, what went out, and what it all means.
They're trained to measure, analyze, and report financial data so you can:
Stay compliant (hello, IRS)
Make informed decisions
Avoid costly errors
You can also think of them as finance translators—making sense of complex reports so you can act confidently.
Daily Tasks: What Accounting Pros ActuallyDo
Here’s a breakdown of typical financial work, tailored for small business life:
Bookkeeping: Tracking income, expenses, invoices, and payments. It’s the foundation.
Bank Reconciliation: Matching records to bank statements to catch errors or fraud.
Financial Reporting: Creating statements like your P&L or cash flow report.
Tax Preparation & Filing: Ensuring your business pays what it owes—and not a dollar more.
Budgeting & Forecasting: Helping you plan for growth, slow seasons, or major purchases.
In other words, they make sure your financial house isn’t just tidy—it’s strategic.
A Real-Life Peek at a Day in the Life
Here’s what a typical day might look like:
8am: Check emails, prep reports
11am: Meet about expense trends
1pm: Work on month-end close
3pm: Clean up transactions or automate tasks
4:30pm: Reconcile ledger accounts
5:15pm: Wrap up and go
It’s a blend of communication, analysis, and a LOT of spreadsheets.
Different Financial Roles You Might Encounter
Depending on your needs, you'll run into a few types of finance professionals:
| Type | What They Do | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeepers | Day-to-day transaction tracking | Startups, solo businesses |
| CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) | Licensed pros who handle tax filing, audits, and compliance | Complex tax or regulatory situations |
| In-house Finance Teams | Handle budgeting, reporting, internal accounting | Growing companies |
| Firms & Consultants | Provide outsourced services: taxes, audits, strategy | Businesses without in-house staff |
Skills That Make a Great Finance Pro
Great financial professionals aren’t just good with numbers. They excel at:
Analytical thinking
Explaining finance in plain English
Software and spreadsheets (QuickBooks, Excel,Xero)
Spotting patterns, solving problems
You don’t need to be a math genius to hire one—just someone who helps you make sense of the numbers.
Certifications Like CPA: What They Mean
If someone has aCPA license(Certified Public Accountant), that means:
They passed a rigorous national exam
Met strict education and experience standards
Can sign off on audits and official reports
Other credentials include CMA (Certified Management Accountant), EA (Enrolled Agent), orACCA(international).
TL;DR Recap for Busy Business Owners
Financial professionals:
Keep your records accurate
Handle taxes and compliance
Help you plan and grow
Protect your business from risk
They’re not just record-keepers—they’re growth enablers.
Need Help Finding the Right Financial Pro?
At Sam’s List, we connect business owners like you with vetted bookkeepers, accountants, and tax experts. Skip the guesswork.Find a trusted expert on Sam’s List.
Also helpful:IRS Small Business Resources
FAQs About Accountants (for Small Business Owners)
Q: Do I need an accountant or a bookkeeper?
A: Bookkeepers handle day-to-day tracking. Accountants (especially CPAs) help with taxes, strategy, and compliance. You might need both as your business grows.
Q: How often should I meet with my accountant?
A: At a minimum: quarterly. For growing businesses: monthly check-ins help avoid surprises.
Q: Is a CPA worth the cost?
A: If you’re navigating complex tax rules, managing a team, or seeking funding—they’re invaluable.
Q: What questions should I ask before hiring an accountant?
A: Ask about industry experience, tax expertise, availability during tax season, and how they communicate financials.
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Author: Kimi, Co-founder of Sam’s List
Kimi writes about what she's learning while building Sam’s List and shares honest takeaways from her conversations with accountants and financial advisors across the country. None of this is financial advice—just the stuff most people wish someone told them sooner.
