For entrepreneurs, their accountant plays an active part in the financial success of their businesses. The following accountants have proven their dedication to helping small businesses in St. Louis grow and have been named the Top Accountants for businesses in 2026. In the following profiles, this year’s top accountants share their wisdom for your business.
James Cash, Honkamp PC
Number of years serving business owners: 20
Motivation to help business owners:
I see firsthand the time, energy, and resources that business owners invest, and I’m driven to help them achieve the results they’re working toward. I aim to proactively identify opportunities, minimize risks, and provide financial clarity to the business owners I help. When business owners reach their goals and build something sustainable, it’s rewarding for them and incredibly fulfilling for me as a trusted advisor.
Obstacles you help businesses with:
Common obstacles that most business owners face are the impact of taxes on their business, maintaining and interpreting financial information and planning for the future. One of our primary roles as CPA’s is to find solutions to these obstacles and navigate through them with our business owners. We do this by applying a proactive approach, while considering the unique needs of each individual and business.
Best advice for small business owners:
Good decisions begin with good information.
Biggest mistake that you see business owners make:
Neglecting matters that are important but not urgent. Many business owners live in a constant state of ‘busy,’ which challenges their ability to address important issues that may not have a specific due date. Set time aside on your calendar. Delegate tasks to a trusted individual to create time. You can do it! This goes for just about anything; from succession planning to a family vacation.
Tracy M. Hutter, Hutter CPA, LLC
Number of years serving business owners: 20
Motivation to help business owners:
I’ve always enjoyed numbers and solving problems. Becoming a CPA gave me the opportunity to use that skill while helping people. I especially enjoy teaching and guiding new business owners through the financial side of running a business and helping them build a strong foundation. Watching a small business grow and take off is incredibly rewarding, and I love being able to take complicated financial and compliance issues off their plate so they can focus on what they do best.
Obstacles you help businesses with:
I help small businesses and nonprofits with many of the challenges that come with running and growing an organization, including bookkeeping, tax issues, compliance requirements, and setting up systems that support growth. My goal is to be a resource they can turn to year-round, not just at tax time.
Best advice for small business owners:
Build your team early and surround yourself with professionals who can help you make informed decisions. Don’t wait until there’s a problem to ask for help and advice. Getting professional guidance before moving forward on big decisions can save a lot of time, money, and stress.
Biggest mistake that you see business owners make:
One of the biggest mistakes I see is allowing bookkeeping to fall behind. Understanding where your business stands financially is essential for making good decisions, planning ahead, and avoiding surprises. Keeping your books current and reviewing your financial information regularly with the help of a trusted professional can help prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.
Amanda Hill, FutureSight Accounting LLC
Number of years serving business owners: 10
Motivation to help business owners:
I want to see their business succeed. Most business owners are great at what they do but didn’t sign up to manage payroll, decode tax law, or untangle QuickBooks. I am motivated by the idea that when my clients win, the work means something.
Obstacles you help businesses with:
I remove the financial noise so they can focus on growing their business. Whether it’s saving them money through smart tax planning, cleaning up their books, or just being the person they can call when something doesn’t make sense.
Best advice for small business owners:
Hire a good accountant early; the money you spend is almost always less than what you save.
Biggest mistake that you see business owners make:
Messy financials are one of the top reasons small businesses struggle — and it’s entirely preventable. Also, watch your cash flow more closely than your profit. A business can look profitable on paper and still run out of money.
Debra J. Annis, Smith Patrick CPAs
Number of years serving business owners: 46
Motivation to help business owners:
I enjoy helping clients become more successful. I want them to have a financial understanding to feel confident and satisfied with how they’re running their business. It’s great to have the continuity of working with people for many years.
Obstacles you help entrepreneurs with:
I help entrepreneurs overcome obstacles with cash flow, planning, stability and growth. I encourage clients to discuss what is happening on the accounting side with me. Then we can analyze the situation and discuss what might be the best choice.
When I’m involved on the front end, I can help clients avoid paying unnecessary tax while achieving their plans. To me, it’s like solving a puzzle: putting together pieces to see the whole picture.
Best advice for small business owners:
I recommend meeting with your accountant at least annually, if not more. Ask questions about what you can do better or different.
You want an accounting team that is focused on forward thinking to help your future. You want someone who is asking questions and making suggestions. Otherwise, if your tax preparer just takes whatever you give them, you’re looking at the past.
Biggest mistake that you see business owners make:
The biggest mistake that haunts business owners is to make a major decision without raising the issue with their accountant.
This could be selling the business, mergers and acquisitions, vehicle purchases, equipment financing, or payroll, just to name a few. Getting financial advice beforehand, owners can review all the options and might find a better approach. This helps them avoid losing money, paying more taxes or being stuck in a structure that’s not beneficial. It’s worth a phone call.
Scott Gabel, SFW Partners, LLC
Number of Years Serving Business Owners: 21
Motivation to help business owners:
At SFW, our purpose is simple: to serve and support people so that we can achieve more together. While we provide accounting, tax, and advisory services, our work goes far beyond numbers. We are passionate about building meaningful relationships with business owners and becoming a trusted extension of their team. We understand that behind every business are people, families, employees, and dreams. Helping our clients overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve their goals is what motivates us every day. Our greatest satisfaction comes from seeing our clients succeed and knowing we played a part in that success.
Obstacles you help businesses with:
One of the biggest obstacles we help business owners overcome is gaining a clear picture of where their business stands and where it is headed. Yes, we prepare tax returns, audits, and financial statements, but we strive to go far beyond compliance. Our goal is to help clients understand the numbers, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions with confidence. We want our clients to know we have their backs—not just when issues arise, but by helping identify opportunities and potential concerns before they become problems.
Best advice for small business owners:
Do not wait until year-end, tax season, or a problem arises to understand what your numbers are telling you. The most successful business owners stay curious and proactive throughout the year. Financial statements, tax planning, cash flow, and key performance indicators are not just compliance items — they are tools for making better decisions. My advice is to regularly step back, ask questions, and make sure you understand where your business is headed, not just where it has been. The sooner you identify trends, challenges, or opportunities, the more options you have to act.
Biggest mistake that you see business owners make:
One of the biggest mistakes I see business owners make is waiting too long to pay close attention to their financial information. Too often, the numbers are reviewed after the fact — when tax season arrives, cash flow is tight, or a major decision needs to be made quickly. Timely and accurate financial information allows owners to spot trends, plan ahead, and make informed decisions before issues become bigger problems. The better prepared a business owner is throughout the year, the more control they have over the direction and success of their business.