The end of the year for accountants and bookkeepers is the time of year where we tie up loose ends and prepare for what’s coming next. In the world of numbers, that means making sure all invoices are sent and accounted for, that payroll taxes have been paid and that we finish planning for the upcoming tax season.
This time of year, as I look back through my clients’ work and the work I have done for them, it reminds me of so many accomplishments I have to be thankful for. Since so many of you have been a part of it, I wanted to share some of my and the Brigade Bookkeeping team’s greatest achievements this year:
- Sitting for Health, Life & Annuity Insurance License Exam– This took a lot of time to both take a 60-hour class and to study for the test. So many times, I thought this day would never come, but with a lot of perseverance and determination, I did it!
- Acquiring a Minority and Women Owned Business Certification – Getting this certification, allows Brigade Bookkeeping to apply for certain projects, which can only be applied for and worked on by minority or women-owned businesses. This certification has opened up a whole new world of opportunities. If you qualify for this certification, consider going through the process next year.
- Elected to serve on a Non-Profit Board of Directors – This is one of the things I’m most excited about. I am now on the Board of Directors for the PACE Center for Girls. This organization provides girls and young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling and advocacy. It’s a great example for my daughter, Katelyn, and a way to pay the kindness and knowledge others have imparted on me, to another generation of future women business leaders.
- Organizing our first Brigade hosted seminar – This seminar for non-profit organization leaders hasn’t taken place yet, but is scheduled for January 2016. Since I’ve never done anything like this before, logistics and marketing have been a challenge, but so far, the word is out and we have a lot of RSVP’s. We’re very excited to pass on some knowledge to the leaders of some of the most charitable organizations in South Florida.
- Increasing our reach across Florida – Brigade Bookkeeping started as a bookkeeping business in South Florida, but we’ve been able to acquire clients across the state and throughout the U.S. We did this by building relationships with CPAs in other counties and states. You may want to consider reaching out to others who do what you do in other locations.
- Increase in business – We couldn’t have done this without all of you! A big THANK YOU to all of our existing clients who passed on so many wonderful referrals.
This year has been amazing and now that I took the time to write down my greatest accomplishments, I can’t believe how much I got done in such a short period of time. Take the time to write down what you accomplished this year, and amaze yourself. And after that, don’t forget to give yourself, and anyone who helped you, a pat on the back, you deserve it!