If your accountant always agrees with you, you’ve probably got the wrong accountant.
That might sound harsh, but hear me out.
One of the biggest problems I see in the accounting industry is that too many accountants are frightened to challenge their clients. They want to keep everyone happy, avoid uncomfortable conversations, and maintain a smooth relationship.
But here’s the problem.
Nice doesn’t improve cash flow.
Nice doesn’t improve profit.
Nice doesn’t stop you making expensive mistakes.
And nice certainly doesn’t help you build long term wealth.
If all your accountant ever does is tell you that everything is fine, you might be missing the advice that could make the biggest difference to your business.
Are You Getting Advice or Approval?
A lot of business owners tell me they want advice.
But when you dig a little deeper, what they often want is approval.
They want reassurance that they’re doing a good job. They want someone to tell them they’re making the right decisions. And that’s completely understandable.
Running a business can feel lonely at times.
The challenge is that approval and advice are two very different things.
Approval feels good.
Advice helps you improve.
If your accountant simply agrees with everything you say, you’re not getting a fresh perspective. You’re not getting challenged. And you’re not getting the benefit of having another professional look at your business objectively.
Sometimes the most valuable advice is the advice you didn’t want to hear.
The Historian Accountant Problem
Most accountants are very good at reporting the past.
They’ll prepare your accounts.
They’ll submit your tax returns.
They’ll file everything with Companies House and HMRC.
Then you’ll receive an invoice and probably won’t hear from them again until next year.
That’s not advisory.
That’s compliance.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with compliance. It’s important.
But if that’s all you’re getting, you’re missing out on the real value an accountant can bring to your business.
Your accounts tell you where you’ve been.
A great accountant helps you understand where you’re going.
They help you identify profit opportunities, cash flow challenges, tax planning opportunities, and the decisions that will help you build more wealth over time.
Why Honest Conversations Matter
Let’s be honest.
Nobody gets every decision right first time.
I certainly haven’t.
And I don’t know any successful business owner who has either.
That’s why challenge is so important.
Sometimes a business owner will come to me with a new idea, investment, or opportunity they’re excited about.
My job isn’t to smile and say, “That sounds great.”
My job is to ask questions.
Will it generate a return?
Can the cash flow support it?
Does it align with your long term goals?
What are the risks?
Are there better alternatives?
Occasionally that means saying:
“That’s a terrible idea.”
Or:
“I think that’s going to cause you problems.”
Not because I’m trying to be difficult.
Not because I enjoy disagreeing with people.
But because the best decision wins.
And sometimes the best decision only appears after someone challenges your original thinking.
A Productive Accountant Isn’t Always Comfortable
Too many directors mistake a friendly accountant for a productive accountant.
Now, don’t get me wrong.
You should absolutely trust your accountant.
You should respect them.
And ideally, you should enjoy working with them.
But the strongest professional relationships aren’t built on constant agreement.
They’re built on honest conversations.
Some of the best business discussions happen when you’re willing to challenge an uncomfortable situation and work through it together.
That’s where breakthroughs happen.
That’s where better decisions are made.
And that’s where businesses start moving forward faster.
Your Accountant Should Help You Build Wealth
Most business owners think about accountants in terms of tax returns and annual accounts.
But I think the role should be much bigger than that.
A great accountant should help you answer questions like:
- How do I improve profitability?
- How do I keep more of what I earn?
- What’s the most efficient way to take money out of my business?
- How do I build wealth outside the business?
- Am I actually moving towards the future I want?
Because building a successful business is only part of the journey.
The real goal is building a successful life.
And your financial decisions have a huge impact on that outcome.
Why Great Accountants Are More Like Coaches
I’ve always believed that the best accountants act a bit like coaches.
Yes, they understand tax.
Yes, they understand profit and loss.
Yes, they understand compliance.
But they also help you look ahead.
They’re not just interested in what happened last year.
They’re interested in what happens next.
They’re helping you understand:
- Where you are now.
- Where you want to be.
- Whether you’re on track.
- What obstacles are getting in the way.
- What decisions will help you move forward.
Business is never a straight line.
There will be setbacks.
There will be difficult periods.
There will be unexpected opportunities.
The key is having someone who can help you navigate those moments with clarity and confidence.
So, What’s the Real Test?
Ask yourself one simple question.
When was the last time your accountant challenged one of your decisions?
If you can’t remember, it might be worth asking whether you’re getting genuine advice or simply approval.
The best accountants don’t challenge you because they enjoy creating conflict.
They challenge you because they want better outcomes for you, your business, and your future.
Because at the end of the day, my job isn’t to tell you what you want to hear.
My job is to help you make better decisions.
And better decisions are what build stronger businesses, healthier cash flow, higher profits, and long-term wealth.
If you’d like to have a conversation about how your business is performing and whether you’re getting the advice you need, feel free to get in touch with us.
We’d be happy to help.
