Most business owners think of their accountant when BAS is due or tax time is creeping up. Fair enough, compliance matters. But if growth is on your agenda in 2026, your accountant can be much more than the person who lodges things on time.
An experienced business accountant helps you make clearer decisions, avoid expensive mistakes, and build a stronger foundation so growth does not feel like constant firefighting.
Here are the practical ways an accountant can support you throughout the year.
Growth starts with clear numbers, not guesswork
If you do not trust your numbers, every decision becomes a gamble. You might feel busy and see money coming in, but still wonder why there is never much left.
This is where strong bookkeeping and reporting change the game. When your records are up to date, your accountant can help you understand:
- What is your true profit (not just bank balance)
- Which products or services are actually making money
- Where costs are creeping up
- What you can afford to invest in next
For most small businesses, a monthly check-in using your profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow view is enough to keep you on track. It also makes tax time far less stressful.
Cash flow planning that supports growth
Profit is important, but cash flow keeps the doors open. Plenty of good businesses get stuck because cash comes in later than expenses go out.
Your accountant can help you build a simple cash flow forecast so you can see what is coming before it hits. This is especially helpful if you deal with:
- Seasonal income
- Large invoices with slower payment terms
- Growth phases where expenses rise before revenue catches up
Cash flow support can also include tightening up invoicing and payment terms, planning for upcoming tax bills, and setting realistic buffers so one slow month does not derail your plans.
Tax planning that frees up cash
Tax planning is not about “tricks”. It is about timing and structure, and making sure you are not paying more than you need to.
A proactive accountant helps you plan ahead so you can make smart calls during the year, not after 30 June. That can include:
- Reviewing your GST and BAS reporting to avoid surprises
- Planning purchases and expenses at the right time
- Making sure deductions are captured properly
- Setting aside the right amounts for tax so you are not caught short
If you have been hit with an unexpected tax bill in the past, it usually means the planning is happening too late. This is one of the biggest ways an accountant can take pressure off a business owner.
The right business structure for the next stage
A structure that worked when you were starting might not suit you once revenue grows, you hire staff, or you take on bigger contracts. Structure affects your tax, your risk exposure, and how flexible your business can be.
Your accountant can help you review things like:
- Are you in the right structure for your current profit level?
- Are you taking on more risk than you realise as a sole trader?
- Do you need better separation between personal and business assets?
- Are you setting yourself up properly for growth, or locking yourself in?
In many cases, the best outcome comes from your accountant working alongside other professionals, like lawyers, so changes are done properly and documented correctly.
Better decisions with better reporting
Growth is easier when you know what “good” looks like. That means having targets and tracking a few key numbers consistently.
A good accountant can help you build a simple plan around:
- Budgeting for the year ahead
- Setting realistic sales and profit targets
- Tracking performance monthly or quarterly
- Spotting issues early, before they become big problems
This is also where pricing comes into play. A lot of businesses undercharge without realising it. Once your accountant helps you understand margins and overheads, pricing becomes a business decision, not a guess.
Support with hiring, payroll and compliance
Hiring staff is a growth milestone, but it also adds complexity. Payroll, super, Single Touch Payroll, contractor vs employee rules, and general compliance can get messy quickly.
Your accountant can help you:
- Set up payroll correctly from the start
- Stay on top of super and reporting obligations
- Avoid classification mistakes that can cause trouble later
- Build a cost picture so you understand what a new hire really costs
This support matters because the cost of getting it wrong is often more than money. It creates stress, admin blow-outs, and distraction from running the business.
Planning for big moves like loans, equipment and expansion
Thinking about buying a vehicle, upgrading equipment, moving into a larger space, or applying for finance? Your accountant can help you pressure-test the decision with real numbers.
This usually includes:
- Working out what the business can comfortably afford
- Mapping the cash flow impact over the next 6 to 12 months
- Preparing financials and forecasts for lenders
- Looking at tax implications before you sign anything
It is not about slowing you down. It is about making sure the move supports growth, instead of creating a cash crunch that takes months to recover from.
A quick word on industry-specific support
Some industries come with extra layers. Having an accountant who understands your space can save you a lot of time.
Schofields Accountants specialises in a range of industries, including:
- NDIS providers often need clarity around GST treatment, pricing limits, and managing uneven cash flow.
- Agribusinesses may deal with seasonal income, asset planning, and long-term strategies like farm succession.
- Content creators can have multiple income streams, overseas payments, and deductions that need careful record keeping.
The point is not that your business has to be complicated. It’s just that your accountant should understand the moving parts, so you are not constantly explaining the basics.
What to expect from a proactive accountant in 2026
If you want growth support, look for an accountant who:
- Communicates clearly, no jargon
- Checks in during the year, not just at lodgement time
- Helps you understand the story behind the numbers
- Gives practical advice you can act on
- Cares about your goals, not just compliance
This is the difference between having a tax agent and having a real business partner in your corner.
Ready to grow in 2026?
If you are aiming for a bigger year, it is worth getting your numbers and foundations sorted early. Schofields Accountants work with business owners across the Hills District and beyond, helping them stay compliant, improve cash flow, plan ahead for tax, and make smarter growth decisions.
If you want support from a business accountant who looks beyond tax time, reach out to the team at Schofields Accountants and let’s map out a clear plan for 2026.
