Meet Jessica Fox our 2023 Client Accounting Services/Business Process Outsourcing Award Winner
Jessica Fox
Her firm, Florida Virtual Bookkeeper, strives for honesty and transparency in all their business dealing while maintaining the highest level of integrity and professionalism in providing a wealth of business services to meet client requirements.
Jessica is an Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor and a certified bookkeeper as well as a member of the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the Digital Bookkeepers Association. She is also the author of Bookkeeping Basics for Entrepreneurs.
We sat down with Jessica to get her thoughts on being the 2023 CAS/BPO ProAdvisor Award Winner, her journey, her path to success, and how she delivers 5-star service to her clients.
Give us a snapshot of your business.
Florida Virtual Bookkeeper LLC
We are a fully paperless and virtual firm specializing in small service-based businesses nationwide that use QuickBooks Online. Our core values are integrity accuracy and service.
Share your personal journey in the accounting industry
I started as a corporate bookkeeper and quickly climbed the ladder to a C-level job while still in my 20s. I was good at what I did but the long hours and stress felt unhealthy so I decided to quit and pursue other interests.
That didn't last for long as I missed accounting so I decided to get back to the industry as a freelance bookkeeper. It was hard at first because I didn't know anything about the business side but with a commitment to learning and improving it evolved from a part-time side hustle to a successful firm.
Why did you become a QuickBooks ProAdvisor?
My first accounting experience was using QuickBooks Desktop so it was logical for me to prefer what I knew and felt comfortable with. When I first started freelancing QuickBooks Online was still in its infancy so I sought out the training to become an expert with the software and keep up with its development.
Do you have a niche that you focus on or do you have a particular service that is key to your practice?
I focus on small service-based businesses in their first 5 years, I am passionate about helping those whose side hustle grew into a main hustle overcome the odds that say that 50% won't make it to 5 years.
What are your main goals for yourself or your business for 2024?
Continue to learn and deliver 5-star services to my client while enhancing systems and efficiency.
Discuss any notable trends or changes you've observed in the accounting industry.
There is a new obsession with AI. Fear from some who feel threatened by it but mostly excitement from those who recognize its potential to change the profession for the better.
Share your thoughts on how these trends may impact accounting professionals.
I consider technology and automation to be a key and valuable team member in my firm that has allowed me to scale while maintaining work/life balance. I don't feel AI is smart enough to replace me but I am eager to continue to watch its development.
Share some best practices that have contributed to the success of your firm.
A commitment to great service, process improvement, and being a Business for Good by contributing to helping make the world a better place.
Discuss any innovative approaches or strategies that have proven effective.
Systematized workflows and automation of repetitive tasks along with constant process improvement have been the most effective keys to my growth.
Identify common challenges that accounting firms face, and how does your firm address them?
Many firms struggle with conveying their value. I work hard to focus on benefits instead of features speaking to my ideal client's pain points in my messaging. I use value pricing and this approach means that my prospects are already sold and eager to get started before we even discuss my rates.
What are your insights into overcoming obstacles and adapting to industry changes?
Staying up to date is critical, the industry and technology are ever-evolving so you have to remain flexible and avoid being stuck in the "this is how it's always been done" mentality.
Are there any particularly rewarding client experiences or success stories?
I've had the honor of having a positive impact on many clients but the most rewarding one is the client that came to me with negative cash flow and on the brink of bankruptcy. They thought they were simply going to get clean books to file a final tax return but instead, they got the insight, advice and support to turn their business around. Years later they are still highly profitable.
How does your firm add value to clients beyond traditional accounting services?
We translate the lingo into plain English and convey the information in a way that is easy to understand so they can make informed financial decisions. As a B1G1 member, clients like that for every service they receive, they are also having a positive impact on the world.
Get in Touch with Jessica!
