One in five small and medium-sized business (SMB) owners spend nearly a full working week each month on financial admin, according to a recent national survey. The research, commissioned byaccounting tech company Dext, found that 21% of SMB owners spend between 21 and 40+ hours per month on non-revenue generating tasks like invoicing, payroll, reconciliations and compliance.The Built for Bigger Things study, which surveyed 500 SMB leaders across industries and regions, also revealed that 30% manage their finances entirely on their own, often using outdated and manual processes that are slow, error-prone and inefficient.
More than 40% said they now spend more time managing finances than growing their business, while 42% admitted they’ve missed out on new opportunities because of it.
What's going wrong?
Beyond the economic pressures of 2025, many small businesses are struggling with a lack of robust financial systems and strategic oversight. Poor planning, outdated tools and patchy support are keeping owners reactive instead of proactive.
The time they’re spending on admin is just a symptom of a bigger issue: without solid financial structures in place, owners are constantly responding to problems rather than steering the business forward. This reactive approach makes it harder to plan, invest and grow with confidence.
5 common pain points – and how to solve them
To understand what’s going wrong, it helps to look at where time is currently being lost:
1. Manual systems are holding businesses back
Many SMBs still use spreadsheets or paper-based systems to manage their finances. This wastes time and increases the risk of costly mistakes. Switching to automated tools can instantly improve accuracy and efficiency.
2. No clear picture of performance
Without regular performance reviews or financial forecasting, businesses struggle to adapt to changing market conditions. This lack of insight makes it challenging to make informed decisions about investments, cost-cutting measures or expansion plans.
3. Under-utilising accountants
A good accountant can do more than lodge your BAS. From cash flow analysis to financial strategy, they can help shift your business from survival mode to growth mode.
“Accountants today are not just record-keepers, they’re business enablers,” according to Dext CEO Sabby Gill.
4. Not adopting modern tech
Modern tools automate tasks like payroll, invoicing and expense management. Cloud accounting software offers real-time data, allowing owners to make faster, better decisions. It also means fewer late nights reconciling the books.
5. Burnout from admin overload
Financial admin doesn’t just eat into business hours; it’s mentally draining. Many SMB owners feel overwhelmed and stretched thin, leaving little time or headspace for strategic work or big-picture thinking.
So what’s the fix?
Get support, streamline systems and stop doing everything manually. Whether that means upgrading your tech, outsourcing key tasks or getting professional advice, the payoff is time, clarity and growth.
It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing things better.