Welcome to another post in the series where we interview each Canberra Bookkeeper working with us here at Trade Guardian.
We are publishing this series as a quick and fun way for you to get to know our wonderful crew, with a personal touch.
In the guest seat this time, we interview the irrepressible Penny Shaw!
The formal stuff…
What do you love about being a Canberra bookkeeper at Trade Guardian?
It’s very diverse and we deal with clients from varied backgrounds (and personalities!). We are a close-knit team with many different skills, therefore we can always pick each other’s brains if we are unsure of anything.
What do clients love about the bookkeeping services you deliver for them?
I can be quite bossy and loud! I treat the clients how they want to be treated and always listen to what they require form me.
What are your professional qualifications and where did you achieve them?
Bachelor of Business (Management), MBA (Swinburne).
QMS Auditor (NCS International)
In progress: Cert IV in Accounting (Bookkeeping) (CIT).
What three words would you use to describe your role?
Interesting, varied and challenging.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Talking to clients, helping other staff, working on client files.
What is your favourite achievement to date, either personal or professional?
Having happy kids!
What professional skills are you most proud of? i.e. what do you best?
I am very adaptable and can put many hats on when required. I love helping people!
If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
Mary Barra (CEO of General Motors). Mary has worked her way through the ranks of GM and has had many challenges thrown at her and has risen above it. She has been listed as one of Forbes most powerful women.
Closer to home, I have a mentor in Kristin (yes cliché I know, the Boss!). However, I learn so much from her and can bounce ideas off her so easily. She is always putting herself out there to learn and encourages everyone that works for her to push ourselves and continue to learn no matter how old you are!
The fun stuff…
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My kids. Yes, really, they are my alarm clock! Besides that, I am driven to show my kids that they can do anything in life they set their minds to, although they have to work hard to get there.
What’s your most memorable face-palm moment?
I’m the queen of face-palm moments, though not all can be mentioned to the general public! When I was learning to ride a motorbike, I decided to stop the bike and not put my foot down and fell over sitting on the bike.
When was the last time you laughed so hard you almost cried, and why?
Yesterday.
Lewis (my dog) was going up to my baby daughter and putting his cold nose on her cheek. She was giggling hysterically and Lewis kept doing it over and over again (in between running crazy around the yard!). It was hilarious!
What is your motto or personal mantra?
Be humble and kind.
What’s your favourite blog or social media site?
I love food blogs (not that I ever cook anything fancy!). I’m currently enjoying The Hungry Australian, by Christina Soong.
What’s the most recent app you’ve downloaded but are yet to use?
I don’t download too many but I’m sure it would be one for the kids.
Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day?
Nicole Kidman – anything to get closer to Keith Urban.
What’s your favourite line from a film?
Willy Wonka: “It’s all there, black and white, clear as crystal! You stole fizzy lifting drinks! You bumped into the ceiling which now has to be washed and sterilized, so you get nothing! You lose! Good day Sir!”
What is your guilty pleasure?
Where do I start…….Maltesers, Easter eggs, ice cream, chocolate of any description!!
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
It used to be Wittner but then I ran out of room to store them so now it would be Costco.
What is something funny/quirky/interesting about you that most people wouldn’t expect?
My dad was in the Royal Australian Air Force so we moved around a lot. I started school and finished school in the USA (with other places in between).