Quick Jump:
Charlene Hiebert (Winnipeg) | Denise Franklin (Belleville, Peterborough, Oshawa)
Brenda Cross (Saskatoon, Regina) | Avis Michalovsky (Victoria)
Shelley Brown (Calgary) | Wendy Morrison (Calgary) | Lynn Magnaye (Edmonton)
Judy Rheault (Kelowna) | Ann Granger (100 Mile House)
Angela Franklin (Halifax) | Pam Chorney (Grande Prairie)

Charlene Hiebert, CPB

Winnipeg

Year-End Bookkeeping Services
www.handoveryourbooks.com

Year-End Ready was launched in February 2006 as a part-time endeavour. In September 2007 it expanded to a full-time endeavour and has been growing ever since.

Charlene Hiebert was first introduced to the bookkeeping profession in 2003 when she worked at a welding shop as an administrative assistant. She admired how the bookkeeper worked flexible hours, and would take the work home if she couldn’t get it done. Also, if there was a snow storm on Wednesday, the bookkeeper would just come in on Thursday as there were no bookkeeping emergencies.

Charlene, with a Diploma in Greenhouse Management from her first college experience, decided to go back to night school to learn accounting and work towards becoming a bookkeeper. Charlene completed her Certificate in Accounting (with honours) from Red River Community College in Spring 2006. That fall, she had the good fortune of meeting another experienced bookkeeper who was looking for a junior bookkeeper on a subcontract basis. Having a mentor has made all the difference as it accelerated the shift from accounting employee to self-employed bookkeeper.

Something that not a lot of people know about Charlene is that she has a passion for cut flowers. She spent 2 summers renting land in the country and growing cut flowers that were bunched and sold at Farmer’s Markets.

When she’s not balancing books, Charlene enjoys playing recreation league soccer, volunteering as a transportation coordinator and driver for the Winnipeg Folk Festival, hiking in the Whiteshell and reading business and personal development books. Her favourite books are written by Dan Kennedy and Timothy Ferris. She is also a member of Business Networking International (BNI) and is a QuickBooks facilitator for the Meyers Norris Penny Self-Employment Program.

I would like every bookkeeper that I meet to join IPBC to become a CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM. I cringe when I hear that bookkeepers are charging $15-20/hr. I want business owners to be confident that they are hiring the best when they hire a CPB and to expect to pay top dollar for a top professional.

I believe in IPBC and their mandate. I would like to participate in raising the standards of bookkeeping as I have certainly seen some shoddy bookkeeping work which ruins our reputation as bookkeepers. The majority of bookkeepers are self-employed people that work from home. We need a strong network of support to help each other. I don’t see any competition between the bookkeepers here in Winnipeg, and I would like us to collaborate to improve ourselves, our practices and the general reputation of bookkeepers as a whole.

Denise Franklin, CPB

Belleville, Peterborough, Oshawa

D's Bookkeeping Service
www.bookkeepingbyd.com

Denise brings many years of experience to the world of bookkeeping. Having been born in the ‘50’s and becoming a high school graduate in the 70’s has made her one of the generational baby boomers. While doing bookkeeping at various levels, including payroll and collections, she has acquired years of knowledge, enabling her to start her own business to satisfy the needs of her clients. Since high school, she has worked for small businesses, big businesses, and corporations both American and Canadian owned.

Denise, a CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM and Regional Developer is a member of the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada (IPBC), The Power of Women Exchange (POWE), the Women’s Small Business Network (WSBN) and the Brighton and District Chamber of Commerce. Being an avid networker, she is the proud recipient of the 2008 Member of the Year award with The Power of Women Exchange networking group. Denise is licensed with the City of Quinte West and has been a dedicated entrepreneur and a registered business entity since January 2005.

Denise’s business is mobile and covers all bookkeeping procedures including off-site payroll and training at various levels. Her goal in business is to help all small business entrepreneurs get on and stay on the right track with their business needs in accordance with government regulations.

When Denise is not cleaning up new client turmoil or satisfying current client needs, she enjoys reading inspirational motivational books. She is Contributing Author in The Power of Women United book written for all women who are looking to further their careers and enrich their lives.

