Why even the best CPAs can lead small business owners astray—and what to do instead
You hired an accountant to help you run your business better—so why are you still confused about how to pay yourself?
This is one of the most common frustrations we hear from small business owners:
“My accountant said I could take a draw... but they never told me how much, when, or what to do if my income isn’t consistent.”
Here’s the truth:
Accountants are trained to report what happened—not to help you plan what’s next.
That’s a problem if you’re trying to build a consistent salary, create predictability, and run a more profitable business.
This post will help you:
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Understand the blind spots many CPAs have when it comes to owner pay
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Learn what to ask your accountant instead
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Set up your own paycheck system—regardless of their advice
Problem #1: They Focus on Tax Season, Not Financial Rhythm
Most accountants are laser-focused on compliance.
They want to make sure your taxes are filed correctly and your books are in order.
But paying yourself is a cash flow decision—not just a tax one.
If your accountant says “take a draw when you can,” they’re not giving you the structure you need to build a stable income.
You need a plan that works monthly—not just once a year.
Problem #2: They Don’t Help You Define a Salary Target
CPAs can help you figure out your profit and loss.
But few will help you reverse-engineer how much your business needs to generate in order to pay you consistently.
If your accountant hasn’t helped you answer questions like:
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“What’s the minimum I need to earn to pay myself and cover taxes?”
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“How should I adjust my owner pay as I grow?”
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“Can I afford to hire and still keep my salary?”
…then you’re not getting full strategic support.
Inside The Small Business Planner, we walk you through how to set your Owner Pay Target and design your business around it.
Problem #3: They Don’t Account for Emotion
Paying yourself isn’t just about numbers.
It’s about self-worth, stability, stress, and your ability to show up as a confident business owner.
If your CPA tells you “don’t worry, just take a draw when you can” but you’re lying awake at night worrying about your next rent payment, the system is broken.
A paycheck—even if small and imperfect—gives you psychological momentum.
That’s why we teach business owners to build in rhythm, not rely on scraps.
Problem #4: They Rarely Recommend Banking Structure
Most accountants won’t advise you to set up multiple business accounts unless you ask.
But the right account structure is the foundation for consistent owner pay.
Here’s the minimum setup we recommend:
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Income Account
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Business Expenses Account
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Payroll Account (your team, your contractors and YOUR take-home pay)
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Taxes & Business Savings Account
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Optional: Inventory, Customer Deposits, Profit or Planning Buffer Account
By separating your money, you create boundaries—and clarity.
Want help? We cover this in depth inside The Small Business Planner and the Pay Yourself Consistently training.
Problem #5: They Assume You Understand More Than You Do
Accountants often throw around terms like:
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“Reasonable salary”
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“Owner’s equity”
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“Distributions”
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“Estimated tax withholding”
But they don’t always explain what it means in practice.
You’re not a finance expert.
You’re running a business, wearing 17 hats, and trying to make smart decisions with limited information.
It’s okay to ask for plain-English explanations—or find a guide who teaches you the basics without shame.
Final Takeaway: Your Accountant Isn’t Your Paycheck Planner
Accountants are valuable. You need one.
But when it comes to building your pay structure, rhythm, and confidence, most CPAs aren’t trained to help.
That’s where tools like The Small Business Planner come in.
We help you:
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Create your owner pay plan
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Track and adjust it monthly
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Understand the tax implications of each choice
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Ask better questions of your CPA or bookkeeper
So your paycheck isn’t an afterthought—it’s a priority.
Explore The Small Business Planner → https://smallbusinessplanner.com/products/planner