If you’re a local Canadian business feeling those familiar growing pains — more work, more risk and more decisions to make — it might be time to bring in backup. Not necessarily another employee (though that might be part of it), but someone who can help you zoom out and take a good, honest look at your business. Someone who understands numbers, business models and strategy.
Someone like your accountant.
At True North, we’re big believers in building a strong team of trusted advisors — and that starts with your accountant. With the right accounting firm in your corner, you’re not just getting help with bookkeeping and tax filing. You’re tapping into expertise that can help you grow smarter and avoid common (and costly) mistakes.
Here’s how working with a growth advisor from your accounting firm can help you move your business forward — with confidence.
1. Get financial expertise tailored to your business
There’s a reason CPAs are the most trusted advisors for 86% of small business owners. They bring serious financial chops to the table — but more importantly, they know how to apply those skills to real-world business situations.
At True North, we’re not just looking at your year-end statements — we’re helping you understand what your numbers actually mean. We look at the whole picture: revenue streams, margins, expenses, debt, cash flow and trends over time. Then we help you connect the dots so you can make decisions that align with your goals.
When you’re growing, those decisions start coming faster — and the stakes get higher. Whether it’s deciding whether to hire, invest in equipment, open a second location or restructure your pricing, a good accountant can help you weigh the financial impact and avoid surprises.
2. Build a growth plan you can actually stick to
Every business owner wants to grow — but growth without a plan can lead to burnout, financial stress or even failure. That’s where strategy comes in.
A growth advisor can help you define your business goals and build a roadmap to get there. That includes setting financial targets, identifying opportunities (and roadblocks) and aligning your operations with your goals. We look at what’s driving profit, what’s dragging you down and where to focus your time and money.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all advice. Every business is different, and the right strategy for you depends on your industry, your team, your market and your personal goals. We help you get clear on what growth looks like for you, and what steps to take next.
3. Get an honest, outside perspective
Sometimes, you’re too close to your own business to see what’s really going on. That’s where an outside advisor can be worth their weight in gold.
As your accountant, we can take a step back and evaluate your business objectively. We dig into the financial statements, key performance indicators and processes to identify what’s working, what’s not and where there’s room for improvement.
It’s not about judgment — it’s about clarity. We help you streamline operations, spot inefficiencies and improve your bottom line. With automation, system integrations and a few smart process tweaks, we can help you save time, reduce errors and make your business more scalable.
We also have tools to help protect your business from fraud, keep your financial data organized and secure, and ensure everyone on your team is playing to their strengths.
4. Stay compliant and reduce your risk
As your business grows, so does the complexity. Tax planning, payroll compliance, CRA filings, employee contracts, shareholder agreements — there’s a lot to keep track of. And getting it wrong can cost you.
A growth advisor can help you stay on top of all the moving parts. We know the rules, we speak the language and we can flag potential issues before they become problems.
At True North, we go beyond just filing your returns. We help you understand your obligations, build processes that keep you compliant and manage risk as you grow. We can also help you get started on cybersecurity, disaster recovery planning and liability protection — things that might not seem urgent now, but will matter when you least expect it.
5. Tap into a trusted network
You don’t have to go it alone. One of the most valuable things a growth advisor can offer is connection.
We’ve worked with hundreds of small businesses across Alberta, and we’ve built a trusted network of professionals along the way — lawyers, bankers, insurance brokers, IT providers, wealth advisors and more.
If you’re looking for someone to help you take the next step, chances are we know someone who can help. We can even facilitate introductions and help you figure out what kind of support you actually need. It’s like a shortcut to building your dream team.
Ready to grow? We can help.
At True North, we’ve worked alongside hundreds of small business owners, freelancers and incorporated professionals as they move from startup to scale-up. We know the challenges you’re facing because we’ve seen them before — and we know how to help you navigate them.
Whether you’re growing fast and need help managing the chaos, or you're feeling stuck and need a plan to move forward, we’re here for it. We offer one-off consultations for specific challenges or strategic advisory programs that grow with you.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’re in your corner, helping you make smart decisions and build a business that lasts.
Related Reading:
From startup to scaling up: Why entrepreneurs need growth advisory from their accounting firm
Learn more about our small business advisory services
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