VeronicaParker.com

VeronicaParker.com Accounting Consultant

ACCOUNTING: Timekeeping/Payroll, AP/AR, Credit, General Accounting, Billing, Financial Statements, Monthend closeout, Bank/Credit Card/PayPal Reconciliation

ADMIN: Telephone Support, Email/Management of Employees/Clients, Prepare/Transcribe/Edit/Distribute Memos/Email Blasts, Company Forms, Process Employee Expense Reports, Tech Saavy

HR: Create & Prepare New Hires Pkgs, Track Attendance, Record Personal & Vacation Time

Full NON-DISCLOSURE and Confidentiality

What’s that one dish you’re absolutely great at? You know, the one you’d confidently enter into any cooking contest beca...
12/19/2024

What’s that one dish you’re absolutely great at? You know, the one you’d confidently enter into any cooking contest because it wins, hands down, every time. The dish that’s so good, your family and friends beg you to make it even when it’s not the holidays. The recipe so iconic it’s practically your culinary legacy, the one you’re ready to pass down to your kids as a family heirloom.

For me, I’ve perfected a recipe so essential, so irreplaceable, that no family function is complete without it. Holiday? Birthday? Random Tuesday pop-up dinner? I’ve got it covered. Every year, the family group chat buzzes with assignments to avoid duplicating dishes. Auntie's got the banana pudding, one of Uncle's desert is a given, and Cousin’s bringing his famous giblet gravy. And then, there’s me.

What’s my contribution, you ask? The Utensils!

Yes, you read that right. Festive plates, the clear top-of-the-line forks, large cups, and napkins. The unsung heroes of every meal. Let’s face it: without my perfectly curated selection of disposable dinnerware, the rest of the meal doesn’t stand a chance. You can’t eat mac and cheese with your hands (well, not gracefully). You can’t savor banana pudding without a spoon. And you definitely can’t enjoy Cousin’s gravy without a plate to catch it.

I take my role seriously. Picking the right plates? A delicate balance of sturdiness and style. Napkins? Always two-ply; I’m not about to let my family suffer through flimsy one-ply disasters. Cups? Don’t even get me started. This isn’t just a contribution, it’s an art form.

I may not be whipping up gourmet dishes, but my utensils are the foundation of every successful meal. And if that’s not something to be proud of, I don’t know what is. After all, what’s a family feast without the tools to enjoy it? So, while others leave a legacy of recipes, I leave a legacy of functionality. And trust me, no one’s ever complained (while exiting with the to-go plates).

Bon appétit!

Giving Old a Fresh PerspectiveFor the past five or six months, I've been purging a storage filled with thirty years of m...
11/02/2024

Giving Old a Fresh Perspective

For the past five or six months, I've been purging a storage filled with thirty years of memories. It's strange how uncovering items from the past has felt like meeting old friends, reuniting with people, and reliving memories I thought were tucked away for good. My storage space has been like a time capsule of forgotten books; at one time, I was an avid reader, but now, I rely on Audible. If someone suggests a book, I head to Audible before even considering Amazon. And despite my attempts at decluttering, I can’t seem to part with these books, read or unread, autographed or not. They hold memories I can't replace.

Then there are the college papers, even textbooks, that I once thought would be lifetime references, this was long before I could just look things up on the Internet. But perhaps my most cherished find is a small book by Iyanla Vanzant called Acts of Faith. For years, I've set the goal of reading the Bible in a year, but my focus tends to drift. Still, I won’t give up, it remains something I truly want to accomplish. Instead, Acts of Faith is something I can turn to daily, and each time, its message feels fresh, like an “aha” moment. Somehow, each reading reveals something new, a wisdom that resonates differently over time.

This rediscovery of the old reminds me of how our professional skills are often revisited in new ways. Sometimes, an old method or idea suddenly feels relevant again or becomes the missing piece in tackling a current challenge. Sometimes, our goals get set aside, left on a shelf like an unread book. But there comes a time when we can pull them back down, revisit them, and use them in a new way—reshaping them for a different time and a better opportunity. What’s old can always be new again. Sometimes, it’s just about seeing it through new prescription glasses or even after a little corrective eye surgery.

To Spell or Not to Spell Correctly? That is the Question! But What is the Document?As the end of the year approaches, my...
10/29/2024

To Spell or Not to Spell Correctly?
That is the Question! But What is the Document?

As the end of the year approaches, my annual ritual of verifying names and addresses for W-2 and 1099 forms kicks into high gear. Every year, without fail, there’s someone who disputes the spelling of their own name—even though they may have entered it themselves in the HR system. 🤭 And then, there are the folks who “forget” to update their addresses, leaving me chasing down corrections. What should be a quick task always stretches into a marathon of updates, phone calls, and emails.

