An introduction to some of our Regional Developers

Pam French, CPB

Grande Prairie

I started in the bookkeeping industry 17 years ago when I applied to work for a temp agency. I was immediately placed in the accounting department of the head office of an insurance company. I was trained in several of the accounting positions and my love for accounting was born. My family relocated to Grande Prairie in 1998 and I secured a position at an accounting firm as their internal bookkeeper and office manager.

I opened my own bookkeeping firm in the year 2000 and haven’t looked back since. The growth of my business was gradual but steady with most of my work coming from Accountants. I learned that if you listen to what the accountants want, you will be a trusted source for bookkeeping. I have dedicated my business to giving my clients the best service and professionalism we can deliver.

I have three staff working with me and I still personally review everything that leaves my office. I believe in staying in touch with my clients’ businesses and adapting my services to them as their needs change.

I am a member of the Grande Prairie Rotary club and the Executive Women International chapter of Grande Prairie. Both of these memberships have brought me opportunities to network and meet other professionals.

What I plan to accomplish in the Grande Prairie Region:

I hope to bring awareness in Grande Prairie to the Institute’s mission to regulate our industry and educate the clients about how to choose a bookkeeper. I hope to get in touch with the local bookkeepers to promote membership to the Institute and to encourage them to reach for goals in our industry – such as certification and ongoing professional development.

Why did I volunteer to become a Regional Developer?

Over the years I have fixed many sets of books that have been mishandled by inexperienced bookkeepers. This frustrates me. Poor bookkeeping can destroy a business yet anyone who thinks they have some skills in data entry can call themselves a bookkeeper. Clients need to be educated in order to choose appropriate bookkeeping staff. Good bookkeeping can save a client money and frustration. I look forward to promoting good bookkeeping and practices.

Brenda Cross, CPB

Saskatoon

Back Office-Business Management Solutions
http://www.backofficebusiness.ca/

I started my bookkeeping career as a part-timer over fifteen years ago while working in the banking industry. My children were small and the flexible hours and the idea of working at home was very intriguing. Eventually, it worked into a full-time venture. In January 2009, I entered into a partnership with Kim Askin, forming "Back Office-Business Management Solutions”. We provide, not only bookkeeping services, but office assistance as well. We can set up books for clients as well as complete the work for them. We deal in retail and service industries as well as the farming sector. We also do some year-end audits. 

I wrote my CPB exam in December of 2008. I am a Solution Provider for "Simply Accounting” as well as an "AgExpert Analyst” Certified Advisor (agricultural software). In January I will have completed a six course program to graduate as a Distinguished Financial Advisor - Bookkeeping. As you can see, I still enjoy learning and updating and I am constantly taking classes. I feel that this industry requires keeping up to date.

Being in the bookkeeping industry for a long time, the IPBC is greatly appreciated. Finally we can have some standards and a venue for bookkeepers to go to get information and assistance. We are not alone. My decision to become the Regional Developer for Saskatchewan is based on this principle. In Saskatchewan, because of the physical distance, there are a lot of small businesses. They all know the importance of keeping financial information current, but do not always have the energy or resources to do so. That’s where we come in. I am very aware of the importance of keeping their books straight.

My experiences outside of bookkeeping have included: working in lending departments (gathering information for the bank to consider loans); working in Human Resources and as an administrative assistant to the management team of one of the largest credit unions in Saskatchewan. I also worked, for one tax season, in an accounting office completing personal income taxes. Since I have covered all of these bases I feel that I am helpful in completing documents ready for the bank and/or for income tax preparation.

The IPBC is raising the standards for bookkeepers all across the country. I am very happy to be bringing this news to the bookkeepers of Saskatchewan and I want all bookkeepers to belong and benefit from this great organization.

Bianca Lightheart

Vancouver

Working at Soma Small Business Solutions has provided me with so much knowledge and confidence that has enabled me to excel in the Bookkeeping Industry. Becoming a Sage Certified Consultant a few years ago has taken that to a whole new level. I absolutely love working with Entrepreneurs and assisting them with their Bookkeeping needs.

What I plan to accomplish in the Vancouver Region:

I know that there is a huge wealth of knowledge and resources in this industry so I plan to bring that to Vancouver Meetings. Vancouver is a cutting edge, trend setting city and the technology and software industry is moving so fast that we need to get our heads and contacts together and keep up to speed. I would really like to increase the Vancouver Region member attendance to the local meetings so that we can all stay on top of the industry changes.

