What Kind of Financial Support Does Your Business Actually Need?
If you’re running a $1–5M business, there’s no shortage of financial decisions on your plate—from pricing and payroll to forecasting and tax strategy. And at some point, you’ve probably asked yourself:
Do I need a CPA to handle all this?
It’s a fair question. The title “CPA” carries weight—Certified Public Accountant sounds official, trustworthy, and like something every business owner should have in their back pocket. But here’s the truth most people don’t say out loud:
A CPA might not be what your business actually needs.
Let’s break it down.
What Is a CPA, Really?
CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant. It’s a designation earned by accountants who pass a rigorous four-part exam covering:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG), which includes tax law
They also meet work experience requirements and ongoing continuing education standards. In short, it’s an impressive credential. And if your company is going public, needs audited financials, or is preparing for a formal IRS audit? A CPA is 100% the person to call.
But if you’re running a service-based business with $1–5M in revenue and no plans to be publicly traded… you’re not alone in wondering whether that level of specialization is necessary.
The CPA Skillset: Powerful—but Often Overbuilt for Small Business Needs
Here’s something you might not know: CPAs make up only about half of the accountants out there. The other half? Equally experienced professionals who didn’t pursue the CPA credential—often because they didn’t need to.
Much of what a CPA studies is designed for highly regulated corporate environments—think public companies with shareholder reporting requirements, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and complex audit structures. The CPA exam is packed with scenarios that just don’t apply to small, privately held businesses.
You don’t need someone who can prepare reports for the SEC.
You need someone who can help you track profitability by service line, clean up your chart of accounts, manage cash flow, and help you make smart, confident decisions with your money.
That kind of support doesn’t require a CPA.
What Most Business Owners Actually Need
What most women running high-performing businesses really need is financial clarity. Someone who can:
- Help you understand your numbers
- Interpret financial reports (instead of just handing them over)
- Guide you on how to price, forecast, plan, and save
- Spot expense leaks and help you align your spending with your goals
- Communicate clearly—not in tax jargon
This is financial strategy, not tax preparation. And while some CPAs do this well, many are focused almost entirely on compliance and tax filings.
So ask yourself: Are you looking for a partner in financial decision-making—or a once-a-year tax technician?
My Journey: Why I Didn’t Become a CPA
I considered becoming a CPA. Truly. The credential is respected, and it would’ve looked impressive next to my name.
But when I explored what it would actually take, I realized it wasn’t aligned with what I wanted to do—or how I wanted to serve.
The CPA route would’ve meant going back to school, studying for an exam heavy in regulation and audit protocol, and investing time in areas that didn’t light me up. I’m not here to memorize tax code or write reports for the SEC. I’m here to help business owners build stronger, more profitable companies in real time.
I’d rather help you see why your cash flow always feels tight even when your revenue is growing.
I’d rather build a pricing model that actually supports your team and profit goals.
I’d rather give you visibility into your financial systems so that your growth is intentional, not accidental.
That’s what I love. That’s what I’m built for. And that’s where I see so many small business owners need support the most.
When You Do Need a CPA
Let’s be clear: CPAs are not “bad hires.” They’re highly trained professionals who play a critical role in specific financial contexts. You should absolutely consider hiring a CPA if:
- Your business is undergoing a formal IRS audit
- You need audited or reviewed financial statements (common in funding rounds or corporate partnerships)
- You’re going public or merging with another company
- Your tax situation involves multinational or highly regulated entities
But if what you need is monthly visibility, operational clarity, tax strategy, and financial forecasting, you might not need a CPA. What you need is someone who speaks your business language and helps you move forward.
Why This Matters—Especially at the $1–5M Level
At this stage in business, you’re likely no longer doing the books yourself. You might have a bookkeeper, a tax preparer, and maybe even a finance manager. But too often, I meet business owners who still feel disconnected from their numbers.
They have financial reports—but they don’t know what they mean.
They have revenue—but no clarity around profit.
They have a tax plan—but no strategy for reinvestment, scaling, or sustainability.
This is where strategic financial support becomes a game-changer.
And it doesn’t always come from a CPA.
It comes from a fractional CFO, a financial consultant, or a strategic accountant who understands the inner workings of a service-based business, can identify inefficiencies, and can build a plan that fits where you are and where you’re going.
What to Ask Before You Hire a CPA (or Anyone Handling Your Finances)
Before hiring a CPA—or any financial professional—ask yourself:
- What kind of decisions do I want help with?
- Do I need compliance help (like taxes), or strategic guidance (like forecasting)?
- Will this person help me interpret my numbers, or just hand them off?
- Do I need audit support or financial strategy?
Then ask them:
- What kinds of businesses do you typically work with?
- How involved are you in financial planning, not just tax prep?
- Do you offer insight throughout the year or just at tax time?
- Can you collaborate with other members of my financial team?