I would love to see every bookkeeper in my region become a CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM and be as successful in their business as I am in mine. Through education, knowledge, support, experience and networking it is possible for all bookkeepers to become first-rate bookkeepers and provide their clients with the expertise needed to comply with government regulation.

Seems the busier you are, the more you take on and busier you get. Once I realized the importance of becoming and helping others become members and certified, it was most definitely something I wanted to be a big part of. Believing in the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and their mandate will help bookkeepers believe in themselves and that in turn will help business owners believe in their bookkeepers. With the support and encouragement of first-rate bookkeepers, we can create a superior enterprise in the field of bookkeeping.

Brenda Cross, CPB

Saskatoon, Regina

Back Office-Business Management Solutions
www.backofficebusiness.ca

I started my bookkeeping career as a part-timer over fifteen years ago while working in the banking industry. My children were small and the flexible hours and the idea of working at home was very intriguing. Eventually, it worked into a full-time venture. In January 2009, I entered into a partnership with Kim Askin, forming “Back Office-Business Management Solutions”. We provide, not only bookkeeping services, but office assistance as well. We can set up books for clients as well as complete the work for them. We deal in retail and service industries as well as the farming sector. We also do some year-end audits.

I wrote my CPB exam in December of 2008. I am a Solution Provider for “Simply Accounting” as well as an “AgExpert Analyst” Certified Advisor (agricultural software). In January I will have completed a six course program to graduate as a Distinguished Financial Advisor - Bookkeeping. As you can see, I still enjoy learning and updating and I am constantly taking classes. I feel that this industry requires keeping up to date.

Being in the bookkeeping industry for a long time, the IPBC is greatly appreciated. Finally we can have some standards and a venue for bookkeepers to go to get information and assistance. We are not alone. My decision to become the Regional Developer for Saskatchewan is based on this principle. In Saskatchewan, because of the physical distance, there are a lot of small businesses. They all know the importance of keeping financial information current, but do not always have the energy or resources to do so. That’s where we come in. I am very aware of the importance of keeping their books straight.

My experiences outside of bookkeeping have included: working in lending departments (gathering information for the bank to consider loans); working in Human Resources and as an administrative assistant to the management team of one of the largest credit unions in Saskatchewan. I also worked, for one tax season, in an accounting office completing personal income taxes. Since I have covered all of these bases I feel that I am helpful in completing documents ready for the bank and/or for income tax preparation.

The IPBC is raising the standards for bookkeepers all across the country. I am very happy to be bringing this news to the bookkeepers of Saskatchewan and I want all bookkeepers to belong and benefit from this great organization.

Avis Michalovsky, CPB

Victoria

AM Management Services

Bookkeeping and Office Administration has been a part of my adult work life. As a young adult, I chose to follow in my father’s footsteps and graduated from NAIT in Engineering Technology. I learned, when I took a few years out to be an at home mom, the world had passed me by. Computers became a huge part of drafting and I lacked access to any training. I headed back to the familiar ‐ bookkeeping and office administration.

Since moving to Victoria in 1993, I have worked as a bookkeeper for accountants and in the private sector which led me to choose self-employment in 2004. Having become proficient with different software, I now feel quite at home in our computerized world. In 2008, Peter, my husband, and I formed AM Management Services Ltd. We provide bookkeeping and office administration to a number of small companies. We also provide a myriad of other services to meet the needs of our clients such as our maintenance and repair division ‐ which is a proven success with our clients in the co-op housing sector.

I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would be working for myself; have the calibre of skills that I have acquired and have an office that I enjoy. The flexibility I now enjoy is “priceless”.

I feel truly blessed and volunteer in the community ~ notably as the volunteer bookkeeper for Camp Pringle and a fundraiser for VWSAC. When not working, we are busy raising our seventeen year old grandson and babysitting our two year old granddaughter. I am passionate about quilting but it seems to be on the back-burner for the moment.

I will work towards growing the membership of IPBC as well as encouraging and mentoring bookkeepers to become CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeepers^TM. Business owners need to feel confident that they are getting a high calibre of bookkeeper which I believe IPBC membership and certification offers.

