Many business owners face the same question: should you manage your finances on your own, or is it worth investing in professional support? The answer depends on your goals, complexity, and the value of your time.

hen your business is small, handling bookkeeping, paying bills, and reviewing financial reports may seem manageable. Modern accounting software makes it easier than ever to track income and expenses. However, as a business grows, financial management becomes more complex. Cash flow planning, payroll compliance, job costing, budgeting, and strategic reporting require more time and expertise.
The real question is not just what professional financial support costs. It's what it saves you.

A business owner spending hours each week categorizing transactions, fixing reporting errors, or trying to understand financial statements is losing time that could be spent serving customers, growing revenue, or developing the business. In many cases, the value of a professional bookkeeper, controller, or CFO is found in improved decision-making, stronger cash flow management, and fewer costly mistakes.

There are also different levels of support available. Some business owners only need bookkeeping assistance to keep records accurate and up to date. Others benefit from a controller who provides financial oversight and reporting. Growing companies may need CFO-level guidance to help with forecasting, profitability analysis, and long-term planning. The right solution depends on where your business is today and where you want it to go.

Another option is a hybrid approach. Many owners stay involved in their finances while relying on professionals for reconciliations, reporting, and strategic advice. This allows them to maintain visibility without carrying the entire burden themselves.

The most successful businesses understand that accurate financial information is not just about compliance. It is a tool for making better decisions. Whether you choose to manage your finances independently or partner with an accounting professional, the goal should always be the same: gaining clear, reliable insights that help your business grow profitably.

Bottom Line
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. For some business owners, managing finances internally works well. For others, professional support provides significant value through time savings, accuracy, and strategic guidance. The key is evaluating the cost, the benefits, and the level of confidence you need to make informed business decisions.

At GLM Accounting, we believe financial management should provide more than just numbers. It should give business owners the clarity and confidence to move forward with purpose.

I am honored to share that GLM Accounting has been recognized as the Village of Schaumburg's Business of the Month for June.

The recognition was presented during a dinner hosted by the Village of Schaumburg's Business Development Commission, a group dedicated to supporting and recognizing businesses that contribute to the economic vitality of the community. Each month, the commission highlights a local business as part of its business retention and recognition efforts.

I had the privilege of attending the event alongside Megan Wieszchowski and Carrie Hale from the GLM team, along with Mayor Tom Dailly and other business leaders from across Schaumburg.
While it is always nice to receive recognition, this award is really a reflection of the work our entire team does every day.

For years, GLM Accounting has been committed to helping business owners understand their numbers, make better decisions, and build stronger companies. Whether it is bookkeeping, tax planning, financial reporting, or business consulting, our goal has always been to provide practical guidance that helps our clients succeed.

What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it comes from the community we serve.
Schaumburg is one of the strongest business communities in Illinois, home to thousands of businesses and a vibrant network of organizations dedicated to supporting economic growth. The Village, the Schaumburg Business Association, local nonprofits, and countless business leaders work together to create an environment where businesses can thrive.

Many people know me through my involvement in the community. I spend a great deal of time working with chambers, Rotary, networking organizations, and local business groups. Those opportunities allow me to represent GLM throughout the area, but they are only possible because I know our clients are receiving outstanding service from our team.

Simply put, I can be active in the community because the people at GLM consistently deliver exceptional work.

Since 2015, I have written a weekly business blog focused on helping business owners navigate challenges and opportunities. That same spirit of education, guidance, and service is at the heart of everything we do at GLM.

Today, we have the privilege of serving hundreds of businesses and individuals throughout the region. We never take that trust for granted.

The award itself will be proudly displayed in our office, and GLM will also be featured in Village of Schaumburg communications, local newsletters, and social media. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our story and celebrate the people who make it possible.

Thank you to the Village of Schaumburg, the Business Development Commission, Mayor Dailly, our clients, referral partners, and most importantly, the GLM team.

This recognition belongs to all of you.

​Core ValuesIntegrity- Requires that we possess and steadfastly adhere to high moral principles and professional standards.
 
Excellence- Requires us to provide clients (both external and internal) with exceptional service and experience.  This means that our work product is of outstanding quality, meets delivery promises and provides value to our clients. 
 
