I don't dare call my accountant anymore.
“He’s probably thinking: there he goes again…”
Many entrepreneurs have a good relationship with their bookkeeper or accountant. Yet, there comes a moment when you keep putting off that phone call.
Not because you lack trust.
But because you are ashamed.
Because you know the VAT hasn't been paid yet. Because the administration is behind. Or because you are afraid you will only hear bad news.
That threshold is very human. And you are certainly not the only one.
Financial worries often lead to procrastination
When pressure mounts, it is tempting to avoid difficult conversations.
You open emails later.
You react less quickly.
You procrastinate.
And you put off that phone call to your accountant for a little while longer, too.
That might provide temporary relief, but usually does not resolve the situation.
Your accountant is not there to judge you.
Many entrepreneurs think that their accountant will react with disappointment or anger.
In practice, that is rarely the case.
A good bookkeeper sees entrepreneurs every day who are temporarily facing financial problems. He or she does not just look at the numbers, but above all wants to help regain an overview.
The sooner you are honest about the situation, the greater the chance that various solutions are still possible.
Overdue paperwork makes everything unclear
If the administration falls behind, it becomes increasingly difficult to make good decisions.
You don't know exactly:
- how much money is still coming in;
- which accounts require attention first;
- how high the tax debt is by now;
- whether there is sufficient room to make arrangements.
That is precisely why up-to-date information is so important.
Not to look back, but to be able to move forward.
Do you recognize these signals?
You might recognize one or more of these situations:
- your records are falling behind;
- you postpone contacting your accountant;
- you have unopened letters or emails lying around;
- you dread the next VAT return;
- You don't actually know exactly where your business stands financially.
Those are signals that it is time to regain an overview.
You don't have to have everything in order first.
Some entrepreneurs think they are only allowed to ask for help once all the administration is up to date.
That's a misunderstanding.
Precisely when you have lost perspective, a conversation can help to clarify the situation step by step.
Waiting until everything is perfect often means walking around with worries for even longer.
Watching together brings peace
Financial problems often feel bigger if you keep walking around with them alone.
Reviewing the situation together with an expert provides an overview.
Which problems require immediate attention?
What can wait a little longer?
And what solutions are there to make the company financially healthier again?
That provides not only insight, but often new energy as well.
Zuidweg & Partners enjoys working with bookkeepers and accountants.
At Zuidweg & Partners, we guide entrepreneurs facing financial concerns, as well as bookkeepers and accountants who notice that an entrepreneur could use extra support.
Together, we ensure that clarity is restored and that work can be done on a sustainable solution.
Have you been afraid to call your accountant for a while? Then perhaps now is exactly the moment to have the conversation. You don't have to bear financial worries alone.
