Insights

The Hidden Costs of DIY Accounting: Why Professional Services Pay Off

June 19, 2025

Photo of a crumpled receipt

When your business is just starting out, it makes sense to keep things simple. You handle the books yourself, maybe hire a bookkeeper, and rely on tools like QuickBooks, Gusto, or TurboTax. It’s lean, affordable and it works, for a while.

But as your business grows, so do your accounting needs.

The systems that help launch your business often don’t support its long-term growth.

Hidden Costs of DIY Accounting

  • Time Drain – Bookkeeping and payroll take time away from strategy, growth and operations.
  • Errors and Penalties – Small mistakes in payroll or tax filings can lead to costly consequences.
  • Missed Opportunities – With limited financial oversight, tax savings and growth planning get overlooked.

Common Accounting Setups We See

  • Solo Bookkeeper – Records transactions, reconciles bank accounts and provides basic reports, but offers little insight or support.
  • QuickBooks ProAdvisor / Bookkeeping Service – Provides structure and monthly closes but lacks the expertise for meaningful reports or strategic guidance.
  • Tax-Only CPA – Files taxes and prepares quarterly estimates but provides little ongoing support for planning or growth.

The Tenth Avenue Group Difference

At Tenth Avenue Group, we are a CPA firm helping businesses that have outgrown their current accounting systems and are ready to scale with confidence.

Our team provides integrated bookkeeping, accounting, tax and CFO services, along with HR support like onboarding and managing health and retirement benefits. We handle your financial operations so your taxes are accurate, your reporting is timely and your strategy is data-driven. You get the clarity and support to scale without an in-house finance department.

Why Professional Services Pay Off

The right CPA firm does more than your bookkeeping and taxes. It gives you the confidence to focus on what matters most: running and growing your business. With expert guidance and reliable insight, you can make decisions, manage risk and seize opportunities.

Don’t leave time and money on the table. Let’s talk about how Tenth Avenue Group can help you scale with confidence.

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