Meet Sam.
Sam is one of our esteemed BELAY Virtual Bookkeepers who’s been with us since October 2018 – but BELAY isn’t his first remote rodeo.
“I worked remotely for a bookkeeping client when I was with a local CPA firm, and enjoyed the experience. When I saw an advertisement for BELAY, I decided to give virtual bookkeeping a try.”
And thank goodness he did, not only for his family but also for the clients he so steadfastly serves. “Since I began my career in accounting,” Sam explains, “my philosophy has always been to provide my clients with the best possible service.”
Music to our ears, Sam. So why did you make the switch?
“I enjoyed working for the local CPA firm, but being my own boss is truly better. I set my hours, and decide when to work to get the project completed on time.”
And what has the Third Option has afforded you that you didn’t have or couldn’t do before?
“I would say I have the opportunity to schedule my day around me – and not a ‘boss.’
“I usually begin my day at 8 a.m. and try to wrap up by 2 p.m. During month’s end, I do put in additional time to get the month wrapped up and the reports prepared by the 10th.”
What has changed for you and your clients since starting your partnership?
“I think my clients know that they can ask me questions anytime, and I do my best to get an answer to their questions as soon as possible.
“The end result? Clients who are very pleased with the presentation of their monthly financial statements.”
Now that’s a happy ending. So now we know why they love you. What do you love most about them?
“My clients are great! I really like the diversity of my client list.
“I currently work with three churches, a real estate investor, a business consultant, and a senior living facility.”
That is diverse! Just how have you used your previous experience to help your clients?
“My background is in tax preparation and accounting services for small business and not-for-profit organizations – a perfect fit.
“An accounting client is dependent upon the bookkeeping/accounting staff to ascertain the financial statements are up to date, and accurately reported so I assist my clients with budgeting, monthly reporting, and any other questions they have regarding their financial statements.”
Who do you spend time with and what do you like to do when you’re not working?
“When I’m not working, I am home with my dog, Jackson.
“I live in Southern California, so I like to hike, ride my bicycle, or just sit in the sun by the pool and read a book. As my friends and I say, ‘We live in paradise!’”
Any struggles transitioning to a remote workplace – besides the allure of ‘paradise’ calling?
“I’m ‘old school’ – so I struggled with not having a piece of paper in front of me when posting transactions.
“So as a solution, I have transitioned to using two monitors so I can see the bill on one screen and post it into QuickBooks on the second screen.
“And surprising no one more than me, I’m actually getting comfortable with technology and really don’t miss the paper now!”
What is one thing about what you do that makes you excited to get up tomorrow and do it again?
“My clients. They are a great group, and I enjoy interacting with them.
“It also doesn’t hurt that you can work in your pajamas – and no one cares. And when you video chat with a client or your peer group, you just need a professional shirt!”
What’s better than doing what you love for clients you love working with, from a place – cough paradise cough – you love, wearing what we lovingly refer to as the news anchor uniform – business on top, pajamas on the bottom?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Now, it’s your turn!
BELAY was founded on this simple idea: there aren’t just two options for work. We believe there’s another way – what we call The Third Option. This option allows you to work from home (so you have far more opportunities to get work you love) while choosing how much you work.
Explore the open jobs at BELAY and see how you can create your own Third Option.