If you own or run a small to medium size business you most likely work with a bookkeeper. If you don’t, you probably have a vision of one.
They’re generally unheralded folk – and mostly quiet by nature. They go patiently about their job, not disturbing others, except occasionally for clarification about an expense or receipt of some sort.
Masters of the spreadsheet, they tap away at their keyboards and calculators, crunching numbers, processing endless pieces of paperwork, reconciling bank accounts and more, to keep the financial home fires burning brightly.
Bookkeepers are the glue between your business and your accountant. Without them, your business would probably grind to a halt. But they don’t seek accolades. As the saying goes “still waters run deep” – they enjoy doing their work and get on with their lives. Their secret lives – and we thought we’d share some of the insights into their lives in our blog.
Their stories may surprise you.
Curiously, 90% of bookkeepers are women
Recently, the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers – that’s a legitimate association, the ICB – revealed that 90% of their members are female. There are very few industries dominated by women like bookkeeping. One reason for this is the flexibility the job offers, particularly for self-employed bookkeepers. They can work with the number of clients that suit the hours they wish to work each week – often from home.
Bookkeepers go by a number of monikers. Here are a few of them – what do you call yours?
Receipt Therapist
They are therapists for clients’ receipts – from crumpled balls of paper to coffee-stained documents. In good humour, your bookkeeper laments the state of some of the paperwork they receive – the shrinks for crumpled paper. Some have been known to use irons to make crushed paperwork readable.
Dejargoniser
Bookkeepers often act as translators, decoding complex accounting jargon for their clients. They joke about being fluent in “Accountantese” a language understood only by fellow number-crunchers. And they occasionally have to gently remind clients that “debits” and “credits” aren’t just for credit cards.
Big Listener
Often, one of the benefits the bookkeeper provides is to do nothing, but listen. Their clients want someone they can confidentially vent to – about anything, not just business. So, over coffee in a café away from the office, the diligent bookkeeper sits and sips quietly, as their client reveals their inner secrets like a patient to their psychiatrist.
Business Coach
Recently, the team at Busy Bookkeeping coached and prepared a client for a presentation to one of Sydney’s best known Funders/Investment Bankers. We helped improve his forecasting, business model, pitch and introduction to potential funders.
As a result of our advice, our client will be able to raise funds for expansion once he gains more early adopters to his platform – it’s in the med-tech sector.
Here’s what he said about Busy Bookkeeping’s role:
“Working with Conrad Gaudin from Busy Bookkeeping Eastern Suburbs has been an absolute game-changer for me and my Healthcare SAAS platform. From the moment we engaged, his expertise and guidance propelled my vision from a mere concept to a fully-fledged business poised for success.
Conrad didn’t just help me craft a business plan; he sculpted a roadmap to success, meticulously outlining every detail and ensuring every aspect was finely tuned for maximum impact. His keen eye for detail and strategic insight helped me navigate complexities I hadn’t even considered, ensuring my plan was not just comprehensive but compelling.
But it didn’t stop there. Conrad took my pitch to the next level. With his guidance, I was able to confidently articulate my vision, mission, and value proposition in a way that resonated deeply with potential investors. His coaching not only polished my presentation skills but also instilled in me the confidence and charisma needed to captivate any audience.
Perhaps most impressively, Conrad opened doors for me that I never thought possible. Through his extensive network and strategic connections, I was introduced to a slew of potential investors who shared my passion for revolutionizing the healthcare industry. His ability to forge meaningful connections and facilitate fruitful partnerships was instrumental in securing the funding needed to bring my platform to life.
In every interaction, Conrad exuded professionalism, expertise, and unwavering dedication to my success. His mentorship has been invaluable, and I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance. For any entrepreneur seeking to turn their vision into reality, I wholeheartedly recommend Conrad Gaudin from Busy Bookkeeping Eastern Suburbs. He’s not just a coach; he’s a catalyst for success.”
So if you’re looking to expand, or maybe to exit your business, get in touch to learn how we can help. It’s all part of the service we offer and another demonstration of the secret lives of bookkeepers…