Many small business owners start out doing their own accounts to save money. But as your business grows, your time becomes more valuable – and the risks of costly mistakes increase. Knowing when to bring in an accountant can save you stress, free up your time and even boost your profits.
These are signs that it’s time to outsource your accounting tasks:
1) You’re spending too much time on the books
If you find yourself spending evenings or weekends sorting receipts, chasing invoices or stressing over your accounts, that’s time you could be using to grow your business – or take a well-earned break. An accountant can take these tasks off your plate, so you can focus on what you do best.
💡 Tip: If your accounts take you more than a few hours a month, it’s probably time to outsource.
2) You’re unsure about tax rules
UK tax law changes regularly. From VAT thresholds to dividend allowances, keeping up with the latest HMRC updates can be a full-time job in itself. An accountant stays on top of these changes for you, making sure you claim everything you’re entitled to and avoid penalties.
Hint: We’ve seen clients save thousands simply by claiming legitimate expenses they didn’t know about.
3) Your business is growing or changing
If you’re taking on staff, moving to a limited company or expanding into new markets, the financial side of your business instantly becomes more complex. An accountant can help you plan for growth, forecast cash flow and choose the most tax-efficient structure.
4) You need better financial insight
An accountant doesn’t just prepare your accounts – they help you understand them. They can highlight trends, show you where costs are creeping up, and give you strategies to improve your margins.
Accountants pay for themselves by:
- Identifying tax savings
- Streamlining processes with cloud accounting software
- Helping you make better, data-driven decisions
- Avoiding HMRC penalties and interest charges
5) You’re ready to work smarter, not harder
Hiring an accountant is an investment, not just an expense. By freeing up your time, reducing errors and optimising your finances, a good accountant can more than cover their own cost – and often add extra to your bottom line.
At Towers + Gornall, we help UK businesses at every stage – from start-up to expansion. Whether you need monthly support, year-end accounts, or strategic advice, we can show you exactly how we can save you more than we charge.
