Bookkeeping Wisdom: An Unexpected Conversation in an Uber Ride
May 17, 2025
Sometimes the most meaningful professional conversations happen in the most unexpected places. Today, during what I thought would be a routine Uber ride, I had a fascinating discussion about bookkeeping that I wanted to share with you all.
An Unexpected Business Discussion
My driver—let’s call her Sarah—mentioned she works in sales but is planning to start her own business soon. When I told her about my bookkeeping practice, her interest was immediately piqued. She had questions about what bookkeeping actually entails and how tools like QuickBooks work.
What struck me most was how her questions reflected concerns I hear from clients every day:
- How can small business owners protect themselves from bookkeeping mistakes or fraud?
- Is QuickBooks something business owners should learn themselves?
- How do you know if your bookkeeper is doing a good job?
Tales from the Field: The Good and the Bad
Sarah shared stories she’d heard from her network that highlighted both the risks and rewards of professional bookkeeping. On one hand, she knew someone who had been scammed by a dishonest bookkeeper who had mismanaged their accounts. Unfortunately, this is a reality in our industry that gives legitimate bookkeepers a bad name.
On the other hand, she’d heard an incredible success story: a business that discovered nearly $1 million in unpaid invoices after hiring a competent bookkeeper. This perfectly illustrates the value a good bookkeeper brings—not just recording transactions, but uncovering opportunities and preventing costly oversights.
Protection Through Knowledge
Our conversation naturally led to what I believe is the most important safeguard any business owner can have: basic bookkeeping knowledge. I explained to Sarah that even if you plan to outsource your bookkeeping (which makes sense for many business owners), understanding the fundamentals serves as an insurance policy.
When you know what proper bookkeeping looks like, you can:
- Ask the right questions during the hiring process
- Perform basic checks on your financial reports
- Recognize red flags before they become expensive problems
- Make more informed business decisions using your financial data
This is precisely why I offer QuickBooks training alongside my bookkeeping services. I believe in empowering business owners with knowledge, not keeping them in the dark.
Building Trust Through Transparency
As we neared the end of the ride, Sarah and I discussed how the best professional relationships are built on transparency. A good bookkeeper wants clients who understand their financials, ask questions, and take an active interest in their books.
I gave Sarah my business card before stepping out of the car. Whether she needs bookkeeping services in the future or just wants to learn QuickBooks basics before launching her sales business, I’m happy to help.
The Takeaway
This unexpected conversation reminded me why I’m passionate about what I do. Bookkeeping isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating financial clarity that gives business owners confidence and control.
If you’re a small business owner who feels uncertain about your bookkeeping setup or wants to learn more about managing your finances with QuickBooks, don’t hesitate to reach out. Knowledge truly is power when it comes to your business finances.
Ready to Take Control of Your Business Finances?
If this conversation resonated with you, I’d love to help you gain confidence in your bookkeeping:
- Schedule a Free 30-Minute Consultation: Let’s discuss your specific business needs and how proper bookkeeping can support your growth. Click here to book your call →
- Download My Free Guide: “10 QuickBooks Essentials Every Business Owner Should Know” provides actionable tips you can implement immediately. Get your copy →
- Have Questions? Email me directly at contact@phiferbookkeeping.com with your bookkeeping concerns.
Don’t let financial uncertainty hold your business back. Whether you need full bookkeeping services or just want to learn enough to check your current bookkeeper’s work, I’m here to help.
Have you had questions about bookkeeping or QuickBooks that you’ve been afraid to ask? Leave a comment below, and I’ll address them in a future post!
