The Buzz

Changing Hearts & Minds - A Bookkeeper's Tale

From the Blend Insider Vol. 5

Over six months ago, I joined the Certified Professional Bookkeepers of Canada (CPB Canada) as the new Chief Executive Officer. Upon arriving, I was excited for the potential of a relatively new professional association (founded in 2007) representing a long-standing profession.

The title of “bookkeeper “ is often underappreciated and struggles to combat the stereotype of a narrow career focused on basic accounting tasks. As an example, there is no “bookkeeper” term in the French language. Instead, the Technicien (ne) Compatable is translated back as an Accounting Technician. It is fair to say that CPB Canada and its certified members are helping redefine the bookkeeping profession and move beyond any previous stereotypes.

A Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) is held to a high standard for experience and knowledge and must demonstrate core knowledge expectations by passing a national exam in advanced bookkeeping. Once a CPB, members maintain the designation through a stringent Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct and annual professional development requirements, like Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA).

The CPB certification allows organizations and clients to maintain confidence in the support they receive. For many of our members, this client base includes small and medium-sized businesses, ranging from industries such as healthcare, hospitality to agriculture and every other sector across Canada.

So, what don’t you know?

Well, today’s bookkeeper is technologically astute. With a burgeoning series of financial technology and cloudbased apps available, the landscape for the professional bookkeeper shifted dramatically. This turn has automated a great deal and allowed our CPB-holding members the chance to utilize their knowledge and skills by providing a higher value service.

More than ever, CPBs are providing clients with specialized accounting and business advisory services. The pandemic recently saw many small businesses rely on their bookkeepers to aid them in navigating a myriad of government support programs nationally and across provinces. Additionally, the hardship of pandemic called upon CPBs to advise their clients on business recovery, financial workflows, at times - pivoting their businesses and generally thinking of helpful ways to improve bottom-line results.

CPBs are well equipped to offer clients insight into their financial story. While some noncertified bookkeepers limit their work to recording financial transactions, the Certified Professional Bookkeepers of today allow business owners to focus on their passion, knowing that a skilled and experienced accounting professional will handle their books, enable them to understand the financial health of their business and offer them timely advice and solutions for growth and success.

CPB Canada, through its Certified Professional Bookkeeper Certification is redefining the bookkeeping industry. It is time to join many small and medium-sized businesses embracing the CPB as a recognized accounting professional and an integral part of your business advisory team.

I leave you with this simple question, is your current bookkeeper certified?

Source:
The Blend Insider Volume 5
https://blendcreativestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Blend-Insider-Vol5.pdf?#page=52