A Journey Through Diverse Industries

Despite studying accounting at school, my career began in administration and planning roles across various industries. My first real exposure to small business bookkeeping came in 1990 when I helped my late husband run a small automotive workshop for ten years. Over the years, I worked in radio and television advertising before taking on a full-time role with the Royal NZ Navy, where I gained my National Certificate Level 4 in Adult Education & Training.

Finding My Niche

After leaving the Navy, I returned to the private sector, creating training materials for various organisations. My love of technology led me to a position with a telephone software company, where I wrote help guides for their systems. In 2013, I helped a friend set up their business finances on MYOB Essentials, which ignited my passion for bookkeeping.

Establishing Conduit Bookkeeping

After moving to Paihia in 2016, I realised the opportunity to create my own business. I completed my Certificate in Bookkeeping and officially launched Conduit Bookkeeping in August 2017. Juggling part-time roles while growing my client base, I learned to deploy Xero across multiple businesses and converted my original clients to this powerful platform. By May 2018, I was able to transition to full-time work with Conduit Bookkeeping.

Commitment to Excellence

I earned my Xero Advisor and Xero Payroll Advisor certifications in 2017, achieving Bronze status as a Xero partner by September 2018 and Silver status by July 2019. As my client list grew, I made the important decision to recruit an additional bookkeeper in February 2019. This allowed me to focus on client management and special projects while ensuring my clients received excellent service.

Emerging Bookkeeper of the Year

In 2019, I was honoured to receive the Emerging Bookkeeper of the Year award at the Annual Excellence Awards, a recognition that truly made my journey even more special. These awards celebrate the success of bookkeepers and their businesses while raising awareness of our profession in New Zealand. Winning this award validated my hard work and dedication to my clients and reinforced my commitment to providing exceptional bookkeeping services.

A Personal Touch

My approach to bookkeeping is direct and honest - I've been known to swear a fair bit earning me the nickname "the potty-mouthed bookkeeper" among clients. I’ve faced challenges along the way that have strengthened my resolve and deepened my appreciation for life’s important things. I am passionate about supporting small business owners, as I understand their journey firsthand.

Building Strong Relationships

I prioritise building strong relationships with my clients and their accountants, ensuring a seamless collaboration for their benefit. My mission is to empower successful Kiwi businesses through practical, flexible bookkeeping services that meet their unique needs.

Our Dedicated Team

I’m supported by a dedicated team of ICNZB Certified Bookkeepers™ who handle the day-to-day tasks essential for our clients, including invoicing, bill management, and payroll. Each team member shares my passion for helping others and is committed to your business's growth and success.

Before becoming qualified bookkeepers, my team studied accounting and small business management. They bring practical experience from various sectors, including agriculture, technology, freight, and retail. Together, we strive to provide exceptional bookkeeping services tailored to the unique needs of businesses across Northland and beyond.