About 85% of Australian businesses earning over $100,000 engage an accountant, according to the SMB Navigator Report 2025.
This shows how important professional financial support becomes once a business reaches a certain size.
While some small businesses and sole traders manage their finances independently, most businesses crossing the $100,000 revenue mark seek expert help.
The report found that:
- Accountant engagement rises from 71% to 85% once a business surpasses $100,000 in annual revenue.
- 95% of trusts and 85% of publicly traded companies work with an external accounting firm.
- Sole traders remain the least likely to engage an accountant, with only 59% doing so in 2025.
“We consistently see $100K revenue as a tipping point where DIY accounting gives way to professional support. It’s a practical threshold, not just a psychological one,” said Michael Johnson, director at Agile Market Intelligence, the company that carried out the research.
Why does this happen?
The reason is simple: as revenue grows, so does financial complexity.
Engaging an accountant isn’t just about compliance; it’s a strategic decision that can help businesses thrive.
Key benefits include:
- Tax compliance: Accountants keep on top of evolving tax rules, help meet deadlines, significantly reduce the threat of fines or audits and help keep businesses on the right side of the Australian Taxation Office.
- Maximising tax savings: Accountants identify legitimate deductions and tax offsets that business owners may miss, reducing their overall tax burden.
- Cash flow management: Accountants help businesses track income and expenses, ensuring they remain profitable while planning for growth.
- Time savings: Outsourcing financial tasks frees owners to focus on business strategy and client relationships.
- Financial strategy: Accountants don’t just record numbers; they interpret them, offering insights on cost savings, investment opportunities and long-term planning, among others.
- Stronger business credibility and valuation: Whether seeking funding, selling or expanding, neat, professional financial records make a business far more attractive to lenders or investors.
Risks of not using an accountant
Opting to go it alone can be risky:
- Overpaid taxes: DIY accounting often overlooks deductions and offsets, leading to unnecessarily high bills.
- Regulatory mistakes: Errors or missed deadlines can result in penalties, audits and strained cash flow.
- Financial mismanagement: Without expert oversight, overspending or liquidity issues become more likely.
- Missed strategic opportunities: Without advice, owners may lack clarity on growth strategies, financial risks, and efficiency improvements.
The jump to 85% accountant engagement past $100,000 is no coincidence. It marks a real inflection point where financial complexity rises, decisions become tougher, and the cost of mistakes outweighs the cost of professional support.
Strategic partners
At this stage, accountants aren’t just service providers; they become strategic partners integral to a business’s sustainability and growth.
The fact that 85% of businesses over $100,000 already use an accountant speaks for itself. At this level, professional support is no longer optional. It is an investment in stability, compliance and long-term success.
