Heart of the Bookkeeper

Cassandra Scott has been a constant in the Australian Bookkeeping scene for over 20 years and is now recognised as a leading voice when it comes to so many things impacting on the Bookkeeping Industry in Australia. Cassandra has in many ways, had to fight her natural instincts to shy away and just go along quietly over the years and yet, her vast experiences and intensive views on how important Bookkeepers are in Australia have in time, become to significant to hold back. And it is in this episode that Cassandra shares so many insights as to why Bookkeepers and Bookkeeping need to keep growing and evolving for the very existence of the profession she so passionately loves. The word Professional is examined at length in this episode, as well as dealing with a toxic work environment, the importance of systems and a particular app that changed everything for her in her practice, as well as why an exit strategy doesn't have to mean leaving and walking away. So many insights and high impact gains to be made from hearing Cassandra and her approach to bookkeeping and to life more generally in this episode. And then their is chocolate ... and for that, you will simply have to tune in to understand.

Most Bookkeepers face challenges on a daily basis and it is the resilience of Bookkeepers that shines through regularly across Australia, whether that be in the large cities or towns, or way out in the bush. Our guest in this episode, Krystal Merrett, is one of those Bookkeepers who's challenges each day can vary in so many ways, mostly due to the extreme remoteness of her location. Imagine having to do a clients Payroll whilst sitting in the farm ute on the top of a ridge. Or having to travel nearly an hour, just to find a shop that has some paper for the printer. Krystal is one of a new generation of Bookkeepers in Australia who juggles the needs of businesses in her regional district, whilst also assisting her husband and two teenage kids in their own business to run the farm. Based in far western Victoria, Krystal shares the often struggles of being a regional Bookkeeper, but also the highlights of farm life and being part of a small community. A key message in this episode is the journey Krystal and her husband have been on with dealing with succession on the farm and how that can relate to anyone hoping to create longevity and legacy in a business. Another great listen - enjoy.

Professional Bookkeeper Nicole Sweeny from regional South Australia, and owner of Revolution Consulting, is our guest in this episode of Heart of the Bookkeeper.Gaining an appreciation for Small Business at a very young age, assisting her Grandpa amongst the dirt and grease of a mechanics shop, Nicole almost from the start knew that her calling would come eventually in her own time to Small Business ... she just didn't know where and when. A chance trip overseas, followed by some dark times facing a form of Domestic violence, finally saw Nicole emerge stronger and more convicted than ever to create her own pathways in the form of a Bookkeeping practice. The highs, the lows and the uncertainties of Nicole's journey, come through strongly in her story to where she finds herself today. Innovation through tech, drives Nicole and her Bookkeeping business currently and we get to examine this, in this wonderful episode. Don't miss having a listen.

It would be safe to say that a large percentage of Australia (and the Worlds) population, do not dream of becoming a Bookkeeper as an occupation. Renae Petersen originally from Taranaki in New Zealand and now based in Melbourne Australia, is not one of those people. In fact, Renae was thinking Bookkeeping from a lot younger age than most and made sure that at every turn over the past few decades, she has been working towards her dream of creating and owning, her own Bookkeeping business. It is how Renae achieved that and the adversity she had to go through as part of that journey, that makes this episode of Herat of the Bookkeeper, a very special listen and one that many will find inspiring.

Highly experienced and well respected Bookkeeper, Elizabeth Haverfield from Bookkeeping and Consulting firm, Lime Results in Melbourne Victoria, is our guest today on Heart of the Bookkeeper. Having been and around the Bookkeeping Industry for over 25 years and still going strong, Elizabeth brings a wealth of insights and revelations to this episode that will have you reaching for the notebook and pen. Elizabeths longevity can be seen and heard in phases of her life and with each passing season of her journey, new and different challenges have had to be confronted and overcome and new discoveries made. This is the heart of a bookkeeper on full display for all to hear. Falling from the sky, food that you may have never eaten or tried and curly questions are all part of todays fantastic episode with Elizabeth. Don't miss out.

How do you know if Bookkeeping is something that you could learn to love and want to do and be a part of, in your every day? Well, this episode is one that you will want to listen to and discover the answer to that question. Ness Hartge from regional NSW is our guest on this episode of Heart of the Bookkeeper and is the owner of "In Order Business Solutions". The journey of Ness is one of somewhat "accidental" and somewhat "destiny", but the end result is a journey that will inspire many who are possibly on a similar pathway right now or even someone who has "been there and done that". COVID challenges, nappies, polocrosse and ultra marathon running all get discussed in this episode as Ness's Bookkeeping Practice growth has unfolded over many years. You are absolutely going to love this very enjoyable, bright and passionate episode.

Pam Taylor has seen both ends of the spectrum as a Bookkeeper. After being described as a "Trailblazer" by colleagues when she first entered the world of Bookkeeping at a very young age, suddenly thrust into a very male dominated environment and practice, Pam soon discovered challenges and adversity that led to her requiring a "starting again" phase and a season of rebuilding. Pam currently is the founder and owner of Greenspace Bookkeeping in Cockburn Western Australia, a bookkeeping practice that is innovating and constantly finding new ways to lead and grow. Pam is also a Director of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers and has a huge passion to see the Bookkeeping Industry in Australia continue to grow and prosper and see new talent emerge. This is an episode that you will find is very honest and at times vulnerable, but with many learnings and take outs for all to benefit from.

"Women can do anything" is a motto often used by Sandies Menzies, Gold Coast Bookkeeper and co-owner of Australian Bookkeeping franchise success story, Shoebox Bookkeeping and Tax. And it is in this episode that you will come to understand why Sandie uses that statement with such confidence these days, because this episode is one of undeniable and intense adversity that required strength and resolve to endure, that will both shock you and inspire you at times and yet Sandie's revelations will make you understand why she believes strongly in the "women can do anything" mantra. What Sandie has had to work through in her life, to get to where she is now, is simply almost unbelievable. But as you will hear, there can truly be a pathway of endurance through trials and tests in life ... you just have to find a way and often, it can only be your way. No more teasers on this one, this is a "must listen". Enjoy.