Reflections on 2024 and hopes for 2025
What a year it’s been for NZQBA!
As 2024 wraps up, we are taking a moment to reflect on the highlights, challenges, and lessons learned from the past year. Kenn and Sandi have been at the heart of NZQBA’s journey, working tirelessly to support Bookkeepers across the country.
In this blog, they share their thoughts on the biggest moments of the year and what’s next for NZQBA in 2025.
Grab a coffee and join us as we take you behind the scenes with Kenn and Sandi for a candid and inspiring look at the past year—and the exciting future ahead.
The year that was 2024
What was the biggest highlight for NZQBA in 2024?
Kenn: The biggest highlight for me was definitely the conference! It was incredible to see our members more comfortable and engaged this year. The positive feedback we’ve received shows they truly enjoyed the experience. This year, we also had a record number of exhibitors, which not only enhanced the event but also allowed us to build stronger, more meaningful relationships with our partners.
Sandi: Definitely the conference! We took a bold step to make it bigger than ever, and it truly paid off. We brought in some exciting, new-to-market companies to exhibit, and the feedback from delegates has been fantastic—it seems to have been really valuable for them. Plus, curating the speaker line-up was a major focus for us. We put a lot of effort into getting the balance just right, and I think it showed in the quality of the sessions. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but we’re constantly taking steps in the right direction.
Which achievement are you personally most proud of this year?
Kenn: The achievement I’m most proud of this year is encouraging others—and myself—to step out of our comfort zones. It was so rewarding to see everyone rise to the challenge and excel. Sandi delivered an incredible speech during the awards, and members like Maria, Dee, Natalija, Jess, Mel, and Tiffany overcame their nerves to speak confidently in front of a large audience at the conference. I’m so proud of all of them—go team!
Sandi: There are two things I’m especially proud of. First, we’ve delivered consistent value throughout the year by releasing four new resources—one each quarter—covering topics that are both practical and relevant to Bookkeepers. And we also refreshed the curriculum in our mentoring programme, which was a significant milestone. Secondly, the website. It’s been a labour of love, but it now truly reflects the community we’ve built and showcases the value we bring to Bookkeepers.
What challenges did we overcome as a team in 2024?
Kenn: It would definitely be creating multiple big projects simultaneously. Apart from organising the conference, we also worked hard to enhance the mentoring program, to ensure that both initiatives were successful and impactful.
Sandi: For me, one of the biggest challenges was prioritising. During our monthly strategy meetings, we often come up with so many great ideas, and it’s easy to get distracted by shiny, exciting new projects. Staying focused on what truly mattered was something we had to work on as a team.
Another significant challenge was becoming a cohesive team. We’re all remote workers, and I’ve only been with NZQBA for just over a year, so it took some time to find our rhythm—especially with everyone in different locations. But we made it work. We’ve found our strengths, defined our roles, and now we know our lanes.
What was the most rewarding aspect of supporting bookkeepers in 2024?
Kenn: Seeing the impact of the support and resources we provide is incredibly rewarding, especially for members just starting out when everything can feel so daunting. I worked one-on-one with a few members in updating their LinkedIn profiles, developing their business plans, or addressing other challenges and hearing them say, ‘I feel so much better’ after our sessions keeps me inspired and motivated to continue helping others.
Sandi: We often talk about helping our members find their place, but for me, the most rewarding part has been finding my own tribe. I’ve said this before, but Kenn and I work so well together—we support each other, and our skills complement one another perfectly. So, the most fulfilling aspect of supporting Bookkeepers has been supporting Kenn and empowering her to do what she does best. It’s been a real team effort, and I couldn’t be prouder.
Looking Ahead to 2025
What are the key goals for NZQBA in 2025?
Kenn: We actually began this initiative last year, but we’re now focused on expanding our strategic team of senior bookkeepers. We meet with them monthly to brainstorm new initiatives and ensure we continue creating practical, valuable content and resources for our members
Sandi: For me, it’s all about continuing to deliver consistent value to Bookkeepers across New Zealand. As we grow, I want to ensure we stay focused on initiatives that make a real impact—like the quarterly State of Play survey. It’s such a powerful tool for helping Bookkeepers understand the market and position themselves for success. Maintaining that momentum and building on our successes will be key.
Are there new initiatives or programs we’re excited to launch?
Kenn: Absolutely! You may have noticed that our team has started creating short videos featuring ourselves. Next year, you can expect even more of this as we launch a podcast channel, where we’ll invite experts, members to share their insights on bookkeeping.
Sandi: One of the big ones is the podcast, which I’m equal parts excited and terrified about. It’s a new space for us, but I’m confident it will be a great way to connect with and support the Bookkeeping community.
We’re also working on launching short, practical courses designed specifically for Bookkeepers to upskill. This has been a recurring request in our surveys, and we are excited to finally bring this educational content to life. It’s all about giving Bookkeepers the tools they need to thrive in their businesses.
How do we see NZQBA evolving over the next year?
Kenn: We are always working on increasing engagement from both our members and industry partners. We remain committed to maintaining a genuine and relevant approach that truly resonates with our members.
Sandi: I see us continuing to expand our content, strengthening relationships that add real value, and, most importantly, adapting to the needs of our members. I know it sounds a bit like “ChatGPT talk,” but the business landscape in New Zealand is often fast-paced and dynamic. By staying in tune with current trends and being flexible, we can provide even more meaningful support to our members and help them navigate these changes effectively.
2024 has been a year of growth, learning, and connection for NZQBA. As Kenn and Sandi look ahead to 2025, their commitment to supporting the Bookkeeping community in New Zealand remains stronger than ever. With new initiatives on the horizon and a focus on delivering meaningful value, the future is looking bright for NZQBA and its members.
What are your goals for 2025? We’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas as we continue building a thriving Bookkeeping community together. Let’s make the year ahead even better!
Be sure to check out the photos from the 2024 conference to see all the highlights, including our fantastic speakers and exhibitors!
