As a small business owner, you’ll want to do as much as you can on your own to save on your operating expenses. While some tasks you can do adequately or very well, other aspects of your business require professional expertise. When managing your business’ accounting needs, you should consider what a professional can do for you.

Create a Business Plan

One of the first things you’ll need to do in starting a new business is to set up a business plan. From qualifying for financing to renting commercial space, you’ll need a business plan to demonstrate that you have an actionable strategy. When you consult a business accountant, they can help you create or modify a business plan that accurately reflects the expenses you’ll incur in setting up and operating your new business.

Beat the Bureaucracy

There’s a great deal of red tape involved in launching any new business. You’ll have to apply for sales tax permits, obtain a business license, get insurance, and attend to many other bureaucratic issues. An accountant will know what’s involved in meeting these requirements to ensure you don’t unwittingly violate any local, state, or federal laws. They can also help you expedite these processes to ensure you can open your business on time.

Change Your Business Structure

You’ll start your business as a sole proprietorship, but it may not make sense to maintain that structure for long. A business accountant can advise you on how to change your entity’s structure for better protection. Your accountant may recommend forming an LLC, corporation, or an S corporation based on your situation. Once you decide on which structure makes the most sense for your business, your accountant can help you set up that new structure.

Even if you don’t retain a business accountant regularly, they can be helpful when you hire them on an as-needed basis. For example, an accountant can help set up your business by installing and training you to use bookkeeping software. This will help you manage your day-to-day accounting needs without help. Knowing when to consult a business accountant can save you time, money, and frustration in managing your business’ finances.