This study investigates the perspective of the owner–manager of a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) on the importance of mutual understanding with an external accountant. Mutual understanding means that the owner–manager understands what the accountant is saying and feels understood by the accountant. The results, based on 310 completed surveys of Belgian owner–managers, show that owner–managers who have a high level of mutual understanding use the advice of their external accountant more extensively. This is in turn positively linked to the financial health of an SME. Furthermore, several drivers that enable the establishment of a high level of mutual understanding are explored.
Debruyckere S., Verplancke F., Everaert P., Sarens G., Coppens C., 2020, The Importance of Mutual Understanding Between External Accountants and Owner–Managers of SMEs, Australian Accounting Review, No. 92 Vol. 30 Issue 1, p. 4-21