Career Development/Continuous Improvement - Our professionals dedicate themselves to constantly improving client experiences.  As individuals we continuously learn new skills and improve existing skills and competencies.  As accounting, tax and consulting professionals we are committed and dedicated to our clients, the firm, and ourselves.
 
Work/Life Balance – We respect various work/life requirements of our people and strive to be sensitive and flexible to each individual case.  We work with our full time and part time employees to create a win-win arrangement for them and the firm.  We work to live rather than live to work.
 
Client Service – We are committed to providing timely, reliable responses and to nurture the relationship with our clients.  Our goal is to define, measure, understand, manage and improve client expectations and be able to align them with firm core values, goals and regulatory compliance.

The Daily Herald had an article in Sunday’s Newspaper about the importance of an Accountant or CPA in advising your business. You can imagine that we at GLM agree with this this. Having an outside look at your business and finances is very important to the growth and stability of your business.

About the Author:
Denice Gierach is an attorney, CPA, Northwestern University business master's graduate, and has owned several businesses including in real estate and manufacturing. She is the lead attorney at Gierach Law Firm in the Chicago area. With more than 30 years of experience, she has been a respected and sought-after resource for businesses looking to grow, sell, solve problems, and succeed long term.
Her insights across business areas gives a fuller lens to business issues and solutions, and helps businesses grow and succeed with less time spent on legal issues and other time-consuming problems
 
Here is a link to the Article:
​ https://www.dailyherald.com/business/20221204/the-importance-of-involving-your-cpa-in-your-business
​

It has been a while since we shared our vision. It is placed on the website 24/7 Here

Core Values & Integrity- Requires that we possess and steadfastly adhere to high moral principles and professional standards.
 
Excellence- Requires us to provide clients (both external and internal) with exceptional service and experience.  This means that our work product is of outstanding quality, meets delivery promises and provides value to our clients. 
 
Career Development/Continuous Improvement - Our professionals dedicate themselves to constantly improving client experiences.  As individuals we continuously learn new skills and improve existing skills and competencies.  As accounting, tax and consulting professionals we are committed and dedicated to our clients, the firm, and ourselves.
 
Work/Life Balance – We respect various work/life requirements of our people and strive to be sensitive and flexible to each individual case.  We work with our full time and part time employees to create a win-win arrangement for them and the firm.  We work to live rather than live to work.
 
Client Service – We are committed to providing timely, reliable responses and to nurture the relationship with our clients.  Our goal is to define, measure, understand, manage and improve client expectations and be able to align them with firm core values, goals and regulatory compliance.

GLM has it's Mission and Vision Statement on it's website. It is something a few prospects that have being clients mentioned they liked reading before meeting with us. Although you can read it on our About Page, I would like to show it here as well and remind you to work on this for your company. If you need help in this area, contact us for assistance.

Mission Statement
"GLM, Inc. is an accounting and consulting firm offering a broad range of services to meet the needs of our clients by fostering an environment that encourages personal and professional growth and a commitment to the firm’s core values. We will continue to be known in the community for delivering timely, quality, professional services through a multi-disciplinary approach.”
 
Vision Statement
“Our vision is that GLM, Inc. will be recognized as the professional service organization that accomplished the ultimate balance between outstanding client service, a focus on family and the success of the firm. This will be accomplished by creating a culture of pride and passion that will enable us to continue attracting, training and retaining quality people, who will be rewarded, recognized and respected for their contributions to a firm that is founded on shared core values.”
 
Core Values
 
Integrity- Requires that we possess and steadfastly adhere to high moral principles and professional standards.
 
Excellence- Requires us to provide clients (both external and internal) with exceptional service and experience.  This means that our work product is of outstanding quality, meets delivery promises and provides value to our clients. 
 
Career Development/Continuous Improvement - Our professionals dedicate themselves to constantly improving client experiences.  As individuals we continuously learn new skills and improve existing skills and competencies.  As accounting, tax and consulting professionals we are committed and dedicated to our clients, the firm, and ourselves.
 
Work/Life Balance – We respect various work/life requirements of our people and strive to be sensitive and flexible to each individual case.  We work with our full time and part time employees to create a win-win arrangement for them and the firm.  We work to live rather than live to work.
 
Client Service – We are committed to providing timely, reliable responses and to nurture the relationship with our clients.  Our goal is to define, measure, understand, manage and improve client expectations and be able to align them with firm core values, goals and regulatory compliance.