Wealth with Intention
Money Wisdom for Your Next Chapter
Accountant vs. Financial Planner: Do Business Owners Need Both?
Updated September 2026
One of the most common things I hear from business owners sounds a lot like this. "I already have an accountant. Why would I need a financial planner?"
It is a fair question, and the short answer is that they do different jobs. An accountant focuses on your business's numbers, your tax filings, and tax-aware business decisions. A financial planner focuses on what your business is creating for you personally, including your retirement, investments, insurance, estate plan, and exit strategy. Most business owners benefit from both, working together.
Here is how the two roles differ, how they compare to a bookkeeper, controller, and CFO, where owners often end up with gaps, and how to tell whether you have one.
Accountant vs. financial planner at a glance
| Accountant | Financial planner | |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Accurate records, tax filings, and reporting | Your personal financial goals and long-term security |
| Looks at | What has happened and what the tax consequences are | What y | ...
Leah Hadley, AFCĀ®, CDFAĀ®, MAFFĀ®
Founder/Senior Wealth Manager
Leah Hadley is the founder of Intentional Wealth Partners and Intentional Divorce Solutions, sister companies based in Cleveland and serving clients nationwide. Intentional Wealth Partners provides financial planning and wealth management. She specializes in helping women and couples navigate major life transitions with confidence and clarity. She is also the author of Intentional Money: The Modern Woman's Guide to Building Wealth, Purpose, and Peace, host of the "Intentional Divorce Insights" podcast, and a sought-after speaker.
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