photos by: JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
There’s something decidedly refreshing about Starboard Accounting & Consulting in Winston-Salem that’s a win for both their talented team and their fortunate clients.
“Honestly, I think people love that we’re an all-female firm,” shares Founder and President Kerri Stewart. “We act as the ‘interpreter’ between the business owner and CPA. Nothing against those guys in suits, but that’s just not us. I think we give off a vibe that’s more comfortable and open. Most business owners are amazing at what they do, but for many, the finance side is confusing. Our job is to simplify that process.”
Kerri also says she’s had male clients tell her they don’t feel as judged telling women their business problems. And, since Starboard doesn’t do taxes, they aren’t competing with CPAs or stressing over looming tax deadlines.
“I think our size and setup boosts our professionalism and reliability. We’re a reasonably large company for bookkeeping, as most bookkeepers are a one- or two-person operation. We have six full time employees, one part time employee, plus myself. If your bookkeeper is unavailable, someone else can answer your question – we work as a team!” Kerri explains. “We’re large enough to provide full service support, but small enough to get to know unique needs,” she adds.
With clients all over the Winston-Salem area, the Starboard team provides payroll processing, QuickBooks consulting and QuickBooks bookkeeping services. But, while balancing numbers and spreadsheets, you’ll also find these savvy women balancing work, motherhood and everything in between!
“It’s interesting to me there are so many options for women today in their work-life balance,” shares Kerri. “It’s culturally acceptable for a mom to have a high-powered position and hire a nanny, or to stay at home 100% and homeschool. Most of us land somewhere in between. Covid did open doors for women, where working from home with children in tow is much more common. I’ve had Zoom calls while nursing a baby, brought my kids to client offices and worked on my laptop while my kids swam in the neighborhood pool.”
Kerri started her business at age 27, did not have children then, but knew she wanted to someday. When she did finally need a maternity leave plan, she started hiring other bookkeepers. One of those, Pamela Rosendale, still works with her today. While situations vary between families, the mom goal is the same and support among women is crucial!
For Kerri, a gamechanger came when her child’s school had a 2:30 p.m. pick-up time, resulting in a new 30-hour work week routine.
“Armed with this hard end time, I became more focused. No more lunches out. Six hours to work, get it done and then the two of us would walk with the stroller at the park while she snacked on cheese and crackers. Mom win! That’s when it first clicked for me that hours worked do not actually equal results achieved. I’ve also had a ‘take it or leave it’ attitude with taking my kids with me to work from the beginning. Meaning, if I need to bring a kid to an appointment, I will. If that’s not OK, find someone else. It may sound harsh, but you’d be surprised how many people respect that. And, it showcases what is important to me – family first!”
Every Starboard team member would offer this advice to other business women – don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’ll accomplish more by creating a vision and involving great people. For example, the business added an extra room in 2019 – calling it the Kids’ Room – with a couch, TV, toys and a couple of flex-space desks so moms could work there, if needed. They took turns chaperoning at the playground next door and adopted an all-hands-on-deck effort to keep the business running and the kids happy.
Family support is also key! Kerri credits her husband, Garrett, with nonstop cheerleading when it comes to her career and life balance. She’s also grateful for the “heart” of Starboard Accounting – its incredible staff.
“I love them,” says Kerri. “They are all wonderful women – super smart, capable, dependable and extremely knowledgeable in their field. They are, hands down, my favorite thing about the business. In those fleeting moments where I wonder if my time is needed more at home, my staff is what keeps me here. They are great women, doing the same juggling I am, between work and kids.”
Accounting Manager Amy Keegan is another Starboard rock star – consulting, onboarding with new clients and helping bookkeepers as needed.
“Being able to help small businesses and individuals grow their dreams is the most rewarding part of the job,” Amy shares. “Helping business owners focus on their businesses and being able to provide financial statements to help them make major decisions is my daily focus. Juggling between work and family life is a major part of Starboard’s mission with all our staff. Being able to spend afternoons with our children, doing homework, sporting events or just quality time is the joy of being a working mom.”
Amy remembers being a young mother growing her own career but also being lucky enough to be part of her children’s school by volunteering during working hours and helping in the classroom.
“It was such a blessing. I encourage all mothers, whenever possible, to find the work-family balance. That’s the greatest legacy you leave behind!” she adds.
Kerri agrees and, despite hectic days, she loves showing her own daughters the multitude of interests and possibilities open to them.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all bookkeeping, the Starboard team loves discerning what clients need to know, their timeframe and budget, and then giving them customized service at an appropriate price. (Note: Starboard has been handling the books for Forsyth Woman for many years and is always a dream to work with – smart, professional and incredibly reliable!)
Starboard Accounting & Consulting is located in Winston-Salem, NC at 632 Holly Avenue. Reach them at 336.397.4974 or online at starboardaccounting.com.
