A Chat with Redwood Bookkeeping Services

Happy Global Bookkeeping Week 2022! This week we're continuing to celebrate the vital work that bookkeepers do every day, which sadly all too often goes unappreciated. Bookkeeping Boss Catherine from Redwood Bookkeeping spoke to us about her journey into the profession, her best advice, and - most importantly - her dream meal.

What did your journey into bookkeeping look like, and did you always want to be a bookkeeper?

When I was younger I said I would never do accounts like my Dad because working in an office would be boring! Ha! Fast forward to future me and I actually started my career in HR after a few admin jobs and thought that was the path I wanted to take. The role I took was with quite a small business so with some movements I ended up taking on some of the Finance duties and found I really enjoyed it.

I gradually got promoted and became the HR and Finance Manager for the business and as the role grew I was given the opportunity to pick which side of the business I wanted to go so I stayed with Finance. I worked there for 12 years, but as time went on (2 maternity leaves later) I was only overseeing the role and not doing the day to day work which is what I really enjoyed! So I studied my AAT bookkeeping Level 2 and 3 and completed both within 6 months – 2 weeks before the first Covid lockdown.

Covid then gave me the opportunity to start my bookkeeping practise in the lockdown of 2020, with 2 small children unable to go to school, I was unable to go to work so took a period of unpaid leave and started building my client base! Initially I started working on an outsourced basis for 2 Accountancy firms, but now I work for 4 and have my own client base as well, varying from weekly to monthly to quarterly bookkeeping.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far in your business?

Initially confidence and gaining clients. Imposter Syndrome was a big thing and still is sometimes. I guess when starting out I felt a little bit like a rabbit in headlights, networking was petrifying but I did it and I have learnt so so much along the way. I have definitely grown in terms of ability and knowledge over the last 2 years.

What do you love most about your job?

Bookkeeping! Sounds crazy right? But I do. I love problem solving and fixing books that are in a bit of a pickle. I love working with a variety of different clients as each one brings something different to the table. I love doing a good job for my clients and knowing I am supporting and helping their business is a good feeling.

Which tools (apps, software etc) could you not live without?

Xero and hubdoc

Quickbooks

Freeagent

Dext

Camscan

Google

My Whiteboard on my wall!

If you had to choose one - Xero, Sage or Quickbooks?

Xero

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given by another bookkeeper or someone in the industry?

Go with your gut feeling. You don’t need to take on every client, get to know the clients and work with the ones where you are mutually compatible.

When you’re not bookkeeping, what do you love doing?

Spending time with my family. I like going for walks and having days out as much as I like just being at home together.

If you could travel back in time, what would you tell yourself when you were first starting out?

Outsource the branding and website – initially I did my logo and everything myself as I was on a tight budget but after some time I decided I didn’t like the logo and my website needed an overhaul so I ended up re doing it all. I also outsource my socials now, and it would have been great to do this from the start when I was regularly networking.

If you had to choose one meal, what would you have for starter, main and dessert?

Starter – Breaded Brie, Main – Paella, Dessert – Malteser Cheesecake

Who are your biggest role models - in both your work and personal life?

Personally, my family – we all work hard and provide the best we can for our children. In work it has to be members of the 6FB – lots of inspiring stories and so much knowledge and support – it’s a fantastic network of bookkeepers and accountants.

How can people reach out to work with you?

Website - Welcome | Redwood Bookkeeping Services

Facebook - Redwood Bookkeeping Services | Spalding | Facebook

Linked In - Catherine Skinner | LinkedIn

Email – redwoodbookkeepingservices@gmail.com

We love celebrating the brilliant work bookkeepers do. Want to share your story on the TimeKeeper blog? Get in touch with penelope@timekeeper.co.uk