Managing a CPA business is no small task. Between client calls, tax filings, bookkeeping, audits, payroll along with staying in touch with changing tax laws, your plate likely is stuffed. If you feel there is never enough time during the day, you are not the only one. A lot of small and mid sized CPA firm owners can barely keep up, especially during tax season.
That is why hire an accountant is very helpful. Whether you are a solo practitioner or maybe you manage an expanding organization, adding another accountant can save you time, increase reliability, lessen emotional stress and serve your customers better.
This article will tell you exactly why hiring an accountant for your CPA firm can be often wise - and sometimes needed. You will see the way it helps your business, what they are able to do to take your burden off, and also how to employ the best individual.
Why CPA Firm Owners Struggle with Time & Accuracy?
You didn't start your CPA firm and work eighty hours a week and burn out. But if you attempt to do everything yourself, that is what happens. Accuracy slips, deadlines pile up, client service suffers.
Why a lot of firm owners have difficulty:
- Too many tasks and not enough hours.
- The client's needs are growing and more complicated.
- Tax laws and software are changing constantly.
- Less staff in peak times.
- Working ‘in' the business rather than ‘on' it.
If that describes you, an accountant is often a game changer.
Benefits of Hiring an Accountant in your CPA Firm
1. Get Your Time Back.
Imagine having somebody you trust taking over crucial tasks. When you hiring an accountant, they handle:
- Tax preparation.
- Payroll.
- Preparing financial statements.
- Follow-ups with clients.
- Software data entry.
This leaves you time to review client strategy, business growth or even take a vacation.
2. Improve Accuracy and Reduce Errors.
You make mistakes when you're overworked. Also in accounting, mistakes cost money and reputation.
An experienced accountant double-checks numbers, follows best practices and also pays attention to specifics to reduce errors. Two eyes is much better than one, particularly on taxes and audits.
3. Serve More Clients Without Losing Quality.
Want to expand your firm but feel stuffed? An extra accountant helps you serve more clients at the same high standards. Say yes to more business without overwhelming your current team.
4.Handle Tax Season Without Losing Sleep.
Many firms go into overdrive during tax season. Bring on extra accounting assistance - part time, seasonal or full-time - to meet due dates, reduce overtime and maintain your sanity.
5. Improve Work-Life Balance.
Be honest, constant stress and long hours wear you down. With help, you are not constantly playing catch up. Breathe, visit family or work on long-term goals rather than everyday emergencies.
Tasks You Can Delegate to an Accountant.
Not sure what an accountant in your firm would do exactly? Typical tasks they can handle include:
- Prepare & review tax returns (individual, trust, business, etc.)
- Maintain general ledgers and reconcile accounts.
- Process payroll/file payroll taxes.
- Create annual statements and reports.
- Do quarterly and monthly bookkeeping.
- Assist with audits or IRS letters.
- Conduct research on tax laws and regulations.
- Communicate with clients to gather documents or even to clarify details.
If you are doing all of the above yourself, let go of some of it.
Hiring Options: What Accountant Do You Need?
There is absolutely no one-size-fits-all approach. For your requirements and budget, the following are several choices for hiring:
1. Full-Time Accountant
Best for: Growing firms that get work year round.
Pros: Dedicated assistance, easier team integration.
Pros: Higher salary, benefits and overhead expenses.
2. Part-Time Accountant
Best for: Smaller businesses or new firms.
Pros: Lower price and flexibility.
Pros: Limited hours, availability may vary.
3. Seasonal Help (Tax Season)
Best for: Firms swamped from January through April.
Pros: Solves short term crunches.
Pros: Needs quickly onb oarding and training.
4. Freelance or Contract Accountant
Best for: Specific projects or simply testing the waters.
Pros: No long term commitment, pay per task.
Pros: Lower team loyalty, might manage more clients.
5. Remote Accountant
Best for: Increasing talent or even lowering expenses.
Pros: Cheaper in case you hire from other areas.
Pros: Needs solid communication and security tools.
How To Find the Right Accountant.
The wrong individual could cost you money and time. Find the right fit by:
Step 1: Know What You Need.
Write down the duties you wish to delegate. Define part time, full time, or project-based. Decide if remote work is ok.
Step 2: Write a Clear Job Description.
Include these:
- Job title & duties.
- Required experience (e.g. three + years in public accounting):
- Familiarity with software (e. QuickBooks, Drake, UltraTax)
- Work hours & location.
- Soft skills (communication, organisation, reliability):
Step 3: Use the Right Hiring Channels.
Post your job on:
- Linkedin.
- Indeed
- Specialized accounting job boards.
- Local CPA societies.
- You get referrals from your network.
- contact a staffing agency that focuses on accountants.
Step 4: Interview and Test Carefully.
Ask about real life accounting scenarios. Give a little test project if you can. Watch how they explain their thinking process. Communication is key.
Step 5 - Train & Onboard Properly.
Set your new hire up for success:
- Give tools and templates access.
- Introduce them to your clients or systems.
- Schedule regular check-ins.
- Offer support as they settle in.
- Tools to Help You Manage Accountants Efficiently
Hiring is just the first step. To keep things running smoothly, use the right tools:
- Accounting Software: QuickBooks Online, Xero, UltraTax
- Practice Management: Jetpack Workflow, Canopy, Karbon
- Communication: Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams
- Document Sharing: Google Drive, Dropbox, ShareFile
- Time Tracking: Toggl, Harvest, Clockify
These tools help you stay on top of deadlines, track performance, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Common Concerns—and Why You Shouldn’t Worry
- “What if I can’t afford to hire?”
Start small. Even 10–15 hours a week can make a big difference. Think of it as an investment that pays off in time saved and revenue gained.
- “What if I don’t have enough work?”
Hire someone part-time or on a project basis. Focus on the busy seasons and grow from there.
- “What if they make mistakes?”
Good onboarding, training, and reviews reduce this risk. Plus, the more eyes on a file, the fewer errors.
Also Read | Hiring an Accountant: A Game-Changer for Busy CPA Firms
Conclusion
In case you're exhausted, irritated, or even concerned about accuracy, seek the right help today. Hiring an accountant for your CPA firm frees up time, reduces anxiety, and also allows you to concentrate on expanding your company - not merely survive it.
Bring somebody in full time, part time or just for tax season and the benefits are clear: much more time for your personal hobbies, much better accuracy and a stronger, scalable practice.
