Bookkeeping might seem simple on the surface, but for many businesses, it’s where things start to fall apart. Errors, neglected accounts, and messy records can create stress, especially when deadlines are close. For Stuart Cameron, a partner at Chaos Black, finding reliable support was a priority, especially when previous bookkeepers or accountants had left things in a mess.
“The market tolerability for the cost of bookkeeping services is around $80 an hour plus GST, which is far too low for us to be able to contemplate,” Stuart explained. This made outsourcing to someone dependable a necessity. Stuart found that support in Trudy, an experienced bookkeeper from First Class Accounts (FCA). Keep reading to learn how Trudy helped turn chaos into clarity and why Stuart continues to rely on her services.
When Bookkeeping Gets Complicated, Here’s Who You Can Trust
Stuart Cameron’s journey with Trudy began long before she became a bookkeeper with First Class Accounts. She was serving as the treasurer of the Carlingford Public School when Stuart first noticed her meticulous approach and commitment to getting the details right.
“She was the treasurer of the Carlingford Public School, and because of the confidence we had in the work she did at that particular organisation, we started working with her,” Stuart shared.
When Trudy joined FCA, Stuart didn’t hesitate to continue their professional relationship. Her ability to step into complex situations and deliver results had already made an impression. “We said, yep, that’s fine by me, and certainly I’ve referred a number of jobs to her. She has stepped up to the mark on each of those,” he explained.
Stuart emphasised that his decision to work with Trudy wasn’t just about her affiliation with FCA. It was her individual expertise and ability to deliver consistent results that stood out. “It’s got nothing to do with her particular firm—it’s all about her,” Stuart said.
Bringing Order to Chaos: Real Stories of Trudy’s Work
Trudy’s ability to handle even the most challenging situations has made her an invaluable partner for Stuart’s firm. Over the years, she’s taken on difficult cases and delivered results that have earned her the trust and respect of both Stuart and his clients.
Stuart shared a few examples:
Rescuing a Non-Profit in Crisis
When a non-profit’s accountant was abruptly let go, Trudy stepped in to clean up the financial mess. “She had to basically pick up after the accountant had been sacked and was able to bring order from chaos,” Stuart explained. Her efforts brought structure to a chaotic situation, and the organisation was highly complimentary of her work.
Fixing Mistakes from Previous Bookkeepers
In one case, a client came to Stuart after their previous bookkeeper had made a mess of the accounts. Trudy was recommended to step in and fix the issues. “The client said, ‘Do you know anybody?’ and I said, ‘Well, here’s somebody.’ Trudy was able to come in, make sense of the stuff-up, and clean it up,” Stuart shared.
Handling Neglected Accounts
One of the most challenging cases involved a client who hadn’t done their accounts or tax returns for three years. “Trudy came in, sat down with a shoebox of receipts, and made sense of it all,” Stuart said. Her work brought the client’s records up to date, enabling them to move forward with accurate tax filings.
These examples highlight Trudy’s ability to tackle complex situations with confidence and expertise. “What makes Trudy stand out is her professionalism, expertise, and ability to deliver consistently—even in difficult circumstances,” Stuart emphasised.
The One Thing That Sets Great Bookkeepers Apart
For Stuart, the most important quality in a bookkeeper is expertise. Trudy’s ability to combine technical skills with practical knowledge is what makes her such a valuable partner.
“Trudy actually understands accounting—not just putting numbers into cells, but the underlying concepts like how a debit equals a credit,” Stuart explained. This level of understanding sets her apart from many bookkeepers who focus solely on data entry without grasping the bigger picture.
Another key factor is adaptability. In Stuart’s firm, clients use a wide range of accounting systems, from Xero to Excel. Trudy’s willingness to work across different platforms has been a major advantage. “She doesn’t restrict herself to one software, which makes her skills more useful and adaptable for us,” Stuart said.
Stuart also highlighted the importance of professionalism and consistency. “She steps up to the mark every time, delivering exactly what’s needed, and that’s why I keep referring work to her,” he shared.
Reflecting on his experience, Stuart offered advice to others considering working with an FCA bookkeeper. “If you’re considering working with an FCA bookkeeper, make sure they have the expertise. Expertise is everything—bookkeeping isn’t just data entry,” he said.
Why FCA Bookkeepers Are Your Best Choice
Stuart’s experience with Trudy highlights why partnering with a skilled and reliable bookkeeper can make all the difference for accountants and their clients. Bookkeeping isn’t just about keeping numbers in order—it’s about trust, professionalism, and expertise.
For Stuart, working with Trudy through First Class Accounts has allowed his firm to focus on higher-value services while knowing the bookkeeping is in capable hands. “Thanks to her work, we’ve been able to focus more on higher-value services for our clients, knowing the bookkeeping is handled expertly,” he explained.
For professionals considering First Class Accounts, Stuart’s advice is clear: “If you’re considering working with an FCA bookkeeper, make sure they have the expertise. Expertise is everything—bookkeeping isn’t just data entry.”
If you’re looking for a trusted partner to help your business thrive, consider working with a First Class Accounts bookkeeper. With FCA, you’ll find skilled professionals who are ready to make your bookkeeping challenges a thing of the past. Contact First Class Accounts today and see how FCA can help you build a more efficient business.
