Web URL: www.BalancedBookkeepingSolutions.com
Years in Business: 2010
Type of Business: Accounting/Bookkeeping Consulting
Works: 100% virtually
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Twitter @SusanKovalesky
Ruth: Today I’m welcoming Balanced Bookkeeping Solutions operated by Susan Kovalesky to the blog. It’s great to talk with you, Susan. Tell us about your business and what you do.
Susan: I offer a wide variety of services that include doing monthly bookkeeping for startup businesses to large businesses. I will set up your new company file. I will teach you how to use your accounting software, if you choose to do it yourself. I can set up your file on a hosted server (so that your desktop program is in “the cloud”). I can also teach you about other applications that work with your accounting software. I will show you how to organize your financial records and why that’s important. I will help you create a budget for your business and analyze your internal financial statements. I work mainly with QuickBooks but there are lots of new online accounting programs that are sufficient for many small businesses. Together we can determine which program is best for your business.
Ruth: How did you get started in becoming a virtual bookkeeper?
Susan: I worked in corporate accounting for several years after I graduated from college (and got married). I decided to take time off when we had our two daughters. When my youngest was a little over a year old, a realtor friend asked for my help with her database and marketing materials. I agreed to work with her as long as I could work from home. After a few years of working part time, I discovered there was actually something called Virtual Assistance. To make a long story short, I joined DVVAA (Delaware Valley Virtual Assistants Association) and IVAA (International Virtual Assistants Association) and started attending the local events and the IVAA Live Summits. I met my friend Linda Siniscal, who, when she found out I had an MBA in finance and a background in corporate accounting, encouraged me to learn QuickBooks and get back into doing what I knew how to do.
Ruth: Tell me about the support and encouragement you’ve experienced.
Susan: I feel that without my involvement in DVVAA and IVAA, I wouldn’t have the business I do today. After I joined the Intuit QuickBooks ProAdvisor program, I became certified. Linda (Siniscal) then gave me my first subcontracting job. At the Phoenix Live Summit in 2010, I met Candy Beauchamp who was looking for a new team member and I worked with her and her OffAssist team for the next 3 years. But it wasn’t until I met Donna Toothaker of Step It Up VA Coaching that my business really changed (and I really changed!) I credit all of these people along with many colleagues who are always there for me especially my good friend and fellow IVAA member, Mary Motz, who I meet for lunch at least once a month. I have a network of colleagues to look to for most anything I need. I can refer my clients to them for their other needs besides bookkeeping.
Ruth: Building a dynamic support circle of friends, contacts, and colleagues creates a huge advantage compared to those who are hesitant to get to know others. I’ve always appreciated how inviting and supportive this industry is. Do you have any advice for someone considering becoming a virtual bookkeeper?
Susan: If you’re able, find an accountability partner or hire a business coach. It’s nice to not “go it alone”. It’s was vital for me to be accountable to someone on a regular basis. It has really kept me going in the right direction. Know that you can be 100% virtual always. There’s always a solution to any obstacles you envision to working with your clients virtually. Find organizations, IVAA or others with like-minded goals, which you can turn to for support. Volunteer with those organizations. I started by attending the IVAA Live Summit, I then joined the Live Summit Committee as the registration coordinator, and last year and this year, I’ve served as co-chair for that event. It’s a great way to meet people, to learn from people and find people to work with. Most importantly, it’s a great way to give back to an organization that’s given me so much.
Ruth: Great suggestions! For someone seeking a bookkeeper, like you, what should they know?
Susan: I would suggest people look to organizations such as IVAA and DVVAA or other organizations that support virtual professionals. When looking for a bookkeeper, QuickBooks consultant, or trainer, I’d suggest that people look to the QuickBooks Find-A-ProAdvisor website or the AIPB (American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers) website.
Look for a Certified ProAdvisor. It means they didn’t just join the ProAdvisor program, it means they completed training and exams to become certified on that particular year’s software program. In general, be clear on what you want your working relationship to be like. When you both are clear about the services one party wants and the services the other party will provide, it makes for a great partnership.
Ruth: These tips are sure to be helpful. Any last words for our readers?
Susan: I think it is important for any virtual professional (or for anyone contemplating starting a virtual business) to realize there are thousands and thousands of people just like them but there is also plenty of work for everyone. People in this industry are extremely giving. Meet as many of these people as possible and learn from them, work with them and value them.
Ruth: Insightful words to end with. Thank you, Susan.