The Journey to Being a Bookkeeping Business Coach

I never intended to start a business. After a job loss two weeks before Christmas in 2009 (during the recession when jobs didn’t exist to apply for), I replied to Craig’s List ads for bookkeeping services. I didn’t have a website or business cards; I just needed to earn a living. Relying on my Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and my career experience working mostly senior accountant and accounting manager positions, I worked to provide the best bookkeeping services to clients that I could.

It never occurred to me to ask Google for business start-up checklists much less bookkeeping checklists. My first (unwritten) business plan was to earn enough to pay rent and put food on the table. I did that with the help of seasonal jobs with the US Census and Jackson Hewitt Tax Services while I worked to add more bookkeeping clients.

As a life-learner, I became a Certified Quickbooks ProAdvisor and Xero Certified Advisor, and Accounting Suite partner. I read, attended webinars, attended local seminars, and learned everything I could about running a business. Especially a virtual business. What I learned is this:

It’s human nature to avoid those things that overwhelm and intimidate you.

What if I told you the size of your business doesn’t matter?  It is possible to set up a streamlined bookkeeping system that will save you time and money. Many businesses make the mistake of waiting too long to set up an accounting system and not integrating it with the others systems in use.

I want to help you get back 3-5 hours a week of your time.

You’ve ignored that pile of receipts for another year and another tax deadline is approaching. At one point in my career, I worked as a software programmer, so that makes me a geek. I make that work for you by setting up a streamlined and cost-effective bookkeeping system that is easy to maintain. That way, you can stop lying awake at night worrying about your business finances. And you will probably pay your tax pro less to prepare your tax return because you’ll be super organized. How cool is that?

My business is mostly virtual and paperless. The thanks go to one of my first clients who asked me to store his business records for him. At that time, I was working in a very small space myself and didn’t have space to store much of anything. I spent most of my career prior to becoming self-employed in corporate America where the paper is used excessively daily. The decision to go paperless was easy; getting work done without printing paper was a learning process. The reward of going paperless is that I can run my business from anywhere and have a lot less clutter.

I work with businesses of all shapes and sizes, from one-person shops to corporate level. It’s all about what your business needs now. Originally from Pennsylvania, I’ve worked with manufacturers, hotels, photographers, scientists, a big insurance company and a small broker, nonprofits, and tech pros.

Why I Became a Bookkeeping Business Coach

As I worked with dozens of businesses doing their bookkeeping, I noticed a pattern of common issues. Issues I know I can solve. Your bookkeeping tells the story of your business. For too many businesses, that story is one of neglect. The annual rush to gather financial information for a one-night stand with the IRS takes a toll. That toll is lost opportunities and unplanned tax bills. All too often, the result is the closure of the business. It breaks my heart because I know I help you grow your business.

I’ve lived in northern Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado and currently, live in Bozeman, Montana. Hiking trails (especially national parks), mountains, dark chocolate, and books are necessary to my happiness.

What others say:

Jody has an excellent eye for detail and is exceptional at explaining complicated processes in a way that is easy to follow and grasp. Jody’s certifications in Xero, Fresh Books and Quickbooks (just to name a few) makes her a dependable financial resource who you can trust. Jody has consistently impressed me with her performance and attitude towards her work and I would highly recommend her to anyone. ~Kate

Jody Seibert is an extremely talented and resourceful person, with great attention to detail. Her work is fast and effective. I strongly recommend her financial services. ~Steve