What can an accountant do?

David.Adderson (David Adderson) • August 12, 2022

14 things you didn’t know an accountant could do

Accountants do more than you think. They can give you strategic advice and come up with clever ways to save money or boost revenue. They’ll also remove or automate administrative tasks that distract you from your core business. Get an accountant and you’ll run your business with more clarity and confidence.

So what does an accountant do? The question is what don’t they do.

1. Launch a startup

Starting a new business can be exhilarating, but it takes more than a good idea. You need to know it will make money – and you need to convince investors and lenders of the same thing. An accountant can do that for you.

They’ll help test your idea, identify your startup and operating costs, and create credible revenue forecasts. They also know which lenders are playing ball at any one time, so you can approach the right people for finance. Plus they’ll work on your pitch, so you’re ready to impress those lenders.

2. Help with business strategy

There are so many moving parts in a business. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to focus. Accountants can help you figure out what’s important.

They’ll work with you to set goals – personal, professional and financial – then give you tools to measure your progress. You’ll end up with a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that tell you how your business is doing.

If you have accounting software, your accountant will set up dashboards that allow you to check your KPIs at any time of the day or night. And if things aren’t going as planned, what does an accountant do then?

They’ll help you troubleshoot the issues, test solutions, and reset your KPIs as needed.

3. Fix your cash flow

Many profitable businesses fail because they run out of money at the wrong time and can’t afford to pay suppliers or staff. Even a highly active business won’t last long if payments are slow to come in, or expenditure is too high.

Accountants know that revenue ebbs and flows, and that costs do the same. They’ll help you predict the effect on cash flow and come up with strategies to manage the situation. They'll organise cash reserves and come up with a spending plan that ensures there’s always money in the bank. It’ll make payday less stressful, supplier relations easier – and sleep deeper.

4. Listen and support you

Being in business is tough. It can be lonely, too. When things seem too hard, and you start thinking about the cosy 9 to 5 you left behind, a top accountant can keep your head in the game.

They know how much your business means to you. They can reassure and reset you on your journey. And they’ll help you cope with stress by breaking down big business problems into manageable parts. Giving moral support is an important part of what accountants do.

5. Manage your debt

There’s good debt and bad debt. Your accountant can help you tell one from the other. They’ll find the least expensive borrowing strategies for your business – with the right mix of repayment flexibility and low interest. If you need refinancing, they'll take care of that too.

Accountants will also advise when spare cash should be used to pay back loans, and when it should be reinvested in the business. They'll do that by considering the numbers behind your business and looking at how your debt's structured to develop a specific strategy for you. It’s not just blanket advice.

6. Deal with unpaid invoices

Unpaid invoices are a fact of business. Chasing those debtors is a distraction you don’t need, but you can’t afford to ignore the problem. Your accountant can take the headache away.

They can set up invoice systems that send automatic reminders to customers when their bill is due and/or overdue. Some accountants will even call businesses that don’t respond to emails.

If invoices remain unpaid after this, your accountant can arrange debt financing – where a business will buy your unpaid invoices from you and chase the payment themselves.

7. Write and pitch loan applications

Applying for a loan is both an art and a science. A good accountant will do more than just pull together your numbers. They can help you craft a compelling story.

Lenders obviously need to see solid financials and credible forecasts, but that’s just the beginning. An accountant will tie it all together in a presentation that sells the wider vision for your business. There won’t be any spreadsheets. You’ll be armed with graphs and charts that visualise the numbers – allowing your lender to literally see the opportunity. And they’ll use powerful forecasting tools that loan officers trust.

8. Budget smartly

Detailed budgeting can eat up a lot of your time and energy. As a result, many businesses end up working off a vague set of numbers that are full of assumptions and estimates. Your accountant can help you produce a rigorous, accurate budget that gives you real confidence. You’ll know the real cost of doing business. You’ll know how much money you can reinvest. And you’ll know what you can pay yourself.

9. Get you staffed up

Need hired help, but not sure where to start? Your financial advisor can step in here too.

What does an accountant do to assist with your human resources?

They’ll figure out what sort of hire will boost business the most. Will your bottom line benefit more from a sales person or a technician?
They’ll work out the cost of hiring, training and paying an employee to make sure you can afford it.
They’ll also help you get payroll right, including complying with government paperwork, tax and insurance requirements.

10. Set up your cloud accounting software

Your accountant will automate a lot of your business’s accounting so that sales and expense data flows directly into your accounts. They’ll also set you up with invoicing systems that tell you what’s been paid and what hasn’t. Smart software will even send reminder emails to clients who haven’t paid so you don’t have to.

There are dozens of other automated systems they can implement for you, such as:

cash flow dashboards, so you always know where you stand
KPI tracking, so you can check overall business performance 24/7
automated accounts payable, so you’re always on top of expenses
mobile accounting apps that allow you to manage your finances from the road

11. Help you manage inventory

Do you spend a lot on storage, or lose money writing off obsolete or damaged goods? Or do you sometimes lose revenue because you run out of inventory? Smart inventory management is critical to doing good business.