Today, to get me started, I stopped by my favorite fast-food spot for breakfast. Predictably, when they asked for my name, my simple “Veronica” usually somehow morphs into “Victoria,” “Vanessa,” or “Valerie.” Occasionally, they get it right, but then the spelling goes astray. Thankfully, these minor slip-ups don’t end up on critical documents like the W-2s I’m preparing.

So, as we dive into W-2 and 1099 season, here’s a small request: give us grace for the occasional spelling mishap, we’ve done our due diligence. And if you’re one of those folks with an email address like “MoneyMaker2020” or “Cowgirl1996”—clearly a Cowboys fan who wants to reminds us of their last Super Bowl win. Or maybe you have since moved on to a more professional address, please, help us out by adding your real name in the signature! It’s the little things that make a big difference, especially when it’s for something as official as tax documents.

I may be particularly sensitive to this topic because, after all, I gave my son a name that’s only four letters long: Evan. I figured fewer letters would mean fewer ways for people to get it wrong… although, somehow, it still translates to Ethan every time. So I tried, right? I may have been a little luckier with his first name, but the last name—now that was out of my control. One out of two isn’t so bad, right?

Weathering the Audit AftermathAs an accountant and a mom of a pr***en, there are moments when both roles overlap in the ...
10/01/2024

Weathering the Audit Aftermath

As an accountant and a mom of a pr***en, there are moments when both roles overlap in the most unexpected ways. Take, for example, Hurricane Helene. Just like in accounting, where we’re constantly managing unexpected financial storms, being a parent means preparing for unpredictable moments, especially with a growing, active son.

When a storm hits, whether it’s managing financial reconciliations or guiding my son through the chaos of school closures and power outages, the principles remain the same: stay calm, have a plan, and adapt quickly. In accounting, much like in parenting, forecasting can only go so far, there are always variables out of our control.

Hurricane Helene served as a reminder of the importance of balance. Just as I help my clients weather financial uncertainties, I also guide my son through life's storms with patience and understanding. Both roles require adaptability, problem-solving, and a lot of patience. And, of course, knowing when to take shelter, when to push forward, and rebuild.

Wishing for the safety of everyone and the swift restoration of even more.

School is Now in Home SessionIt’s month-end, third-quarter close, and somehow, it feels like a quarantine flashback, com...
09/27/2024

School is Now in Home Session

It’s month-end, third-quarter close, and somehow, it feels like a quarantine flashback, complete with inclement weather, flickering lights, and my pre-teen shouting into Discord like it's an Olympic event! Balancing spreadsheets while the Wi-Fi plays hide-and-seek. That’s multitasking on a whole new level. At this point, the only thing more unpredictable than my son’s gaming commentary is the weather.

The alarm goes off, but who needs it? Looks like today’s spreadsheets will be traded for a much-needed nap, just to gear up and do it all again tomorrow. Time to rest up for another round of juggling quarter-end reports and chaos at home. Next time, I might just add ‘weather-proof’ to my resume! ***enpandemonium

Excel Dryer Sheets!Have you ever had a tool you rely on for nearly everything? I’ve taken many courses and learned vario...
08/26/2024

Excel Dryer Sheets!
Have you ever had a tool you rely on for nearly everything? I’ve taken many courses and learned various tools to stay competitive in the job market. Additional skills can certainly help you stay marketable and open up new job opportunities. However, no matter how many new tools and skills I learn, Excel remains indispensable to me.

In my professional life, Excel is my go-to solution for streamlining tasks. It helps me excel through monthly close processes, reconciliations, and summarizing large datasets. I’ve found countless uses for Excel in both my career and daily life. Yet, as I prepare for the new week, I can't help but wish I could use Excel to make household chores easier. Wouldn't it be fantastic if Excel could help streamline those tasks too? I mean, what's wrong with a little wishful thinking?

Imagine using Excel to wash clothes (excel dryer sheets!), simplify tasks like ironing, dusting, mopping, vacuuming, and even cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, or stocking the fridge for school lunches and dinners. Excel is already indispensable in so many areas of my life. It's the ultimate multi-purpose tool that helps me excel in everything I do at work—why not in housekeeping too?

Unplanned Blessings: My Journey into MotherhoodPeople who knew me before Evan can't believe it. They can't believe I'm a...
08/21/2024

Unplanned Blessings: My Journey into Motherhood

People who knew me before Evan can't believe it. They can't believe I'm a mom. They can't believe some of the things I do now. And honestly, neither can I.

Before Evan, I enjoyed seeing other people with their kids, but I never imagined myself as a mom. Now that I am, I can't help but wonder what took me so long. I’ve discovered I’m capable of everything I ever needed, even things I didn’t know I wanted.

I had the best role models. Both my grandmothers were incredible. They had green thumbs, cooked without recipes, and everything seemed to come naturally to them. But I’m sure it took years of practice to perfect their skills.

