Busy but broke? Can't tell if last month was actually a good one? This is the complete roadmap from messy books to full CFO strategy — what a bookkeeper, a CPA, and a CFO each actually do, what everything costs, and exactly which path fits a service-based business doing $200K–$3M a year.

Many small business owners feel frustrated with their CPA — but the problem is often a role mismatch, not bad service. Most CPA engagements cover tax returns, estimated payments, and state filings. They are not typically designed for ongoing cash flow planning, monthly financial reviews, or forward-looking business strategy. If you need that kind of support, you may need a CFO advisor in addition to your tax professional.

The uncomfortable truth: most service businesses don't have a revenue problem. They have a profit leak problem.

These aren't dramatic disasters. They're quiet, consistent drains — the kind that are easy to miss because they hide in plain sight. Together, they can silently eat $20K, $40K, or even $60K+ per year from your bottom line.

Here are the five most common profit leaks I see in service businesses — and exactly what to do about each one.

Every growing business needs different financial support at different stages. Here's how to know exactly where you are on the accounting needs ladder — and what comes next.