finance
GETTING STARTED WITH BOOKKEEPING by Jennifer Sehn
As I sit down to write this article, I found it very fitting that it will be in the April edition with the theme “New Beginnings”, as today marked the 2nd anniversary of when I quit my job and started my bookkeeping business. This was my own new beginning. I can say that on every level, I can relate to my clients about the challenges of being a business owner.
Your New Beginning Businesses begin as someone’s dream, investment, life change or maybe retirement plan. For myself, Sehn Bookkeeping Services Ltd. was started from a desire to create a balance between family and career that allowed me to be more available for my family. Therefore, I believe there is always more to being in business than the numbers, and it’s important to stay focused on that. People start businesses because they have special skills and services to offer, want to have independence over their schedule, spend more time with family, whatever it may be. I understand handing over your books to someone is a difficult task. It makes people feel vulnerable, judged, and sometimes shame and guilt. So many business owners have a preconceived notion that they should be able to do their own books and should be good at it. But lack of knowledge and time are the enemy, and the bookkeeping can end up behind. While no one is happy about being there, it can quickly become the reality. For most of the businesses I help, this isn’t because owners are bad money managers or business owners, it’s simply a lack of knowledge and/or time to get everything done.
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In my practice, there is no judgement, ever. It just is what it is, and we plan to move forward. In my opinion, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to helping businesses. Each business is unique, as is every business owner. What makes my practice unique is that I believe it’s my place as the professional to figure out how to work with my clients with as little disruption to their day-to-day operation as possible. It’s a big enough change hiring a bookkeeper without that bookkeeper forcing a lot of new changes. I’m often asked when the best time to hire a bookkeeper is. Ideally, I believe a bookkeeper should be involved as soon as a business gets started. You may not need a lot of help in the beginning, maybe just some consultation and guidance, but you’ll be put on the right path, right from the start. If this isn’t or wasn’t possible, as soon as you realize you’re in the weeds or have reached a roadblock would be the next best time.
First Steps The following are steps I recommend when you start working with a bookkeeper. Whether you are a new business just starting out, you’re an existing business needing help catching up, or perhaps you feel the need to change bookkeepers. Step 1: Reach out to a bookkeeper and have a conversation. If you do not feel a connection or ‘click’, find someone else to talk to. You’ll work closely with this person and it’s important to have a good relationship with them.