The highest form of flattery occurs when you are asked to do something. I will admit my decision to volunteer is selfish - when involved in any organization, if you do it for the right reasons, you often get back more than you put in. I am already seeing the value of getting involved and look forward to the future in IPBC.

Shelley Brown, CPB

Calgary

I took accounting in high school and took a refresher course when I moved here from B.C. in 1981. From 1981 to 1993, I floated around from job to job not really settling. I started bookkeeping for extra income as a stay at home Mom in 1993. This allowed me to spend the time with my daughters that was so important to myself and my family. In 1997 I had a friend ask me to look after one of her bookkeeping clients on a regular basis, which I accepted. Also in 1993, I started preparing personal income tax returns. I had been doing my own and my friends and family up until that point. My business has mostly been concentrated in the proprietorship sector and being able to do the bookkeeping and the tax returns was beneficial to my clients, and that is how I started Brown Knows Bookkeeping & Tax Services. In 2005 I was working for a hardware store as their bookkeeper when I made the decision to go out on my own. I contacted Wendy Morrison at the time because she had asked me if I was interested in doing some work for her. Wendy and I have been working together since then and both of our business have grown exponentially. I incorporated in November 2007 and became Brown Knows Business Services Ltd. When Wendy and I first started working together, we were both working out of our homes. That only worked for about 6 months. We decided to share an office space and got a great deal on some space that we occupied for 4 years. We have now outgrown that office and moved to a larger space. Our goal is to network with each other and other like minded bookkeepers to jointly grow all of our business individually under a networking plan so that we can all help each other out with our various areas of expertise. In November 2008, I became an IPBC member and in July 2009, I became a CPB. In February 2010, I have become a co-regional developer for IPBC in the Calgary area. In my spare time, what little there is of it, I like to read, scrapbook, sew and travel. I am an amateur photographer and like to photograph wildlife, scenery and my family. I have also photographed many weddings and really enjoy the social aspect of that.

My vision for the Calgary region is to see the IPBC recognized as the leading bookkeeping association in Canada. I would like to see the accounting firms recommend CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeepers^TM to their clients as well as using CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeepers^TM in their own organizations. I would like the Canadian standard to be that when you need a bookkeeper, IPBC is the only place to go to find one. I would like to see our name be a household name or synonymous with the bookkeeping industry. I would like to see all bookkeepers get the networking and assistance they require to continue to be educated and up to date in our field, especially the new ones who don't know where to go for assistance, mentorship, education, networking, etc.

I feel very passionately about the profession of bookkeeping and what IPBC is doing in recognizing the need for standards in the industry. In the years I have been working as a bookkeeper, I have seen too many people who say they are a bookkeeper when in fact, they are data entry. I have volunteered to help get the word out. I want to scream from the mountaintops "IPBC" so loudly that every bookkeeper in the country hears my roar.

Wendy Morrison, CPB

Calgary

I stumbled into the bookkeeping profession a long time ago out of necessity. I needed to find a profession that would pay me enough to support my son as a single parent. I learned my profession while living in the Toronto area and when I moved back to Calgary, Alberta in 1992 I became employed by a CMA firm. I was employed there for from 1992 to 2004 doing all of the bookkeeping and personal and corporate tax filings. When the accountant that owned the business retired, I decided to continue on in the profession on my own. I had also been doing bookkeeping and tax preparation for a variety of clients all through this time period. In 2004 I incorporated Tartan Business Services Ltd.

It was a little nerve wracking to go out on my own with a mortgage to pay, etc. I wasn't sure that I would be able to pay the bills. Wow, was I wrong. I hit the ground running and haven't stopped since. From 2004 to 2009, my client base increased from around 15 (2004) to 138 (2009) clients. In 2005 I took on Shelley Brown as a contractor to help me out. Very shortly she had too much business to help me anymore and our relationship changed to a networking partnership and we share office space, clients, expenses, etc. We continue to boost each other's business and combined have well over 200 clients. I became a member of IPBC in May of 2009, became a CPB in July of 2009 and a co-regional developer for the Calgary area in February 2010.

