re: When do you decide you need an accountant or financial advisor

I'm a CPA, and as others have said, the value is in planning, not filling out forms.

I tell people that I help them determine what is taxable and what is not. If you don't need any help with that (i.e. you just have a W-2) then you don't need a CPA.

Of course, that requires talking to me throughout the year. If I only see a client once a year, I can't provide much help.

Especially for my small business clients, I tell them I can provide the most value if they call me BEFORE they make any big business decision such as add a new employee position, buy something big, do some financing, etc.