Welcome back to our Firm of the Future profile series about thriving firms who are benefitting from the cloud and QuickBooks® Online Accountant (QBOA) to better serve clients and find new revenue opportunities. In this new article, we spotlight Marie Porolniczak of Bookkeeper 4 Hire. 

Mindy King: Tell us about your accounting and/or tax practice.

Marie Porolniczak: I specialize in doing bookkeeping or QuickBooks training for small- to medium-sized businesses. My clients range from pen and paper to no hands-on. I do a lot of one-time training. I like that aspect of my practice. 

MK: What convinced you to make the move to QuickBooks Online Accountant? 

MP: It allows me to see my customers all in one place. Plus, I love the fact that I can bookkeep any time, any place.

MK: What are your goals for your practice this year?

MP: To gain some government work. I went to a seminar recently on how to do business with the government.

MK: What’s your favorite away-from-the-office place to get work done? 

MP: I have been checking into shared office space, as I think this may generate some business leads for me.

MK: Where’s the craziest place you’ve done work for a client?

MP: I worked at a client’s retail store where the QuickBooks computer was at the front of the store. I sat on a stool with my knees up against the shelves behind the counter. Then, she moved me to an office the size of a small closet. 

MK: What’s your number one timesavings tip?

MP: Be organized. Get the clients on a schedule. 

MK: When you’re not working, what’s your favorite way to spend your time?

MP: I like to travel … nearby road trips or cruise ships come to mind.

MK: What advice do you have for peers that are still on desktop?

MP: I love desktop for its robustness. But, let’s face it … all work will be going into the cloud. It will be hard to find employees or contractors willing to work on-site. I am getting to that point myself.

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