A prestigious association of professional bookkeepers has a presence on the North Island.
The recently-formed Vancouver Island North chapter of the Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada is comprised of 13 members in the Comox Valley and Campbell River.
“This is a huge boon for local businesses,” says Sherri-Lee Mathers, who runs Balsam Way Bookkeeping and who spearheaded the new chapter. “A local chapter will put the educational and professional development resources of the IPBC within reach of North Island bookkeepers, which ultimately benefits the local businesses they serve.”
Mathers, who became the Comox Valley’s first certified professional bookkeeper (CPB) in 2010, said the IPBC has given her ‘big business’ access to bookkeeping resources — from tax changes to Cloud-based software — that she would not otherwise be able to access as a bookkeeper. She points to the IPBC’s online webinars and members’ forum, educational seminars and supportive culture as keys to her success.
Julie Boschman of Reynen Business Services in Campbell River is co-regional developer of the new chapter. A River City institution since 1983, Reynen Business Services employs five CPBs. Owner Dan Reynen said there is a simple reason why he only hires IPBC members.
“They know their stuff,” he said. “IPBC members are required to pass a certification exam and meet some high standards for continuing education. I’ve always been impressed by the professionalism and expertise of the IPBC-certified bookkeepers I’ve worked with.”
The first meeting of the North Island chapter is scheduled for May 7 at Carmie’s Café in Cumberland. Joe Renooy, CA, business advisor and agriculture specialist, will speak about the challenges of bookkeeping for an agricultural business. Future meetings will feature presentations on topics such as incorporation, bookkeeping for the trades and third-party liability of bookkeepers.
The IPBC has more than 800 members across Canada. Established in 2007, its mandate is to institute professional standards for the Canadian bookkeeping profession.
For more information on the IPBC, or to find a member in your area, visit www.ipbc.ca. Balsam Way Bookkeeping can be found online at www.balsamway.ca.