I look forward to bringing my past skills in the event planning industry to the table to assist the Vancouver Region to have relevant, up-to date, and critical information to our meetings.

I am very excited that Vancouver is hosting the First Annual IPBC Conference!

I’ve had a peek at what we can all look forward to and I promise you that it will be very informative and exciting. Look forward to seeing you there.

Lynn Magnaye, CPB

Edmonton

I pride myself on my strong work ethic, professional attitude and team building skills.

I was born in Canada, completed my elementary education in the Philippines and returned to Canada as a teenager to further my learning. During my elementary years, I developed strong work ethics at a young age since all students were expected to work in the school in exchange for an education. When I returned to Canada, I continued my studies in high school and joined the Calgary work force. My strong commitment to customer service earned me a manager’s position in the hospitality industry during my young adult years. My marriage and raising a family were my main priority during the next decade and I continued to work part time and offer my services as a volunteer for numerous organizations in the community.

After relocating to Edmonton, I furthered my studies and took courses in professional development. I also returned to the work force on a full time basis and continued volunteering at charities such as: Heart and Stroke Foundation. In 1996, I received a certificate in Computerized Accounting and applied this knowledge while working for various agencies. This resulted in my current position since 1997 with the AR department of an Industrial Company. In my position along with my dedication to customer service, I have the unique opportunity of forming business liaisons with several departments within the company giving me a broader knowledge of the business process as a whole.

My volunteer work in dance, figure skating and community league events provided me with the opportunity to take on different roles in bookkeeping and public relations and my interest in this avenue became evident. I branched out to explore the career opportunities in the bookkeeping profession. Based on the interest of setting up a home based business in 2007, I upgraded my education to increase my knowledge in bookkeeping and took courses in software programs such as Simply Accounting and QuickBooks. As a result of my hard work and dedication, I have successfully found a place where I can capitalize on my strong work ethics and business networking skills. To grow my business, I am creating partnerships by networking and building relationships with various professional individuals and organizations. To remain current in bookkeeping knowledge and practices, I became an active volunteer as Regional Developer for IPBC.

What I plan to accomplish in the Edmonton Region:

I welcomed the opportunity to volunteer as IPBC’s Regional Developer representative for Edmonton to be current on industry development and expand my knowledge of this demanding career. I also wish to share my experience by making a difference in our member’s business practice through education, support and networking.

Why did I volunteer to become a Regional Developer?

My goal is to participate in establishing excellent standards in bookkeeping. Through awareness and guidance, I am also committed to providing prospects and current members with the business value of an IPBC membership while building confidence and trust with the local business community.

Sheila Downey, CPB

Cariboo

For the past 10 years I have focused my career on bookkeeping and financial management. My experience working with non-profit organizations, charities and private businesses has provided me with extensive knowledge about bookkeeping, payroll and reporting. Over the years I have been fortunate, to have been mentored by several fine chartered and certified accounting professionals.

After 4 years of employment in the non-profit and private sectors, I decided to branch out on my own and work full-time from home, providing bookkeeping services on a contract basis for a variety of businesses entities. I feel that with all this experience and mentoring, I can provide high quality and comprehensive bookkeeping and accounting services to a variety of businesses. I have worked extensively with Simply Accounting, Excel and Quicken, and am gaining experience and education with QuickBooks and ProFile.

I received my certification as a Certified Professional Bookkeeper in November 2010. As well, I graduated from the Accounting Clerk program at Yukon College in Whitehorse, Yukon with a 4.0 GPA. I am also a Sage Premier Advisor and an Intuit Pro-Advisor. I offer a range of services from basic bookkeeping to financial management, and liaising with accountants, CRA, boards and investors. My services are always adaptable to my clients needs.

The sectors of businesses that I historically provide services for are: Non-Profit; Mining; Wildlife Preservation; Rental; Conference; Tourism Operations and industry associations Drilling; Landscaping; Agricultural; Holding; Environmental; Consulting; Restaurant; Hair Salon; Plumbing; Film and Music.

What I plan to accomplish in the Cariboo-Chilcotin:

I would like to provide the knowledge and resources that members require to develop excellence in their services through education, networking and the provision of timely support.

Why did I volunteer to become a Regional Developer?

I volunteered in order to connect with other regional bookkeepers and professionals, and to assist in the development of a network of peer support in my area.
Why did I volunteer to become a Regional Developer?
I volunteered in order to connect with other regional bookkeepers and professionals, and to assist in the development of a network of peer support in my area.