What Your Accountant Should Be Telling You Every Month
Running a business means constantly juggling priorities—sales, service delivery, staffing, marketing, operations. But behind all of that, one factor influences every decision you make: your numbers. And the person who should be helping you make sense of those numbers is your accountant.
A proactive accountant doesn’t just lodge BAS statements or tidy up your books once a quarter. They provide clarity, insights, and guidance every single month so you can run your business with confidence. If you’re not getting meaningful monthly communication from your accountant, it may be time to rethink what you expect from them.
Here’s what your accountant should be telling you every month.
1. Your Cash Flow Position (and Whether It’s Healthy)
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Each month, your accountant should be updating you on:
How much cash is coming in and going out
Whether your business can comfortably cover upcoming expenses
Any red flags, such as slow-paying customers, increasing debt, or rising costs
Forecasts for the next 30–90 days
Understanding your cash flow helps you plan ahead—whether that means hiring a new employee, investing in equipment, or tightening spending to avoid shortfalls. A good accountant doesn’t wait for problems to arise; they help you prevent them.
2. Your Profit (Not Just Your Revenue)
Revenue is important, but profit tells you if your business is actually performing well.
Each month, your accountant should provide:
Profit and loss statements explained in plain English
Comparisons to previous months or seasons
Analysis of your biggest expenses
Trends in gross profit and net profit margins
These monthly insights help you understand where your money truly goes—and what adjustments could improve profitability.
3. Your Financial KPIs and Performance Trends
To make smart decisions, you need to know how your business is tracking over time. Your accountant should highlight key performance indicators (KPIs) such as:
Monthly recurring revenue
Cost of goods sold
Operating expenses
Gross margin percentage
Net margin percentage
Average debtor days
Break-even point
Good accountants don’t just produce reports. They interpret the numbers and explain what they mean for your business. This gives you clarity, direction, and insight into long-term performance.
4. Your Tax Position and Upcoming Obligations
No business owner wants to be surprised by unexpected tax bills. That’s why your accountant should update you monthly on:
Your projected tax liabilities
PAYG or GST obligations
Superannuation deadlines
Any government incentives or deductions relevant to your business
Monthly communication allows you to plan ahead and avoid last-minute cash flow stress when tax time approaches.
5. Opportunities to Save Money or Improve Efficiency
Your accountant sees your finances from a high-level perspective, often identifying:
Areas where you’re overspending
Subscription creep
Inefficiencies in processes
Opportunities for automation (e.g. payroll, invoicing, accounts payable)
More cost-effective business structures
Tax-saving opportunities
These monthly check-ins can save your business thousands over time and free up your mental space to focus on growth.
6. Risks and Red Flags You Need to Address Early
The earlier a problem is spotted, the easier it is to fix. Your accountant should warn you about:
Deteriorating cash reserves
Customers falling behind on payments
Rising interest or loan obligations
Sudden increases in operating costs
A decline in profit margins
An accountant who provides proactive alerts helps protect your business from financial shocks.
7. Insights to Help You Make Better Decisions
Monthly meetings with your accountant should feel strategic, not just administrative. Your accountant should be helping you answer questions like:
"Can I afford to hire?"
"Is now a good time to expand?"
"Should I invest in new equipment?"
"Do I need to adjust pricing?"
"How is my business performing compared to industry benchmarks?"
With accurate data and professional analysis, you can make confident decisions instead of relying on guesswork.
Why Monthly Communication Matters
Businesses that receive consistent financial insights have one major advantage: they can make informed decisions faster. They avoid financial surprises, improve profitability, and operate with long-term vision rather than short-term stress.
If your accountant isn’t giving you these monthly updates, you may be missing out on opportunities to:
Strengthen your financial position
Grow sustainably
Improve efficiency
Increase profitability
Reduce risk
You deserve an accountant who acts as a partner in your business—not just a historical record-keeper.
Final Thoughts
Your accountant should be providing clarity, not confusion. Every month, you should be receiving insights that help you understand your numbers, plan ahead, and grow with confidence. If you’re not getting this level of communication, it may be time to explore an accountant who offers proactive, forward-focused financial support.
