SMART BUSINESS ARTICLES

For business owners who want to run smarter.

Actionable insights on payroll, taxes, cash flow, leadership, and growth planning — all focused on real-world decisions and better outcomes.

Smarter business starts here.

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A small business owner carefully reviewing financial options on a laptop, reflecting on the key question: “Do I need the expertise of a CPA, or is QuickBooks Live enough for my business?” The setting includes a modern office with bookshelves, symbolizing the research and decision-making process in choosing the right bookkeeping solution.

CPA vs. QuickBooks Live: Which Bookkeeping Solution Is Right for You?

QuickBooks can be a vital tool for small business owners, office managers, or anyone who needs to log financials and back-office tasks. It’s so...

quickbooks small business accounting tax strategy
Small business owner waits to hear from her accountant.

Why Your CPA Isn't Answering Your Calls

Valentine’s Day often puts February’s focus squarely on your relationships. And while all the talk this month is about ROMANTIC relationships, here’s...

small business accounting
Middle-aged man with salt-and-pepper hair working at a desk, reviewing financial documents in natural light, symbolizing small business accounting decisions.

Monthly vs Annual Accounting: Which Is Best for Your Business?

Trying to decide between a monthly accountant and an annual accountant for your business? Here’s what you need to know before tax time hits you with...

small business accounting
Stressed small business owner in a white shirt sitting at a desk, holding his head in frustration while looking at a laptop and printed financial documents—representing confusion or overwhelm around business finances.

The 3 BIG Reasons Business Owners Fire Their Accountant

No one wants to fire their accountant. Or, maybe more accurately, it takes an awful lot to fire your accountant. Why? Well, a few reasons. It’s a...

small business accounting business strategy automotive repair
An accounting team and a small business should be a good fit for one another.

Who isn't a good fit to work with Kaizen?

Some CPA firms take everyone, and we mean everyone. That’s never worked for us. We’re looking for a specific type of client. We know what you’re...

small business accounting business strategy
A small business owners get some of the best advice from her accountant.

Need advice? Why an accountant might be the best advisor you aren’t using (yet)

Running a small business is hard. While some decisions might be easy, there are so many times when it feels like just a little bit of advice from...

small business accounting business strategy
A composite image showing four people in a video conference. The top-left frame shows a man explaining with hand gestures; the top-right shows an older woman speaking thoughtfully; the bottom-left shows a young woman smiling warmly; and the bottom-right shows a man with glasses and headphones gesturing while talking.

Accounting Onboarding: What to Expect in the First 90 Days

Starting with a new accounting firm can feel overwhelming. At Kaizen, our structured accounting onboarding process guides you through the first 90...

small business accounting business strategy
The Profit First method puts profit before expenses.

Why we’re a pro Profit First CPA firm

Most CPA firms don’t encourage the Profit First model, here’s why we do. Profit First is a book written by Mike Michalowicz on how to properly budget...

profit first business strategy
Illinois Minimum Wage is increasing January 1

Illinois Minimum Wage is increasing January 1

Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in Illinois will increase for tipped and non-tipped employees.

payroll + hr + compliance
Midwest winters often mean more auto accidents. Keeping a cool head after an accident can keep everyone safer.

5 ways to stay safe after a winter car accident

The days are short. The air is cold. And the roads are often slick with rain, snow, or ice.

small business accounting insurance
Plan with your accountant throughout the year—rather than waiting until end of year—to reach your goals and avoid unwanted surprises.

Why you shouldn’t wait until ‘crisis mode’ to hire an accountant

Tell us if you’ve heard this one before. It’s February (or maybe even March), and you’re scrambling to get some poor, beleaguered accountant to get...

small business accounting tax strategy business strategy
A payroll provider ensures your people get paid accurately and on time gives you peace of mind. Properly-paid employees are happy employees.

It’s time to outsource your payroll, here’s why

You have a lot of faith in your accountant or accounting firm. As you well know, an in-house bookkeeper has a lot on his or her plate — adding...

payroll + hr + compliance business strategy
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