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Xero for the Amazon Seller – FBA Accounting in Canada

By | January 17th, 2018|Uncategorized|

Are you an Amazon seller looking to streamline your accounting for your Canadian corporation? There are a lot of great cloud accounting software to choose from. As a Canadian cloud accountant based in BC, I have seen Xero work great for a variety of online retail companies.  It is a great choice for the Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) Seller. Why Xero for Amazon Sellers? Xero integrates with A2X – A2X provides simple automated Amazon accounting by importing your Amazon transactions directly into Xero for easy reconciliation. Xero has multi-currency to satisfy your reporting requirements in Canada if you have both [...]

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What is ERP?

By | October 25th, 2017|Uncategorized|

When explaining the benefits of cloud accounting, I often tell people that with cloud accounting you can build your own ERP system as you grow. So the obvious next questions is what is ERP? ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning and is the systems in place that facilitate the processes that make your business work as you grow and scale. When I implement an ERP system for a client, I start with the accounting software. Then I incorporate other systems and processes based on the needs of the business. For example, maybe you require a project management software for your business [...]

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Do I have to Charge Hotel Tax on my AirBnB (in BC and Alberta)?

By | September 20th, 2017|Uncategorized|

Many business owners are investing in real estate and with AirBnB the ability to make a return on providing short-term rental accommodation is easier than it ever was before. The questions I get is do I have to charge hotel tax on my AirBnB rental? The answer is different depending on where you are. In this article we will specifically address BC and Alberta. British Columbia What was previously called "Hotel Tax" is now administered by the Ministry of Finance under PST. The rate of PST for accommodations is 8%.  Owner's of short term rental units (including AirBnB's) are only required [...]

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My Top 4 Business Podcasts (This Week)

By | September 6th, 2017|Uncategorized|

I am a podcast junkie. I love learning via tuning into an audio podcast. I have always had a thirst for learning and love podcasts because they can fit into my everyday life (drives, runs or when working on something that can stand background noise). If you have not become a podcaster yet, I recommend you try it. I find them informative, entertaining and motivational and learn something new from each one. You are not going to learn much from Ed Sheeran on your local pop rock station! These are the five most on my radar this week. Oh and if [...]

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How to Make Yourself More Productive (and Happy): A Review of Jeremie Kubicek’s Book called 5 Gears

By | June 7th, 2017|Uncategorized|

My husband is in an executive leadership training program and introduced me to the book 5 Gears: How to Be Present and Productive When There is Never Enough Time. The author is Jeremie Kubicek and the book is essentially a work/life balance book. There are a lot of these types of work life balance and productivity books out there but I liked the way it expressed the ideas and think he (the author) offered some very easy ways to follow the mantra. Here is a summary of the gears he explains: 1) Recharge 2) Connecting Deeply 3) Social 4) On Task [...]

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The Best Strategy – Turning Passion into Profit

By | March 28th, 2017|Uncategorized|

Many small business owners get involved in the day to day operations of their business and fail to step back and consider their strategy. This can lead to additional stress, overwork and reduced profits. Strategy is the key to success in both “big” and “small” business. At some point you of course have to jump in and "do" but make sure you step back to ensure that you are "doing" the right things for you and your business. What is Strategy? Michael Porter, a Harvard business professor, and a reputed “Strategist”, often explains strategy as “how the organization is going to [...]

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What is a business coach?

By | March 9th, 2017|Uncategorized|

What is a business coach and why do I need one? When you start a business you hear a lot of recommendations to get a business coach. I have run into a lot of independent business coaches in my years as an Accountant. Many business owners do not really know what they do and thus I have decided to explain a little bit about business coaching (at least how I see and do it). As a business coach, I help business owners take their ideas and put them into practice. We define steps they can take and ways to measure those steps. I also [...]

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Giving Back

By | February 22nd, 2017|Uncategorized|

We are all busy. Then we see Not-for-Profits and groups that need help. Then the guilt comes as their never seems to be enough time. This week I was cruising the book fair at my daughter’s school with her one evening and saw two moms manning the checkout as volunteers for the Parent Advisory Committee. Two busy moms doing their part. Insert guilt here – and guilty confession: I have not yet volunteered for PAC.   A few days later, I had a canvasser come to the door. A fellow mom friend who was canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. [...]

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What can I deduct for meals?

By | February 16th, 2017|Uncategorized|

Throughout the year, I get a lot of questions around what can be deducted when it comes to meals for tax purposes. However, as we enter personal tax season I get these questions almost daily! I have decided to write a blog that answers some common questions. For further explanations, see Canada Revenue Agency website as they have some great resources. I travel for work - can I deduct meals? If you travel for work and are self employed you can deduct meals in the business (whether in a corporation or on your personal tax return for sole proprietors). However, the [...]

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Making Billable Expenses Work for You Using Xero

By | January 31st, 2017|Uncategorized|

Billable expenses are when you pay for services or products (expenses) that you then invoice to your customers. Using billable expenses as part of your accounting and invoicing software can help you ensure you don’t miss out on getting reimbursed for these costs. This discussion will be based on using Xero to track this but many other accounting software also have this option. This can be great for a variety of businesses. I have seen it work wonders for contractors but I have also seen it in professional service businesses. The bottom line is if you have a contract or agreement [...]

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