On the personal side, I like to relax with a good book and usually read approximately 250 - 300 books per year. My son got me interested in the x-box revolution. It's a great way to expel the frustrations of the day when you can run around through a game and solve riddles, kill characters, etc.

I can't stand it whenever someone tells me that I can't do something, so the other hobby I have is home renovations. I completely renovated my home and 85% of it I did myself. I installed new flooring, tiles, paint, doors, etc. It took me a couple of years but the payoff was worth it. The sense of accomplishment was huge. The other thing I was told I couldn't accomplish on my own was to replace the transmission in my car (this was a long time ago). I did it. I rented a space and the tools I needed, got a how-to book and under the supervision of a man (who just watched and did not help one iota), I replaced the transmission in my car. My biggest motivation in life has always been - you can't do that (especially when prefaced by - you're a girl).

I would like to see everyone calling themselves a "bookkeeper" to actually be one. In the last 17 years that I have been a bookkeeper, I have found it astounding how many people are out there that are glorified data entry calling themselves bookkeepers. I am ecstatic that there is an organization that can accredit us and give us a standard level that must be met. I plan to get the word out to everyone I know in the field about IPBC and the benefits of being a CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM. I would like to see the membership in Calgary at least double every year. I hope there comes a day when you cannot actually do bookkeeping without accreditation. We deserve to have the professional respect, responsibilities, benefits, etc. that accountants now enjoy.

I strongly agree with IPBC and everything it is trying to accomplish for its membership. I think that with all of my experience and my large client base, I can bring my contacts into play for IPBC partnerships, seminar speakers, etc. I have never volunteered for anything before because as a single parent with both employment and self-employment there just wasn't time. I am willing to do what it takes in order to increase awareness of IPBC and benefit its membership and our industry.

Lynn Magnaye, CPB

Edmonton

I pride myself on my strong work ethic, professional attitude and team building skills.

I was born in Canada, completed my elementary education in the Philippines and returned to Canada as a teenager to further my learning. During my elementary years, I developed strong work ethics at a young age since all students were expected to work in the school in exchange for an education. When I returned to Canada, I continued my studies in high school and joined the Calgary work force. My strong commitment to customer service earned me a manager’s position in the hospitality industry during my young adult years. My marriage and raising a family were my main priority during the next decade and I continued to work part time and offer my services as a volunteer for numerous organizations in the community.

After relocating to Edmonton, I furthered my studies and took courses in professional development. I also returned to the work force on a full time basis and continued volunteering at charities such as: Heart and Stroke Foundation. In 1996, I received a certificate in Computerized Accounting and applied this knowledge while working for various agencies. This resulted in my current position since 1997 with the AR department of an Industrial Company. In my position along with my dedication to customer service, I have the unique opportunity of forming business liaisons with several departments within the company giving me a broader knowledge of the business process as a whole.

My volunteer work in dance, figure skating and community league events provided me with the opportunity to take on different roles in bookkeeping and public relations and my interest in this avenue became evident. I branched out to explore the career opportunities in the bookkeeping profession. Based on the interest of setting up a home based business in 2007, I upgraded my education to increase my knowledge in bookkeeping and took courses in software programs such as Simply Accounting and QuickBooks. As a result of my hard work and dedication, I have successfully found a place where I can capitalize on my strong work ethics and business networking skills. To grow my business, I am creating partnerships by networking and building relationships with various professional individuals and organizations. To remain current in bookkeeping knowledge and practices, I became an active volunteer as Regional Developer for IPBC.

I welcomed the opportunity to volunteer as IPBC’s Regional Developer representative for Edmonton to be current on industry development and expand my knowledge of this demanding career. I also wish to share my experience by making a difference in our member’s business practice through education, support and networking.

My goal is to participate in establishing excellent standards in bookkeeping. Through awareness and guidance, I am also committed to providing prospects and current members with the business value of an IPBC membership while building confidence and trust with the local business community.