Your accountant will identify the cost of holding inventory and come up with strategies to save some of that money. Plus they’ll review your sales data to help predict inventory needs, so you can place accurate orders. They can even set up software that tracks inventory levels and auto-orders items as they run low.

12. Make your business zing with efficiency

The cost of doing business can climb quickly with things like:

storage – physical or IT
energy – electricity, gas, utilities
staff (and downtime)

Do you think about these costs strategically? If you don’t have the time or expertise, that’s something an accountant can do for you. They’ll identify unnecessary costs in your business and help you develop more efficient ways of working.

13. Unlock the power of technology

Smart business software can automate a lot of the things you do manually. An accountant can take away those distractions by setting up affordable software for things like:

This is one of the most important things an accountant can do for you. Automating business processes takes away pain, lowers costs and ensures everything runs smoothly. Just make sure you find a tech-savvy accountant that knows about business apps.

14. Bring some fun into your business – honestly

What does an accountant do? The easy answer used to be that they wore suits and sat behind big desks. Not even that’s true anymore. Many modern accountants have interesting backgrounds and will come into your workplace to see how your business actually works.

It’s easier than ever before to find an accountant who you relate to on both a personal and professional level – and they can make all the difference to how you run your business.

And let’s not forget tax

There’s more to tax than completing and submitting your returns. A great accountant will:

lower your tax exposure
help you deal with old tax debts
fix poor record-keeping
help you avoid audits
make sure your books are watertight if you’re audited

What does an accountant do? They make business better

If your current accountant is going through the motions, you’ll be amazed at the difference a top accountant can make. They can bring a tonne of extra capability and insight into your business.

So what does an accountant do? Really, it’s whatever you need. Because if they can’t solve your business problem themselves, they’ll know who can.

Just remember that when looking for an accountant, consider more than their knowledge and skill. You should be able to have very frank conversations with them so find somebody you like. An accountant that’s easy to get on with and can do all of these things for you is out there.

How to find an awesome accountant

Nothing beats a recommendation from someone you respect and trust so ask friends, family and business partners what they think of their accountants. If you find that doesn't work, you still have options. We've compiled a list of progressive accountants that offer a wide range of services and understand the power of business software.

Check out this advisor directory .

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Unlock Smarter Spending for Better SEND Outcomes – Part 2

By David Adderson • July 14, 2025

In Part 1 of this series, Dr Anita Devi opened the conversation on the rising complexity of SEND and the need for intentional, values-driven provision. Her reflections focused on inclusive leadership, purposeful commissioning, and the principle that less can often be more . In this second part, I’d like to continue the conversation — but from a financial perspective. My name is Katherine Robertson. I’ve spent over 10 years working with organisations across sectors including the education sector, helping them to navigate their finances confidently and strategically. What I’ve learned over that time is simple: money follows priorities — but only when we lead with clarity . And now, with SEND needs rising faster than school income, we must work smarter than ever with the resources we have. 🎯 From Stockpiling to Strategic Spending In 2024, the Department for Education wrote to 64 academy trusts, concerned that some were holding onto reserves more than 100% of their annual income . These aren’t just large numbers — they are untapped opportunities. Of course, we know why these reserves exist: financial uncertainty, poor capital funding, and the understandable desire to protect future viability. But if money meant for today’s pupils is held for tomorrow’s problems , we risk doing a disservice to the very learners we aim to support. That’s why we’re asking an important question: Can schools and trusts use their reserves to strengthen inclusion and SEND support now, without compromising their long-term financial security? Our answer is yes — with the right approach. 🧩 Applying Financial Wisdom to Inclusive Practice We are not advocating reckless spending or draining reserves dry. On the contrary, we work with leaders to build a clear, defensible strategy for using reserves wisely , backed by robust modelling, compliance with DfE guidance, and an unwavering focus on improving outcomes for children with SEND. Together with Dr Anita Devi, we bring dual lens: educational insight and financial clarity. Here’s how we help to: ● Identify untapped funding within existing reserves ● Co-develop an evidence-led SEND investment plan ● Align to DfE expectations on reserve levels and financial health ● Build the narrative for governors, trustees, auditors and regulators ● Support ongoing evaluation to ensure value for money and impact It’s not about spending more. It’s about spending better . 🔄 Releasing Funds. Reinforcing Purpose. SEND needs are not going away — and nor are the financial pressures. But when finance and inclusion experts work together, we can unlock solutions that support both pupil outcomes and institutional resilience . With careful planning, strategic reserve use can: ● Fund early intervention ● Invest in staff development ● Improve provision infrastructure ● And reduce future costs from reactive SEND placements or escalation It’s a long-term gain — and a value-led approach to financial governance. 💬 Let’s Continue the Conversation If you’re sitting on reserves and wondering how best to use them — or if you’re just ready to rethink how your SEND resources are working for you — we’re here to help. We offer a tailored advisory service that helps schools and trusts plan, invest and lead with both head and heart. 📩 Reach out at SEND_Finance@youtopia.co.uk to book a preliminary conversation. Because sometimes, the smartest way to save — is to spend with purpose. Author: Katherine Robertson Strategic Finance Expert and Education Consultant In partnership with Dr Anita Devi – Leading SEND Specialist

