In the next instalment of this AI reflection series: AI can be an incredibly useful tool for small businesses, bookkeepers, charities and boards, helping us save time, organise our thoughts, improve reporting and look at information from a different perspective. But useful doesn’t mean infallible, and embracing new technology doesn’t mean handing it the keys to the filing cabinet. From preparing reports and checking the information AI gives us, to protecting confidential and personal information, this article looks at how we can make the most of AI without being afraid of it, while still knowing where to draw the line.

AI can take away the repetitive work, speed up processes and free experienced professionals to focus on higher-value work. But what happens when the work we automate is also the work beginners have traditionally used to learn? This article explores what happens to the next generation of bookkeepers when the bottom rung of the career ladder starts to disappear, and why we need to deliberately replace the learning that once happened simply by doing the job.

Entering business awards might be about winning a trophy at the end of it, but I’ve discovered that the most valuable part happens long before anyone opens an envelope. Writing an award entry forces you to stop, look back and actually acknowledge what you’ve achieved, including all those things that didn’t feel particularly remarkable while you were busy doing them. This is about recognising quiet growth, finding the words to explain the value of your own work, and remembering that sometimes putting yourself forward is worthwhile regardless of whether you ever take home the trophy.

I’ve never particularly liked the idea of work-life balance. Life doesn’t politely divide itself into perfectly weighted sections, and after years of parenting, business ownership and navigating some fairly spectacular changes of plan, I’m even more convinced that choreography is a better description. This is a reflection on learning your own rhythm, leaning on your people, letting technology support rather than control you, and accepting that sometimes you’ll miss a step entirely. The aim isn’t to perform the dance perfectly. It’s to build a life, and a business, whose choreography actually fits you

In Part 1, we covered the everyday words that sneak into your reports and leave you second-guessing what they actually mean. Now it’s time to unravel the acronyms – those bite-sized bundles of letters that get tossed around in emails, reports, and tax time reminders like you definitely know what they mean. Spoiler: most business owners don’t. And that’s totally fine. So here’s Part 2 of your friendly, no-fluff guide to making sense of all those finance acronyms you keep hearing but never had properly explained.

So here it is: your plain-English Bookkeeper’s Dictionary, no jargon and no judgement… just clear definitions for everyday terms and finance-speak you’ve probably encountered (and maybe Googled at 11:57pm).

Every day is a little different. Some days are wildly productive; others feel like I’m chasing my tail. But having rhythms, routines, and – most importantly – forgiveness for myself helps keep everything moving. There are messy bits, missed bits, and completely unexpected detours… but there’s also deep satisfaction, flexibility, and so much purpose in this juggle.

Sometimes the best business relationships grow into something much bigger than a transaction. This is the story of how a local networking connection turned into a collaboration between two women in business, with bookkeeping, websites, fabulous glasses and a whole lot of mutual support along the way. More than anything, it’s about what can happen when small business owners genuinely invest in each other’s success.

Think of your business finances like the engine of a car. You might be able to handle a few things yourself, but regular maintenance, the right tools and someone who knows what those warning lights actually mean can save you from a much bigger problem down the road. From routine servicing to emergency repairs, this article looks at what bookkeepers actually do and why having a good one in your corner is a lot like having a trusted mechanic.

Running a business while also attempting to look after yourself sounds straightforward enough, until work gets busy, the coffee becomes a food group and your good intentions disappear somewhere underneath your to-do list. This isn’t a perfectly polished guide to self-care. It’s a look at what has actually helped me, what definitely hasn’t, and why looking after the person running the business needs to be part of the business plan too.

Goals tell you what you want to achieve, but sometimes one simple word can help you decide how you want to get there. This article looks at choosing a Word of the Year for your business, reflecting on where you’ve been, thinking about where you want to go, and finding a word that can act as a compass when decisions, opportunities and the inevitable curveballs come your way.

Business owners spend a lot of time thinking about what happened yesterday and what needs to happen tomorrow, which can make it surprisingly difficult to pay attention to what is happening right now. Inspired by something I heard at a bookkeeping conference, this article explores the idea of keeping your head where your feet are, and how being more present can improve your focus, your relationships and the way you actually experience the business and life you’re working so hard to build

When your daughter secretly puts a hedgehog in her backpack with plans to smuggle it into school, there are several reasonable reactions. Calmly considering the business lessons probably isn't the first one. But once my heart rate returned to normal, our unexpected houseguest became a pretty good reminder that business, like parenting, has a habit of throwing things at you that you absolutely did not plan for. What matters is how you adapt when it does.

You can meticulously plan your working week, block out your time and know exactly what needs to get done. Then a child gets sick. Then another one gets sick. Then another one gets sick, and suddenly that beautiful plan is completely irrelevant. This article is about learning to adapt when parenting and business collide, letting go of the guilt that comes with not being able to give 100% to everything at once, and recognising that sometimes flexibility and a bit of self-forgiveness are exactly what you need

Every year it pains me to say this…. the holiday season approaches…

It’s a time of excitement and festivities, for many businesses, this time can bring a flurry of activity and craziness. For others, it might be a different dynamic, with a possible downturn as people prioritise saving for the festive season. So, let's delve into strategies that cater to all business types during this festive period.

Discover how I attempt to waltz through the demands of life, constantly striving for the balance that works for me between work, family, and personal dreams.

I want to talk about Imposter Syndrome, it’s the persistent shadow that many of us battle regularly. That nagging feeling that creeps in, making us doubt our own competence, even when we've proven ourselves time and again.

Grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and let's have a heart-to-heart about the beautiful chaos of balancing our small businesses, chaotic but incredible kiddos, marriages/relationships, and maintaining meaningful friendships. Believe me, I know first-hand the exhilarating yet sometimes overwhelming dance we do every single day.