Judy Rheault, CPB

Kelowna

I developed Kelowna Bookkeeping Co. in 2007, drawing upon decades of well-informed financial and office management expertise at senior levels. My previous work as a Senior Finance Clerk for CBC Radio, as an executive assistant to the CFO of a Saskatchewan coachline, and as a Regional Administrator for a group of over 1400 salespeople – coupled with years of office administration experienced gained since 1990 – provide a solid and diversified background that enables me to knowledgeably and efficiently advise my clients. As sole proprietor, I thrive upon the challenge of balancing books with tenaciousness, creativity, and perfectionism, at once adhering to government regulations while maximizing my clients’ finances.

I offer full bookkeeping services on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis. I handle accounts payable and receivable; reconciliation; payroll and group benefits administration; financial setup and consulting; annual tax preparation; and government filings for GST, PST, payroll remittance, and Worksafe BC. As a proponent of all-around technical excellence which complements my bookkeeping skills, I am proficient with the most up-to-date accounting software, web design and management, and complete home office setup.

Committed to ongoing learning to keep pace with the latest industry developments, I actively take professional courses. I have completed Financial Accounting, Business Communications, Business Management, Organizational Behaviour, and Business Law courses at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (S.A.I.T.). I am also accredited as a Canadian Payroll Association Level 1 Payroll Administrator and possess a Certificate in Human Relations from Toronto’s Granton Institute. I have a Certificate in Bookkeeping from Regina’s Wascana Institute and a Certificate in Tax Preparation with H & R Block – which, for me, highlights the difference between simple data entry and a genuine understanding of what it takes to be a thoroughly informed professional bookkeeper. I envision the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada as the ideal governing body to make that distinction and to recognize us as legitimate industry professionals amongst the business community as well as the wider public.

The Okanagan is an untapped market and I would like to raise standards, levels of professionalism, and develop camaraderie to bring professional bookkeepers in the area together as part of the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada (IPBC). I look forward to having others in my field as a group for support and to stand with our heads held high for the great work we do. I envision ongoing development of IPBC as an excellent opportunity to raise the standard of professionalism in our field, thereby building confidence and trust in us throughout the business community.

Professionalism is key to this field. There are a lot of unprofessional data entry workers who call themselves bookkeepers out there; I would like to see our profession taken as seriously as other professionals, such as accountants and lawyers. Accountants and lawyers belong to professional societies and groups; bookkeepers will also benefit from having a group which recognizes and sets the standard for our profession, which will subsequently instill trust and respect amongst our clients.

Accordingly, IPBC bookkeepers have to meet professional standards and maintain good standing, such as ensuring their education is kept up to date, and that they keep pace with the changing industry by earning a certain number of professional credits over a certain number of years. A required three-hour exam at the beginning to prove they are knowledgeable separates the difference between individuals simply calling themselves bookkeepers and those who have the genuine expertise to successfully function as such.

The other reason I would like to serve as a Regional Developer for IPBC is to foster camaraderie and a resource centre. Most bookkeepers work out of their homes and are isolated from other professionals in the field. Via the IPBC website, we are able to post and get answers to bookkeeping questions and requirements, however simple or complex. Functions such as seminars held for bookkeepers can enable us to mingle and brainstorm with others in the field.

As a Regional Developer, I want to cultivate professionalism and correlative professional respect.

IPBC gives us the chance, as bookkeepers, to be taken seriously with along with other professionals such as accountants and lawyers. It shows we are top of the line and will accept being treated no less – and are therefore not expected to negotiate the rates we establish. By ensuring consistent, high-quality professionalism, we can also demand – and achieve – consistent professional respect.

I look forward to working with other IPBC leaders and members to achieve our collective goals.

Ann Granger, CPB

100 Mile House

Granger Bookkeeping Services
www.grangerbookkeeping.ca

As a child, Ann was fascinated by watching her bookkeeper mom’s fingers operating her adding machine so quickly. This was the first step in discovering the enjoyment she receives from this profession.

On her return from Camosun College in Victoria, BC, where she completed business-related courses in 1980/1981, she started her first job as a bookkeeper with a welding/fabricating shop. She has been working in and learning this profession ever since, establishing her own business in 1987 to meet the bookkeeping needs of varied small businesses, and later expanded to include “in house” bookkeeping and office administration.