Unlock Smarter Spending for Better SEND Outcomes

By David Adderson • July 4, 2025

Inclusion is desirable, yet it is complex. In this two-part blog, we begin to unravel the challenges of increasing needs in education and diminishing resources. In this article, Dr Anita Devi explores some of the many challenges Educators in England currently face. Her intent is to extend perceptual thinking from problem to solution. In Part 2, Katherine Robertson will unpick some of the financial levers for consideration. I have worked in the education sector for a fair few decades now. Am I showing my age? Possibly, but also my experience and out of that experience is born wisdom. Wisdom is applied knowledge with the benefit of lived experience and hindsight. To broaden our thinking, I have decided to focus on three areas: Rising needs in the classroom – ensuring each child receives an educational experience that is progressive, whilst meeting their needs Less is more – applying a structured and systematic approach to providing support for special educational needs and disability (SEND) Commissioning with purpose – intentionally involving others, when needed. Since the increase in needs always outmatches the rise in resource funding, sadly we will always be in a deficit. This is not about being despondent, but hopeful through responsive and creative solutions. In many life situations, we face elements of the unknown and so we put in place checks and balances to ensure we maintain stability. If our own personal finances were continuously in the red, we would be faced with three options: Reduce spending Increase income Look for alternatives In the education world whilst options 1 and 2 may be possible to some degree, it is restricted and ultimately option 3 has been our default; especially if we are to adhere to the core principles of The Salamanca Statement (1994) and more closely to home, The Children and Families’ Act 2014. Rising need in the classroom Those who lead on inclusion and /or SEND need to simplify systems to ensure those learners who require additional and adaptive provision receive it. I have expanded more on this in a July 2023 booklet, which you can download here . If as a leader, you understand the fundamentals of an inclusive provision framework, you can reduce the paper trail to make it purposeful, without compromising on keeping a diligent paper trail of evidence. This will also ensure you know whether what is in place is having an impact or not. SEND: It is time to lead differently . Less is more There are a number of core decisions to be made when additional provision is put in place. For example, in or out of the classroom? How long is the defined additional support required and most importantly what is the expected outcome from the additional support? For far too long, we have assumed the ‘forever’ model when it comes to interventions or additional support. We have often omitted to discern short-term from long-term, as well as factor in the negative impact of too many interventions simultaneously. Short-term interventions, if assessed and targeted well can (in many instances) provide the learner with new skills and/or increased independence. This is a desirable outcome, as none of us is truly seeking to create a dependency model. Equally, administering too many interventions simultaneously takes away from the exploratory nature of interventions i.e. what’s working and what needs to change. We have indeed moved away from the ‘medical model’, however, some of the basic principles still need to be considered. In response to a medical condition, a doctor would not prescribe multiple medications or remedies simultaneously. Due care and consideration would be given to the negative interactive impact of one solution upon another. We need to apply a similar approach to inclusion and SEND. This is not denying that a child may have multiple needs, but sometimes it is about focusing on one thing at a time. Commissioning with Purpose This has been a bugbear of mine since 2018 , if not before! As a previous SEND Advisory Teacher, I was always intentional about ‘adding value’ to what is already in place in any setting. As a previous Senior Leader / SENCO, I was always intentional about securing services that provided ‘value for money’. I’ve worked with The Audit Commission on this and The National Audit Office, not to mention Business Managers and local authorities. I would also encourage readers to explore their ‘decommissioning process’. As a long-standing Education Change Consultant, my team & I always write our exit plans before we go into support. This is regardless of whether we are working in the UK or overseas. I am continuously amazed how many schools/colleges rely on the same service for years, even if there is no impact evidence of change through the input they are buying in. Over the years, training head teachers at national conferences, I have always advocated ‘procurement with precision’. Even at local authority level, I think provision would be better if Porter’s Forces were applied during the annual review of an EHCP in regard to placement choices, especially non-maintained Independent schools (NMIs). Supplier power through exuberant price hikes, in a time when there is a shortage of places, is both immoral and financially unsustainable. This is just the start of the conversation, but with a few systemic tweaks – schools and colleges can begin to look differently at provision. Still meeting the needs of children and young people but reducing the strain on financial resources and human manpower. Do get in touch if you would like to find out more. Author: Dr Anita Devi dr. h.c. Dr Anita Devi , leading SEND specialist, and Katherine Robertson , strategic finance expert, have joined forces to offer a new advisory service for schools and colleges . This service is designed to provide strategic financial governance of SEND provision, focusing on efficiency, effectiveness, and value for money . We help you explore financially sustainable solutions that support early intervention, improve outcomes, and make the most of every pound spent, without compromising on quality. If you're ready to rethink how SEND resources are used in your setting, contact us for a preliminary conversation at SEND_Finance@youtopia.co.uk 📢 And keep an eye out for our upcoming blog