Editor's Note: This is another installment in our ongoing series highlighting this year's Insightful Accountant's "2018 Top 100 ProAdvisors." Over the remainder of the year, we will introduce you to our winners, getting their insights on a wide range of topics, including what it is like to be a leader in their profession, how to stay on top and what the future holds.
Pat Hartley
This week, we'll be profiling Pat Hartley. She is a one-woman firm, Accounting on the Go! in Southern California.
Tell us about how you got started in the business.
I got stared in 2000, I took a step out of my position as a Corporate Controller for a mid size firm. I was not real sure what I wanted to do. I also taught and still teach accounting and related topics at several community colleges. Education is my passion, I though I might what a new career in Education as a full time vocation. While waiting for a full time opportunity, I started providing bookkeeping and software set up for local businesses, and got so busy, I concentrated on building my Accounting consulting business full time and continue to teach part time.
Tell us a little about your practice.
I started out doing just about anything for small businesses, from bookkeeping to payroll to set up and advisory. Now, I focus on set up and training for the small business owner and/or staff, a bit of basic business and accounting, and advisory on what the financials tell the owner about their business. My focus is to provide the small business owner with the keys to success using accounting software. I provide one on one training along with set up, I provide group and classroom training also. I also do some volunteer training with the SBDC and local Chamber of Commerce.
Give us a snapshot of today's accounting landscape. What are seeing out there?
Well, the accounting of today is so much more an advisory roll than a “data entry” roll of the past. I teach Financial and Managerial Accounting to college students looking for careers in the field. However, to be successful and employable, these students need to know how to use accounting software and excel, as well as learn to analyze data.
What are three areas every accountant should keep an eye on next year?
One area is eCommerce! There will come a day soon where we purchase everything from our computer devices. Another is Sales Tax; it is complicated enough, it just recently become insanely complicated. Lastly, Payroll is ever changing from State to State, we need to be aware of changes and resources.
What advice would you give to today's accountants?
Learn, share and network, network, network! There is so much to learn from others; accountants, tax preparers, software engineers, businesses, etc.
What does it mean to you to be recognized out of more than 300,000 ProAdvisors in the world?
I am very humbled! I don’t really do anything different than anyone else, I have learned so much and have great respect for other ProAdvisors. It is an honor to be recognized.
Your first thoughts on getting news of the honor?
I was a bit giddy. I felt proud and thankful.
How has your ProAdvisor practice changed or evolved over the last couple of years?
In the last 4 years I have had the opportunity to author two textbooks (Labyrinth Learning) for college classrooms to teach QuickBooks Desktop and QuickBooks Online. This has been a change in direction back to my original passion of providing education. Along with my accounting consulting business I now provide tools to educators to key to success for the accounting students.
Why is continuing to enhance your skills and acumen critical to staying one step ahead of the curve?
Oh my, technology changes to fast, it is so important to ride the crest of the wave. I am a forever student; attending webinars, conferences, classes, etc. Don’t want to get left behind.
What was the best piece of advice you ever received?
My Dad one day while we were at the horse races told me, “Don’t get greedy, you will always lose.” I keep this in mind with not only money, but with knowledge, friends, ideas, etc.
How do you create balance in your work and personal life?
Well, I have not really done a good job here. I love what I do, and I have a tremendous support system. I do try to get out of my “work” environment a couple of times a month with my husband or other family and friends.
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