From Career Change to Assist Bookkeeping Success
How Gabrielle Adams’ Bookkeeping Journey Began
Gabrielle Adams’ bookkeeping journey started back in high school – yes, really. She fell in love with the structure of double-entry accounting and the challenge of balancing every ledger. If something didn’t add up, she was determined to find the error and fix it.
After school, Gabrielle knew the traditional university route wasn’t for her. Instead, she chose distance learning to complete a Bachelor of Business Studies while working in the farming sector. A role at TSB Bank followed, where she discovered another passion – helping people understand their finances. It became clear to her that financial literacy doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and she wanted to be someone who could change that.
Turning Studies Into a Bookkeeping Business
A few years later, Gabrielle’s bookkeeping journey took another turn while working in the accounts team at Mainfreight. There, she enjoyed getting financials in shape before they reached the accountant’s desk. One day, while home sick, it clicked: she wanted to run her own business. A friend mentioned bookkeeping and NZQBA, and after a quick phone call, Gabrielle was on her way.
In early 2023, Gabrielle set herself a goal: to launch her own bookkeeping business by the end of the year. She enrolled in the Certificate in Bookkeeping through The Career Academy and steadily chipped away at her studies. By October, she’d reduced her paid hours to focus more on building her business. Just two months later, she completed the course – and Assist Bookkeeping was born.
The Role of NZQBA in Gabrielle Adams’ Bookkeeping Journey
NZQBA membership has played a huge role in Gabrielle Adams’ bookkeeping journey. She credits Membership Manager Kenn for always being just a message away – ready with advice, encouragement, and genuine belief in her abilities.
Attending the NZQBA Conference in 2023 was a significant milestone. Although Gabrielle felt nervous and unsure she belonged, a complimentary ticket and a push from her husband helped her decide to attend. It turned out to be a pivotal moment.
Despite not knowing anyone at first, Gabrielle left with new industry connections, fresh inspiration, and friends – Bookkeepers from all over New Zealand who still support one another today. That one event cemented her belief that she was exactly where she needed to be.
NZQBA’s resources have also provided practical help throughout Gabrielle Adams’ bookkeeping journey. Templates like business plans and engagement letters gave her confidence, particularly when speaking with new clients.
Finding Her Niche in Bookkeeping
Building a client base in a smaller town like Whanganui hasn’t been without challenges. Gabrielle is learning that visibility matters – recently posting about her business on Facebook for the first time – and that word-of-mouth referrals are gold.
Her niche is shaping up around agribusiness and transport, thanks to her background and her husband’s work as an owner-driver. She’s learned to push past imposter syndrome, realising that her ability to structure finances, spot claimable expenses, and bring clarity is hugely valuable to her clients.
Continuous Learning in Gabrielle Adams’ Bookkeeping Journey
Gabrielle Adams’ bookkeeping journey is marked by her passion for continuous learning. She regularly uses the CCH Master Bookkeepers Guide as a reference, attends webinars, and seeks to grow her skills.
The NZQBA Mentoring Programme has been a game-changer – offering her access to experienced mentors and giving her tools to navigate unfamiliar aspects of running a business. It’s helped her refine systems and feel more confident in her work.
Looking Ahead in Gabrielle Adams’ Bookkeeping Journey
Gabrielle Adams is still building – but now she’s doing it with purpose, support, and momentum. Her vision is to grow Assist Bookkeeping while staying true to the values that inspired her journey into bookkeeping.
Recently, she messaged Kenn to share her gratitude:
I have taken Assist Bookkeeping full time this year and left my job.
I was thinking today about how I probably would never have had the courage to start this business in the first place, if it weren’t for your help and support.
So, I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I appreciate that and how grateful I am to know that I have your ongoing support through NZQBA.
As she looks ahead to the next NZQBA Conference, Gabrielle is ready to reconnect with her peers, share what she’s learned, and keep building a thriving bookkeeping business in Whanganui and New Zealand.
