Why do I need an accountant
The question of "Why do I need an accountant" is one that people seem to ask on a regular basis. It doesn't matter where they live or what they do, the question always seems to come into the picture. Is it because people are fooled into believing that business accountancy is a task that anyone can learn to do? Or perhaps it is just a lack of understanding concerning the tasks that an accountant performs.
Many people have the mistaken idea that an accountant and a bookkeeper are interchangeable terms, and thus, they feel it is money wasted to hire someone to post entries to a journal when they can either do it themselves or hire an employee who will be responsible for that function. To clarify the terms, a bookkeeper is responsible for posting entries to the journals and worksheets that are already established, where an accountant sets up the system and assures that it is running correctly. In addition, an accountant may do cash allocations, record depreciation, allocate pre-paid income and expenses, file and pay the company's tax liabilities, manage employee benefits including retirement accounts. 
The average person who is preparing to set up a new business, unless it is a work-at-home business, doesn't know enough about the process to attempt to do it without having an accountant to handle the financial end of the process. Some of the things an accountant can do for you in setting up a new business include:
- Locate funding
- Negotiate with vendors for supplies and inventory
- Negotiate with lenders regarding operating capital
- Assist with building loans/leases
- Set up accounting systems
- Assist with employee benefits packages
- Provide guidance relative to banking accounts and other financial decisions
Why Accountants are Essential
An accountant can handle a great deal more financial things for both the new business owner as well as the individual or established business owner. The next time you want to ask, "Why would I need an accountant?" perhaps you should ask the questions, "If I didn't have an accountant, who would answer my tax questions?" Although businesses tend to have accountants on retainer, individuals tend to use them only when it is tax-related. In all honesty, no one should make any financial decision, business or individual, without consulting an accountant, and that includes buying a car or home. They are in tune with the market and can advise if you are making the decision at the right time.