Fast-Tracked and Frazzled: The Rise of the Get-Rich-Quick Bookkeeper
The problem with crash-course bookkeepers:
Once upon a time, bookkeeping was a profession you grew into—learning under mentors, mastering reconciliations, and earning your stripes in the trenches of trial balances and 10-tab spreadsheets. It took time, discipline, and more coffee than anyone would like to admit.
But these days? All you need is a Wi-Fi signal, a slick sales funnel, and a weekend crash course titled “Start Your Six-Figure Bookkeeping Business Today!”
The Rise of the Insta-Bookkeeper
Thanks to a wave of flashy online courses promising six-figure incomes while working from a beach (because bookkeeping and sand are a great combo?), the market is suddenly teeming with “certified” bookkeepers who watched a few videos, downloaded a spreadsheet template, and declared themselves ready to run your business finances. What could go wrong?
Well… everything.
And that’s where we, the seasoned, spreadsheet-scarred pros, come in—armed with experience, reconciliations skills, and Advil.
Unfortunately, many of these folks are missing one key ingredient: actual experience.
They might have mastered how to navigate QuickBooks Online menus, but they haven’t learned how to untangle a year’s worth of miscategorized transactions, catch a payroll tax error before it snowballs, or explain why the P&L says you made money—but your bank account tells a different story.
Enter the Clean-up Crew!
As seasoned professionals, we’re used to being called in as the cleanup crew. We’ve seen it all—double-counted revenue, journal entries that don’t belong in this universe, and balance sheets that make seasoned CPAs cry.
It’s job security, sure. But it’s also painful—for the business owners who are trying to apply for loans, plan for taxes, or simply get a clear picture of their financial health.
By the time they realize something’s wrong, the damage is often deep. And yes, we can fix it—but it takes time, effort, and (sometimes) a few financial therapy sessions.
QuickBooks Isn’t the Problem - People Are
To be clear, we love QuickBooks. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. But software doesn’t replace skill. A well-trained bookkeeper knows when to use automation—and when to override it. They understand not just how to record a transaction, but why it matters.
And believe it or not, even Intuit’s own “certified” bookkeeping service has been guilty of some serious mishaps. We’ve taken over more than a few client files that were “professionally” managed—and left us wondering if someone had trained their cat to do journal entries.
A Word to Business Owners
If you’re looking for bookkeeping help, here are three questions to ask before you hand over your financials:
1. What kind of real-world experience do you have?
Courses are fine—but what matters is how they’ve applied that knowledge.
2. Can I see a sample report?
A well-done P&L should tell a clear story. If it’s confusing to you, that’s a problem.
3. How do you support your clients year-round?
Bookkeeping is about ongoing strategy, not just transaction entry.
Final Thoughts
This surge in overnight bookkeepers may be flooding the market, but quality still wins. The ability to clean up a file, communicate clearly with clients, and provide financial insight is not something that can be taught in a weekend.
So if you’re a business owner feeling overwhelmed by your books—or recovering from a bookkeeping “experiment” gone wrong—don’t worry. Help exists. We’ve got the tools, the training, and yes… even the wine.
Need Help Untangling Your Books?
You’re in the right place!