- Finance
Five Signs Your Accounting Firm Can Provide the Long-Term Partnership You Desire
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As a small business owner, choosing the right accounting partner is an important decision. You need someone who not only understands the unique needs of your business but also prioritizes personalized service and expertise. While many firms like Bench, Finaloop or similar offer a tech-driven approach to bookkeeping, they often fall short in delivering the tailored, strategic support that a US-based accounting firm specializing in small businesses can provide.
Here’s why partnering with a boutique, US-based accounting firm like Accountfully is the better choice for your small business.
One: They Offer Personalized Service and Expertise
Most tech-based solutions are designed to fit a broad audience and meet generic needs. Their automated systems and cookie-cutter processes may work for businesses with simple, straightforward requirements, but they lack the flexibility to address complex issues like inventory management, multi-state taxes, or cash flow forecasting.
The inherent advisory that takes place during each financial review meeting keeps your business goals aligned with your numbers. This allows you to stay focused and aware of the data at-hand; think of us as your numbers coach and mentor.
Two: They Have a Deep Understanding of Small Business Challenges
Accounting firms that focus on small businesses often have a deep understanding of the nuances in industries like eCommerce, consumer packaged goods (CPG), and professional services. They’ve worked alongside business owners navigating growth pains, inventory hurdles, and seasonal cash flow shifts.
For example, if your business needs support with accrual accounting or inventory costing, a specialized firm is far more likely to provide actionable insights than a generic, tech-based platform focused on simplified cash-based accounting.
Accountfully has supported hundreds of clients across the complex industries like tech startups, CPG and product-based firms, in addition to large service-based companies seeking scalable and profitable growth. This hard-won experience means we know how to tackle a variety of challenges and have the data and testimonials to prove it.
Three: They Provide Transparency and Long-Term Value
Entry level, tech-based firms and tools often use a subscription model with tiered pricing that can quickly add up as your business grows. While their software may seem cost-effective initially, you may find hidden fees for additional services or limited options for scaling your financial needs. If your goal is to grow your business, additional or more specialized services will be inevitable. This is why choosing an accounting firm that is geared toward scaling alongside a small business is a good move.
Accountfully offers a clear structure for its services, ensuring you understand exactly what you’re paying for.
Our in-depth onboarding process is also designed to set each new client up for success from the beginning. We ensure your financial statements are set up properly and your tech-stack is dialed-in, allowing you to scale seamlessly as more complex accounting and tax practices are required down the road.
Four: They Are Your Partner, Not Just Another App or Platform
Technology is important, and many US-based firms integrate robust accounting software like QuickBooks Online or Xero into their processes. However, what sets them apart is their ability to combine technology with real human insight. They act as a strategic partner, helping you interpret the data, anticipate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities.
Accountfully provides monthly financial review calls and cash flow snapshots that are reviewed with the client and its accounting team as part of the outsourced accounting engagement. In these calls, we discuss financial data and review important KPIs, but also get a feel for where the client is headed and ways we can continue to support their goals.
They are well versed in any add-on or complimentary services available or tapped into industry partners that could benefit the client in other areas.
Tech-based firms often lack this strategic element. While their dashboards may provide pretty graphs, they can’t replace the value of an experienced advisor who understands your goals and can proactively guide you through financial decisions.
Five: They Have a US-Based Team and US-Focused Knowledge and Reliability
Small businesses often face challenges that require a localized understanding of tax laws, industry regulations, and economic trends. A US-based accounting firm specializes in these areas, ensuring compliance and strategic advice tailored to the American market. Accountfully’s senior leaders in the Accounting, Tax and Finance worlds are on the cutting edge of new regulations and laws and keep our team trained in them. Our team is also composed of W2 employees who dedicate themselves to our mission and your needs as a client, full time.
It may save on cost in the near term, but it eliminates a portion of that personal approach. When you work with a domestic firm, you gain a partner who’s not only in your time zone but also attuned to the specific challenges of running a business in the United States.
So, What Is The Right Choice for a Small Business Accounting Firm?
While tech-based, venture-backed firms like Bench, Finaloop, or similar offer appealing features such as automation and sleek dashboards, they often lack the depth of service and expertise that small businesses truly need. A US-based accounting firm specializing in small businesses offers the perfect balance of personal service, industry knowledge, and strategic insight to help your business thrive.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an accounting partner who’s invested in your success and understands the complexities of small business growth, the choice is clear. Skip the one-size-fits-all approach and partner with a firm that puts your business first.
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