Ann is a Premier Advisor in the Simply Accounting Partner Program, currently working toward Simply Accounting Certified Consultant status. She earned the CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM designation in March of 2010. Ann’s goals are to expand her bookkeeping knowledge base, better herself professionally and better serve her clients. She loves working with her clients and enjoys the flexibility that self-employment offers.

When she’s not working in her office, Ann can be found helping her husband on their farm, spending time with their four children and a new grandchild, and volunteering as a board member for a local kids’ camp.

I would like to introduce other bookkeepers to the resources available to them with their membership in IPBC. I have developed a support network with a fellow bookkeeper over the past 5 years which has led to a great friendship and I want to expand that network to include other bookkeepers and accountants because I feel we have much to offer and much to learn from each other.

Accepting the invitation to become a Regional Developer seemed like a logical step to take because, although I have only been a member of IPBC since March, 2010, I can already see that the resources and networking available to me are invaluable tools in this profession. I recently spoke with a fellow member who is a CGA, and came away with needed information which he graciously provided. This is a prime example of what a network of support can do and why promoting IPBC in my area is important.

Angela Franklin, CPB

Halifax

Black & White Bookkeeping
www.blackandwhitebookkeeping.com

Black and White Bookkeeping was founded 4 years ago and in that short time, has grown from 3 clients to over 80 clients.

Angela Franklin is the president of Black & White Bookkeeping. She holds a CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeeper^TM certification from the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada. Angela also has 8 years of experience as a Business Development Manager for start up Companies. She has also worked with companies through Initial Offerings and was involved with Federal Government Agencies through to privatization.

Angela helps small to medium business owners to better understand their financial position and cash flow challenges. Along with the analyzing and providing feedback on internal business processes that are keeping the business from reaching full potential.

To have the bookkeepers in the Atlantic Region that are serious about providing top notch service and support to their clients to become members of the IPBC and become CPB-Certified Professional Bookkeepers^TM. I would also like to increase awareness with companies, financial advisors and other decision influencers about the importance of proper, accurate bookkeeping. I want to promote the understanding with small and medium business owners that it is in their best interest to look for CPB’s to assist with their bookkeeping needs. Finally I would like to provide bookkeepers with valid, economical professional development.

I really believe in the mandate of the IPBC, and promoting bookkeeping as a professional career. I honestly believe in the mission and vision of the IPBC. I also passionately enjoy assisting small businesses become successful, and I find it very upsetting when I go to a new client and the previous person that was helping them manage their books just did not understand the importance of having correct data. In being a Regional Developer, I am hopefully able to assist the bookkeepers that are genuinely interested in learning and becoming better to offer a higher level of service to their clients. In the end we all win!

Pam Chorney, CPB

Grande Prairie

I started in the bookkeeping industry 17 years ago when I applied to work for a temp agency. I was immediately placed in the accounting department of the head office of an insurance company. I was trained in several of the accounting positions and my love for accounting was born. My family relocated to Grande Prairie in 1998 and I secured a position at an accounting firm as their internal bookkeeper and office manager.

I opened my own bookkeeping firm in the year 2000 and haven’t looked back since. The growth of my business was gradual but steady with most of my work coming from Accountants. I learned that if you listen to what the accountants want, you will be a trusted source for bookkeeping. I have dedicated my business to giving my clients the best service and professionalism we can deliver.

I have three staff working with me and I still personally review everything that leaves my office. I believe in staying in touch with my clients’ businesses and adapting my services to them as their needs change.

I am a member of the Grande Prairie Rotary club and the Executive Women International chapter of Grande Prairie. Both of these memberships have brought me opportunities to network and meet other professionals.

I hope to bring awareness in Grande Prairie to the Institute’s mission to regulate our industry and educate the clients about how to choose a bookkeeper. I hope to get in touch with the local bookkeepers to promote membership to the Institute and to encourage them to reach for goals in our industry – such as certification and ongoing professional development.

Over the years I have fixed many sets of books that have been mishandled by inexperienced bookkeepers. This frustrates me. Poor bookkeeping can destroy a business yet anyone who thinks they have some skills in data entry can call themselves a bookkeeper. Clients need to be educated in order to choose appropriate bookkeeping staff. Good bookkeeping can save a client money and frustration. I look forward to promoting good bookkeeping and practices.