The cadence that prevents surprises and improves decisions
Overview
If you’ve searched how often should I meet with my CPA, monthly vs quarterly CPA meetings, or why do I still get surprised by taxes, the issue is rarely effort. It’s cadence.
Many business owners only speak with their CPA once a year during filing season. Technically possible, but strategically risky. Financial reviews are not about checking boxes. They are about catching issues early enough to do something about them.
The right review schedule turns your financials into a tool instead of a report you react to after the fact.
Why once-a-year reviews create problems
Annual-only CPA meetings often lead to:
- surprise tax bills
- missed deductions
- cash flow stress
- late planning decisions
- limited options by year-end
By the time a return is being prepared, most planning opportunities are already gone.
What actually happens in a CPA financial review
A proactive CPA review typically includes:
- reviewing profit and loss trends
- checking balance sheet accuracy
- forecasting taxes
- evaluating cash flow
- identifying issues or opportunities
- creating action items before the next review
This is where financial clarity comes from.
Quarterly CPA reviews: the baseline
For many small businesses, quarterly reviews are a strong starting point.
Quarterly reviews help:
- adjust estimated tax payments
- spot profit changes early
- catch bookkeeping issues before they compound
- plan purchases or investments intentionally
If your income is relatively stable, quarterly reviews often provide enough visibility to stay ahead.
Monthly CPA reviews: when they make sense
Monthly reviews are especially helpful when:
- revenue is growing quickly
- cash flow is tight
- expenses fluctuate significantly
- payroll is expanding
- the business is multi-state or multi-entity
Monthly reviews don’t mean more paperwork. They mean fewer surprises.
How review cadence affects tax outcomes
When financials are reviewed regularly:
- estimated taxes stay accurate
- deductions don’t get missed
- planning happens before deadlines
- penalties are easier to avoid
The frequency of review directly impacts how proactive tax strategy can be.
How Avocet International CPAs structures reviews
At Avocet International CPAs (formerly Janssen and Igar), we help clients choose a review cadence based on:
- business complexity
- growth stage
- cash flow sensitivity
- planning needs
Reviews are not about staring at reports. They’re about answering:
- Where are we trending?
- What should we adjust now?
- What will affect taxes later?
Suggested read
FAQ
Is quarterly enough for most businesses?
Often yes, but fast growth may benefit from monthly reviews.
What happens during a CPA review?
Profit review, tax forecasting, and clear next steps.
Does this reduce taxes?
It improves planning and prevents missed opportunities.