My dad was always surprised that I didn’t know how to cook. I was always in the kitchen with my paternal grandmother, but cooking wasn’t my thing. Over time, though, I've come to realize that I've inherited many of their qualities.

Both my grandmothers were creative in their own unique ways. My maternal grandmother could transform anything into something beautiful, like the Martha Stewart of our family. Though she often showcased her creativity indoors, she also spent time outside. My paternal grandmother grew blackberries, plums, and pomegranates and used them in her cooking. Now, when I watch HGTV, I can totally see her being on one of those shows.

Despite her constant fatigue—her catchphrase was "I'm so tired", my paternal grandmother never stopped. However with my maternal grandmother, a stroke appeared to be the catalyst in slowing her down, but not completely. They were unstoppable forces, and I'm proud to have inherited their creativity and determination.

And while I see so much of my grandmothers in myself, there are also qualities in my mom that I admire. Even though my brother and I are grown, she never stops working, never stops helping, never stops praying, or never stops giving her opinion! Ha! She just never stops.

I see those qualities in myself now, especially when I'm creating things with Evan. When he was younger, I never imagined I'd be doing some of the things I do now. But my creativity shines through when I'm helping him with school projects, organizing his gaming setup, or assisting with splicing his videos and making logos. My creativity truly comes in handy.

I never want to stop being supportive of my son. He's at an age now where he notices when other kids don't have the support at home that he receives from me. That recognition means the world to me.

I don't need extravagant accolades—his gratitude, even when he doesn't realize he's expressing it, is priceless. I can't imagine having a child other than Evan. He wasn't planned, and I certainly wouldn't plan for a second, but he's given me everything: the wherewithal, the truth wrapped in growth spurts, and a personality full of yelling and screaming. And I'm so appreciative, honored, and blessed to be his mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

Balancing of a Mohawk and NumbersAs a 'seasoned' accountant (where there’s more salt than pepper), navigating through a ...
08/21/2024

Balancing of a Mohawk and Numbers

As a 'seasoned' accountant (where there’s more salt than pepper), navigating through a maze of numbers comes as second nature to me, much like knowing the complete menu at Starbucks. With over three decades of experience under my belt, you'd think there's little that could surprise me. Yet, the twists and turns of parenthood have a way of presenting challenges that no spreadsheet can calculate.

It's mohawk season. One year during summer camp, my son decided he wanted a mohawk. It was a blend of swimming and soccer, sprinkled with a hefty dose of last-minute planning. As a first-time mom, I quickly discovered that securing a spot in a summer camp was as extremely competitive as purchasing front-row seats at a concert by a legendary artist like Prince.

The camp kicked off with a group of motivated volunteers and energetic kids. However, about three or four weeks in, the camp morphed into daily critiques reminiscent of famous film critics Siskel and Ebert. A story for another day, perhaps.

Enters Landon, the catalyst for my son's sudden interest in a new hairstyles. Describing Landon's haircut without knowing its official name, my son made it clear: he wanted a mohawk. A few days later, Landon finally makes an appearance, I understood. A mohawk it was, standing tall, proud, and flowing through the kicks. The only hiccup? My son's hair was nothing like Landon's. The prospect of him achieving a similar style seemed as feasible as my son driving us home that day.

This predicament mirrored the experiences I've had in my professional life. Clients often come in, dazzled by the strategies and successes of others, wishing to replicate them. Like haircuts, however, what works for one may not suit another. As I've learned to navigate these waters (in a life jacket, I can't swim), I've embraced the role of "The Reconciliator" – part mediator, part creator, committed to tailoring solutions that fit each unique scenario. (To think, now I'm a seamstress too?)

Just like hairstyles, there's no one-size-fits-all in accounting. The key lies in understanding the individual characteristics, needs, and goals. Whether it's aligning a client's accounting strategies with their industry standards or adapting a new business model, customization is king.

Fast forward to the present, and my son has proudly rocked his mohawk for over six years. Just when I thought he had grown in this style, and how it fit his gamer role, now he's wanting another change. We're embarking on a new adventure: twists (help me). As with any new journey, it's about finding what works best for him, ensuring it reflects his personality and style. It's a continuous process of trial, error, and success, much like fine-tuning a company's accounting framework.

In the end, whether it's reconciling multiple accounts or figuring out how to style a mohawk so it stands just right, the principle remains the same: what matters most is finding the perfect fit. And in both hair and accounting, when you get it right, it's not just about looking good—it's about feeling confident, capable, and ready to present it to the world.

So, to all the parents and professionals out there, remember: sometimes, the journey to finding the right style (be it for hair or for your business) can be twisted. But with a bit of patience, creativity, and tailored advice, you'll find that perfect balance. And I believe, when it reconciles, it doesn't just add up, it may stand up, lay just right, and shine.

