In today’s fast-moving business environment, your relationship with your accountant can significantly impact the success and efficiency of your financial operations. Whether you’re working with an in-house accountant or outsourcing the role, a collaborative, respectful, and transparent relationship is essential to maximize results.
Here’s an updated, step-by-step guide on how to build and maintain a successful relationship with your accountant in 2025.
Table of Contents
1. Ensure Compatibility
The foundation of a good working relationship begins with compatibility. Your accountant should align with your business culture and communication style. Conduct a discovery session or trial period to evaluate mutual expectations and comfort levels.
2. Communicate Frequently and Clearly
Regular, two-way communication is crucial. Schedule monthly or bi-weekly check-ins to review financials, upcoming deadlines, and strategic plans. Transparency minimizes misunderstandings and keeps both parties aligned.
3. Set Shared Goals
Agree on measurable financial goals, such as improving cash flow, reducing tax liability, or preparing for fundraising. When you and your accountant are working toward the same objectives, collaboration becomes seamless.
4. Acknowledge Their Role
Show your accountant that they are a valued member of your team. Acknowledge their contributions during meetings and emphasize their strategic importance in your business growth. Recognition fosters loyalty and trust.
5. Define Roles & Responsibilities
Avoid confusion by clearly outlining job expectations and deliverables. Use job briefs, onboarding checklists, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to establish clarity from day one.
6. Offer Competitive Remuneration
If you’re expecting high-quality financial guidance, it’s only fair to compensate accordingly. Ensure your accountant’s remuneration reflects their level of expertise and commitment. Periodic bonuses or incentives based on performance can also boost morale.
7. Provide a Positive Work Environment
Whether your accountant works on-site or remotely, ensure that you maintain a collaborative and respectful environment. Share tools, resources, and access that make their job easier, and maintain professional decorum in all interactions.
8. Manage Workload Equitably
Overburdening your accountant with unreasonable deadlines or volumes of work can damage the relationship. Distribute tasks fairly or hire support staff to manage high-volume periods, such as year-end closing or tax season.
9. Grant Access to Financial Documents
Trust is critical. Give your accountant appropriate access to bank statements, payroll records, loan agreements, and receipts. Limited access slows down operations and signals a lack of trust.
10. Collaborate on a Business Plan
Bring your accountant into strategic planning. Their insights into budgeting, tax strategy, and financial forecasting are invaluable. A shared business roadmap creates accountability and unity.
Conclusion
Your accountant plays a vital role in your company’s financial health. Strengthening your relationship with them not only ensures accuracy in accounting but also brings long-term strategic benefits. By implementing these 10 actionable tips, you lay the groundwork for mutual respect, productivity, and business success.
