Must-Read Books for Self-Employed bookkeepers & Accountants
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If you are reading this, you likely have a entrepreneurial spirit and a fire in your belly.
In that case, you're in the right place - because I am obsessed with growth mindset and constantly moving the needle.
I mean, I became a certified skydiver just for kicks! If that doesn't move the needle, I don't know what does.
One of the best ways to grow as a business owner is to read books written by other epic business owners! I was big into reading when I owned my bookkeeping and tax firm, and I've kept it up as the CEO of Workflow Queen!
Of course, listening to podcasts have tremendous value as well!
Check out some of my other must-have resources, too!
If you are a bookkeeper or accountant who owns a practice, these are the BEST books I've read to inform my decisions as an entrepreneur.
Since everyone learns and absorbs information in a different way, I've created a key to indicate whether I recommend a physical or audible version of the book is necessary. I personally love to have both for most books!
Key:
📚 Physical Copy
🎧 Audio Version
🎧 Make 'Em Beg to Work for You by Dr. Angela E. Lauria
This book may be a quick read, but the content is absolutely on point when it comes to learning how to build a successful team from the start. If you are approaching the point in your firm where you feel ready to hire (or at least mentally prepared to start building a team), this is a must-read!
Here's a few of my favorite things you'll discover in this book:
How and where to find your unicorn employees
Writing job descriptions that attract your dream applicant
How to avoid hiring the wrong candidate
Navigating the decision to let someone go
You can snag your own copy of this essential work on team building and management: Make ‘Em Beg To Work For You: 7 Steps to Find, Hire, Manage, Reward, and Release All-star Players to Help Make your Dream a Reality
If you want to learn even MORE about how and when to hire, I recommend joining the waitlist for the next cohort of Breakthrough for Bookkeepers & Accountants! In this high-touch group coaching program, we cover everything from how to identify which position to fill first, attracting your dream team, plus training and managing your kickass team! Join the waitlist here!
📚 Key Performance Indicators by Bernard Marr
Don't worry, I know this one looks and sounds like a textbook but it's WAY more exciting! If you own a firm and you aren't tracking any KPIs, I HIGHLY recommend you start! This data is essential for creating the best firm possible. This book covers both the financial and operational aspects of KPIs to track for anyone who runs a business!
My favorite things about this work include:
How to identify which KPIs will benefit your firm
Proven KPI templates (you know I love a template, right?)
When to apply KPIs and how they improve performance
Let's get to trackin'! Grab a copy: Key Performance Indicators: The 75 Measures Every Manager Needs to Know
If you want to learn even MORE about how to set, track, and analyze KPIs for you and your team, join the waitlist for the next cohort of Breakthrough for Bookkeepers & Accountants!
🎧 Built to Sell by John Warrillow
When I owned by bookkeeping and tax firm, I was a one-woman show for quite some time. It wasn't until I was buried in work and a ball of stress that I decided to utilize the help of a contractor to manage the work load. If I could do it all over again, I would have hired SO MUCH SOONER!! Looking back, I am thankful that I pushed through the struggle and learned so much the hard way - because now I can share my experiences with you! This book is an excellent example of how to set yourself up for success so you can eventually sell your firm and reap a hefty reward.
Read this book to learn:
The three qualities a business must possess to be sellable
The biggest mistake business owners often make
How to build a business that easily runs without you
As an action-taking entrepreneur, I'm OBSESSED with this topic! Get yourself a copy of this excellent read: Built to Sell: Creating a Business That Can Thrive Without You
If you want to learn even MORE about building a firm that runs without you, join the waitlist for the next cohort of Breakthrough for Bookkeepers & Accountants and learn how to set up kickass systems that remove you from the equation!
🎧 Traction by Gino Wickman
This book is all about learning how to gain and maintain control in your business by using Gino's signature system. Oh yeah, he has a system! It should be no surprise that I am all about a book that teaches a systematic approach to running a business like a well-oiled machine.
Read this book to learn:
Gino's signature system for getting a grip on your business and staying consistent
How to simplify operations without sacrificing quality
Examples of how this method works in the real world so you can apply it
Get a grip, and a copy of this helpful piece of writing: Traction
📚 Clockwork by Mike Michalowicz
When I started Workflow Queen, this book was my biggest motivator! Because of this book, I am on a mission to build a business that does not need me to run. I've taken multi-week vacations as a business owner. I've tapped into the strengths of my employees in order to boost their confidence AND grow my business (truly a win-win!). Mike is the master at giving entrepreneurs the power to free themselves and set up their business to run like clockwork!
Check out Clockwork to learn:
How to run a business, without letting it run your life
Capitalize on your business' most important function
Which inefficiencies to tackle first to see the most success
This book is extremely valuable and a resource I refer to often! Grab a copy of: Clockwork: Design Your Business to Run Itself
📚 Profit First by Mike Michalowicz
As bookkeepers and accountants, we have the accounting equation drilled into our brains! If you've never heard of this concept, allow me to introduce you to this life-altering money strategy. SO many business owners (including me) have grown exponentially after switching to Profit First.
Discover how to:
Avoid letting expenses eat up all your cash
Simplify the way you do the accounting for your own business
Become sustainably profitable - even if your business is small
I can't recommend this book enough! If you are ready to feel in control of your business finances ASAP, get your copy: Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Say goodbye to burnout and hello to clarity! I am the first to admit that I worked myself into a puddle of stress at the start of my firm, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone. This is NOT a story about selling all your possessions and doing yoga with goats. It's about shifting your mindset around what deserves your time and energy!
Here are my biggest takeaways:
It is more important to give lots of energy to tasks that matter, instead of a little energy to tons of different tasks
You alone have the power to choose what is essential in your life
It's okay to eliminate what doesn't make the cut as 'essential'
If you want to be more selective in where you spend your energy, this book is a must-read: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
Since I am a huge fan of reading, this list will no doubt grow as time goes on! I LOVE professional development books and sharing them with other business owners. Learning from other entrepreneur's experiences is one of the smartest things we can do for ourselves!
Want to learn how to set up a project management system for your firm with done-for-you templates from someone who's BEEN there? Join my signature program: Kickoff with Asana for Bookkeepers & Accountants! This program will help you manage everything in your firm, including and beyond the client work, team management, sales, and sooo much more!
