I never planned to start an accounting services business. Or any business. Or become a bookkeeping coach. When I lost my job two weeks before Christmas in 2009 (in the heart of that recession), I did what any determined accountant would do: I hustled through my fear. I answered Craigslist ads for bookkeeping help using my Bachelor of Science in Accounting, years of experience working as senior accountant and accounting managers, and a strong desire to help others succeed. Survival mode quickly turned into a mission: providing personalized, reliable bookkeeping and accounting for those who need it most: small businesses.
With no startup playbook in hand (and definitely. no “how-to” from Google), my original business plan was simple: pay the rent and put food on the table. I took on seasonal stints with the US Census and Jackson Hewitt (taking their tax course and passing it in less than two weeks) while building up my own client base, one relationship at a time.
Lifelong Learning, Real-World Results for Accounting Services
I’m a proud Xero Certified Advisor and QuickBooks ProAdvisor. In my quest to help clients even more, I continually participate in webinars, listen to podcasts, read books, and take courses to further my knowledge of running a business, nonprofit (especially compliance), and various tax topics (1099, payroll, 990 preparation).
What has all that taught me?
It’s human nature to avoid what overwhelms us.
The size of your organization doesn’t matter. You CAN have a streamlined, cost-effective accounting system that works for you. Too many businesses wait too long to set up their systems or miss the change to use automation to gain real efficiencies. I’m here to help you reclaim your time, energy, and dollars to help you avoid the annual tax season panic, win those grants, and focus on what you love doing.
Tech-Savvy, People-First in Accounting Services
Earlier in my career, I worked as a software programmer, so I’m a bit of a tech geek. But I use that background to make things easier and simpler for YOU by setting up the right accounting tools and simple workflows, so you stop losing sleep over your finances. Plus, being organized means your tax preparer, grant writer, or auditor will love you and probably charge you less.
Going paperless started by necessity. A client thought I was going to store their business records. Except that I didn’t have the space. I learned on the fly how to set up efficient document storage and workflows while getting the work done. After years in corporate accounting, I saw how much paper (and clutter) weighed companies down. Here’s the truth: you can’t do the work if you can’t find the work. Now, running my business virtually and (mostly) paper-free, I can help you get clarity from anywhere, minus the clutter.
I work with businesses of all shapes and sizes, from one-person shops to corporate level. It’s all about what your business needs now. Originally from Pennsylvania, I’ve worked with manufacturers, hotels, photographers, scientists, a big insurance company and a small broker, nonprofits, and tech pros.
Why I Became a Bookkeeping Coach
Over the years, I discovered a pattern: too many businesses and organizations get stuck on their books, not out of laziness, but overwhelm. Accounting tells the real story of your nonprofit or business, but most people only pay attention during those frantic, one-a-year IRS marathons or audits. That leads to lost opportunities (grow income, shrink expenses) and surprise tax bills, or even closures that could have been prevented.
It breaks my heart because I know how to change the story and help your organization to thrive.
When a prospective client requested that I teach her how to do her bookkeeping, I dove in. I now coach and train business owners and nonprofit leaders to manage their accounting confidently, with 1:1 support and accountability that makes a lasting impact.
Who I Work With
Nonprofits, solopreneurs, service-based businesses, and growing companies – each one with unique needs. What matters most? Meeting you wherever you are in your nonprofit or small business journey and crafting an accounting system that works for you.
Beyond the Numbers
When I’m not demystifying tax codes, building seamless accounting workflows, or doing your accounting, you’ll find me exploring hiking trails (especially national parks), seeking out dark chocolate, or getting lost in a good book (mysteries). I’ve lived in northern Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado and now call Bozeman, Montana home.
What Clients Say:
Jody has an excellent eye for detail and is exceptional at explaining complicated processes in a way that is easy to follow and grasp. Jody’s certifications in Xero, Fresh Books and Quickbooks (just to name a few) makes her a dependable financial resource who you can trust. Jody has consistently impressed me with her performance and attitude towards her work and I would highly recommend her to anyone. ~Kate
Jody Seibert is an extremely talented and resourceful person, with great attention to detail. Her work is fast and effective. I strongly recommend her financial services. ~Steve
