Accounting

I've had a spectacular time in the studio over the past week or so, and I'm not done yet. I'll be back in a few days with updates and pictures, but right now, something is nagging me and I need to talk about that and ask for some help.

I've spent some time lately working with my business accounting, and things are looking reasonably fine at the moment. I hired a bookkeeping coach to teach me the rudiments of Quickbooks, and that was okay, although I don't think that particular person was the right fit for me. So I'm looking for the right fit now.

I've searched extensively online, and looked at dozens of accounting and bookkeeping business websites that feature sleek, polished photographs of people in suits sitting around conference tables looking smug, which do nothing for me but activate my gag reflex, especially since I'm reasonably convinced that the actual businesses represented by these websites are dingy little offices in strip malls somewhere. In any event, I'm pretty sure that the kind of people who would create these websites would not be impressed by me schlepping by in my blue jeans and Birkenstocks, wearing a funny hat and chirping about how I have a great new design for catnip toys. Again, not the right fit.

So here's what I need. I need someone to coach me on bookkeeping and more specifically, on Quickbooks, who gets that artists have multiple and oftentimes disparate revenue streams. In my case, it's making stuff and selling it, plus teaching and writing. I fully understand that the accounting for each of these different areas can be complicated, and I need help to do this right, because no one wants to invite individual attention from the IRS. I am NOT looking for someone to do the bookkeeping for me, because I think it is important that I understand what is going on with the money stuff at this point. I AM looking for someone to teach me what I need to know to keep clear and accurate books, and also to perform a yearly audit to make sure that I am not screwing myself over in some completely avoidable way.

Here's what I have to offer. I am teachable. I am reasonably intelligent. I am punctual and well prepared for appointments. I will pay you promptly for your work (I have a stellar FICO score, and I even know what that means). I learn better by someone telling me what to do, watching me do it, and then correcting any mistakes. I don't learn well by watching someone do things for me. If you are my Right Person for this work, I will praise and adore you, and maybe even knit you a pair of socks.

Do you know this person? Are YOU this person? Leave me your contact information in the comments or email me at historicfibersATgmailDOTcom.

And if this person doesn't actually exist yet, my question is why not? Accountants and bookkeepers, this is a niche market waiting to happen. Creative people need translators to understand the financials. They also need people who aren't freaked out by unconventional business models. So let's work on that, shall we? Thanks!

Comments

[Ginny Burton]

I faced a version of your dilemma several years ago. I found my angel on Craigslist. You can post your requirements there and I'll bet someone will be delighted to help you.

[britt]

oh man, my hubby would be so good at that, unfortunately we are not nearby. Try craigslist, i am sure you will find something :-)

[Carrie K]

I'm going to be learning QuickBooks myself this year. You know what I've been using? An absolutely fabulous DOS based bookkeeping system. I love it but alas, it's totally unsupported now.

You might want to try a write-in ledger you can pick up at Staples or the like. The best books I have ever seen were in a hand written ledger.

[Terri]

I began this same search last year. I needed some information and none was to be had.

I do not know how to make this person magically appear. I do know that once the appearance is made that money will follow. We need a book, we need a website, we need an online course. Help me Mr. Wizard!!!!