The Beginning of My Bookkeeping Path Starting a career in bookkeeping was never just about numbers for me—it was about helping businesses thrive, making sense of financials, and creating systems that bring clarity and confidence to business owners. My journey has been one of growth, recognition, and a passion for continuous learning.Growing up, I watched my dad run his drain-laying business. He’d be up at the crack of dawn, work all day, then spend his evenings and weekends managing the books—mostly because he didn’t trust anyone else to do it. That’s where my interest in bookkeeping began, along with the desire to help small business owners lighten the load of financial management and achieve a better work-life balance.Based in Whangārei, Northland, I began my career as a bookkeeper with a clear goal: to support businesses in managing their finances effectively. I quickly realised that bookkeeping was more than just data entry—it was about understanding the bigger picture, providing insights, and offering solutions that make financial management easier. The Recognition That Changed Everything In 2023, my dedication to the industry was recognised when I was awarded the ICNZB Emerging Bookkeeper of the Year. This was an incredible milestone, not just for my business, but also as a personal achievement.  You see, I had never been self-employed before so for quite some time I struggled with imposter syndrome, always doubting myself, never believing I was really good enough.  When I completed the entry and asked for testimonials from my clients, the feedback and testimonials were extremely humbling.  It validated the hard work, and commitment to helping businesses succeed. More importantly, it showed me how much potential there is for bookkeepers to make a real impact.In 2024, I was honoured to be named a finalist for the ICNZB Bookkeeping Business of the Year award. As a sole trader with no team, I was up against some quite large bookkeeping businesses, making this recognition an exceptionally proud moment. It demonstrated that I was running my business at the same level as the big guns, proving that dedication, expertise, and a client-focused approach can truly stand out in the industry. Supporting Businesses with Confidence Helping businesses grow confidently is my specialty. When I first started, my clients ranged from small family-owned businesses to tradies and multi-store companies. Over time, I discovered a passion for streamlining processes to create ease and momentum for fast-growing businesses. Many business owners with strong visions and dedicated teams have referred others to me. I know the behind-the-scenes reality of how high growth business owners need accurate, reliable data that they can easily interpret and understand in order to make quick and effective decisions for forwards momentum.My approach to bookkeeping is simple: I believe in being more than just a service provider—I want to be a partner in my clients’ success. Whether it's helping a startup get its books in order, providing insights to improve cash flow, or ensuring compliance with financial regulations, I take pride in making the process as stress-free as possible. Looking Ahead In just four years, I’ve exceeded my own goals and learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who are moving fast. At Kaitara Bookkeeping Services, our commitment is to keep businesses compliant, informed, and confident in the continuity of reliable bookkeeping. High growth demands diligence, and that’s exactly what we deliver.The bookkeeping industry is evolving with technology, automation, and new financial tools, and I’m committed to staying ahead of these changes. My goal is to continue growing, learning, and helping businesses navigate their financial journey with ease and confidence.If you’re a business owner looking for a bookkeeper who understands both the numbers and the challenges you face, let’s connect. Your success is my priority!​