A Monday, a Meeting, and a MirrorYou’re deep in the trenches of work, deadlines approaching, when a meeting notification...
08/21/2024

A Monday, a Meeting, and a Mirror

You’re deep in the trenches of work, deadlines approaching, when a meeting notification pops up. Yes, you forgot! So what do you do? Stop what you're doing, drop the volume on your latest podcast binge, and roll right out of your desk cave to clean up for that dreaded video call.

In our chaotic world of in-office clusters, hybrid huddles, and the mysterious state of 100% remote work, it's a daily gamble of whether I am going on-camera or not? I’ve become a queen at the quick-change act, with a mirror on my desk like a required office tool, next a rotating selection of shirts and cardigans, all to ensure I'm camera-ready for Zoom or Teams.

But here's the twist ... every time I manage to get dressed in record time, looking sharp and feeling comfortable, it turns out to be a phone call. No camera involved. Of course. So, I'm left considering life's big questions: How many shirts does one need to cycle through to not repeat an outfit on a video call? Is there an app to track this?

Maintaining a video-call-appropriate wardrobe feels like organizing a sock drawer during an earthquake. My wardrobe only consists of fleece wear. Let’s face it, nothing has really changed. I remain dedicated to not wearing the same thing twice—unless it’s an audio-only call, in which case, you'll find me rocking my favorite kimono or robe with my hair still in pinned curls.

Stay fly (or don't, I'll never know on a phone call) and familiar with your calendar.

Say My Name (or Nick's)Nicknames: those unique spices sprinkled by friends, family, and colleagues throughout our lives,...
04/20/2024

Say My Name (or Nick's)

Nicknames: those unique spices sprinkled by friends, family, and colleagues throughout our lives, adding flavor and character to our personal stories. From the moment we enter the world, we're branded with labels that stick better than a Post-It on a refrigerator door. And just like that, before you can spell "identity," you're lovingly dubbed "boo-boo" by proud parents.

Growing up, I was affectionately known as 'Lady' by my parents, while my brother was their 'Man'. No royal lineage here, just parents who embraced regal titles for their kids. One of my dad's oldest friend recounts being amused about the love my dad had of "his lady". He said he thought “dane, this man really LOVES his wife.” Imagine the friend's surprise when he discovered that this "lady" was, in fact, his buddy's toddler daughter – me! I loved that story!

On the maternal side of my family, I’m called 'Pumpkin'—or "Punkin" in Southern drawl. Being the first grandchild, I suppose I was as round and plump as a pumpkin. On my paternal side, among the weeping willows and hydrangeas, I'm known as Roni and Runt.

The phenomenon of nicknames isn't confined to just family gatherings or neighborhood playgrounds. It follows us into our college affiliations and professional lives. Step into any workplace, and you'll find yourself in a parallel universe brimming with a fresh set of nicknames.

As a child, I was Veronica to my classmates, VP to my young adult friends, and in various workplaces, it's been a game of name roulette—Valerie, Vanessa, Victoria, but never Veronica!

Then there's my son, whom I affectionately call 'Boo-Boo'. As a toddler, he warmed my heart by calling me Mommy, until he declared that turning ten meant he'd start calling me 'Mom'. Yes, kids grow up fast, and with each growth spurt, their nicknames for you must mature as well!

This nickname conundrum extends into every crevice of organizational life. Ever noticed how each company has its own glossary of terms and acronyms? What's "telecommuting" in one office is simply "remote" in another. And the terms "sick leave" versus "medical leave," "lease" versus "rent," or "profit" versus "earnings" vary by the water cooler.

Despite being Veronica, Valerie, or Vanessa, I remain ‘V’. Just like those interchangeable job titles: Customer Service” versus “Client Service” or “admin” versus “executive assistant”, “billing analyst” versus “AR specialist” the essence of who we are doesn’t waver, even if our daily tasks fluctuate like stock market prices.

So, what’s the deeper story with nicknames? They’re like personalized badges of identity, given for traits, mistakes, or fond memories. They signify affection, humor, and sometimes just fill a space on a nameplate. The origins of nicknames might remain a mystery, but their impact is undeniable. They stick like glue and say more about our relationships than one conversation could ever reveal.

So wear your nicknames with pride—they’re not just names, but badges of honor, tokens of affection, and occasionally, perfect material for your next workplace anecdote.

04/01/2024

Calling all fashionistas and cubicle heroes! Grab your Starbucks (I've got mine!), and let's spill the tea (or coffee). My shopping addiction is as deep as the ocean, with a special place in my heart...

03/29/2024

​Who hasn't woken up on a Saturday with the sun shining a little brighter, the coffee tasting a little richer, and the clock hands moving just a tad slower? Weekends are the illusions of a mini...

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