Charlene Hiebert

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 Certified Professional Bookkeeper. 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

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 Certified Professional Bookkeeper 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. 

What I plan to accomplish in the Belleville, Peterborough, Oshawa Region:

I would love to see every bookkeeper in my region become a Certified Professional Bookkeeper 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.

Why did I volunteer to become a Regional Developer?

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

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

Victoria

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Wendy Willis

Victoria

Integrated Business Management Group Inc.
www.ibmgi.com

After seventeen years at the same firm I was doing the network and software installation, as well as assisting with the internal books, at an international CA firm in Victoria. Then I started my own business in 1996 and incorporated in 1999 as Integrated Business Management Group Inc. I specialize in seminars, onsite and remote training of QuickBooks for accounting, and PayDirt for complex payrolls. I now have over 600 customers, several employees and I am booked several weeks in advance.

I have many clients currently importing PayDirt payroll into the QuickBooks accounting, and transferring the money through TelPay with just a couple of clicks. I am a Certified ProAdvisor with QuickBooks and was one of the nine Regional Training Representatives for Intuit Canada presenting training seminars for QuickBooks Basic, Advanced and Payroll. I am also certified in Simply Accounting and MYOB and I import the PayDirt payroll into MYOB as well. I have worked with integrating third party software add-ons like POS Point of Sale, and Adagio FX for reporting. I am comfortable with exporting and importing data to get clients up and running quickly.

What I plan to accomplish in the Victoria region:

I look forward to meeting many other bookkeepers and accountants in my area. It is such a privilege to have the invaluable advice that we receive from accountants who come and give a talk on their topic of expertise. It means a lot to be able to do a set of books, present them for year end, and get just a couple of journal entries coming back. It is even greater when we are able to get a compliment from that accountant on a job well done, and more referrals to new clients. So the knowledge that they will pass to us can put more dollars in our pocket. I look forward to meeting with other bookkeepers also because so many of us run into very similar problems in doing the books, managing our software and other technology, dealing with customers, receivables and staff issues, just to name a few.
It very uplifting to hear that others are running into similar issues and finding out how they have solved their problems. I also look forward to collecting everyone’s questions so that we can have round table or panel discussions and expert speakers to bring us the answers.

Why did I volunteer to become a Regional Developer?

I volunteered to be a Regional Developer because it is something I have been wanting to do for a long time. I have always been looking for a forum to get together with other bookkeepers in order to share our knowledge and expertise. Just getting out to network with others and sharing our war stories also helps us to be more aware of what is happening out there. What kind of bookkeeping tricks to be aware of, and what kind clients to look out for. How to increase our billing rate in order to enjoy the work that we love to do. I have lots of work and the greatest clients. The nicest thing is that now, with the CPB certification, I can prove that I have the expertise and I am able to charge much more than I charged when I started my business ten years ago. And I can confidently walk into an accountant's office to show them my business card and know that they will feel more comfortable knowing what the difference is between a bookkeeper and a Certified Professional Bookkeeper with the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada.

 Shelley Brown

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.

 

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 Wendy Morrison

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).

What I plan to accomplish in the Calgary region:

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 certified member.  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.

Why did I volunteer to become a Regional Developer?

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.

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Lisa Butler

Grande Prairie

Balanced Bookkeeping Solutions was started by Lisa January 18/2004. The company was started with not only the intent to provide businesses with top of the line bookkeeping but to guide and train the next generation of bookkeepers. The company hired one person per year and now has four bookkeepers and an administrative assistant. The company is set up to mentor her employee’s, so that they have options in their future career.

When Lisa graduated from high school she ran heavy equipment for International Nickle at the open pit mine, At 24 she decided it was time to return to school. She attended Red River Community College and graduated from Business Accountancy in 1974. From college Lisa worked for the Hudson Bay Wholesales, Northwest Territorial Airways, Ron Look Trucking and O’Connell Brothers Contracting. O’Connell Brothers was her last job as an employee.

In 1988 Lisa had started her own bookkeeping practice. Lisa found that bookkeeping lent itself very nicely to a home occupation when you have children. She then decided to purchase a flower shop, while still maintaining a bookkeeping client base.

Lisa has instructed the Simply Accounting course at the Grande Prairie Regional College for the past 4 years. She also is a business partner with Simply Accounting.

After 35 years in the bookkeeping industry, Lisa has come across a large number of inexperienced and unqualified bookkeepers, when she came across IPBC she was truly delighted that there was an organization that a bookkeeper could belong to that would distinguish you as a professional bookkeeper.

What I plan to accomplish in the Grande Prairie region:

I believe in IPBC’s mandate. If you believe in the mandate you can’t always let other people do the work, it was time to step up and help make this happen. I believe IPBC is for the serious bookkeepers who take pride in excellent quality work. The IPBC will help to raise the bar and legitimize the bookkeeping industry.

Why did I volunteer to become a Regional Developer?

To bring IPBC to the Grande Prairie region. To help provide new and experienced bookkeepers with a form to network with other bookkeepers and accounting professionals.

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Lynn Magnaye

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.

What I plan to accomplish in the Edmonton region:

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.

Why did I volunteer to become a Regional Developer?

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.

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Cheryl Hannaford

Toronto East

I am the owner of CJH Services which provides bookkeeping and related business services.  I formed the company to utilize my many years of bookkeeping and business experience in helping other businesses with their bookkeeping and organizational requirements.  I truly believe that a well organized company with a good set of books is a joy to behold.

As a baby boomer, I have had experience in several fields and bookkeeping and administration has played a strong part in all of them.  My previous experience includes: accountant & office manager for an employment agency, trust company manager, legal assistant for a small firm, manager of a real estate company, auditor for Revenue Canada (now CRA), and founding president and treasurer of a local Chamber of Commerce.  My variety of experience in all these fields brings with it knowledge of many different industries and situations that I am able to offer to my clients.

My services are available either at the client’s office or in my office and I provide a full range of services including bookkeeping, training, business set-up and reorganization.  My business goal is to help my clients to achieve their best efficiency and structure.

When not immersed in my business, I enjoy swimming, reading and spending time with friends and family.

What I plan to accomplish in the Toronto East region:

I would like to have all the good bookkeepers in my area become members of the IPBC and become certified.  This would provide a strong degree of confidence in our bookkeepers by potential clients and by accounting firms who are asked to recommend good qualified bookkeepers. As well, our bookkeepers, as certified professionals, would have the confidence to command the fees that a professional should be earning.

Why did I volunteer to become a Regional Developer?

I strongly believe that bookkeepers need to formalize their levels of training and competence and to attain the professional recognition that other professions have.  The IPBC and their standards provides the opportunity for a profession that is largely self employed to network, maintain up-to-date training and information and, most importantly, develop a presence and professional credibility in the market place.

 

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