Gardian of the Month: Tim Berghuis

Q & A with  Tim Berghuis, accountant for Event Garde

Learn: Q: What’s your favorite part about learning something new?

A: The usefulness of learning something new is my favorite part. Here’s an example: A client and I were discussing transactions they were booking. I was telling her about memorized transactions in QuickBooks and she said, “Oh, I just use the copy button” and showed me how she employed this. It was so simple but incredibly effective in streamlined the process. I use it all the time now!

Network: Q: Some people are wallflowers while others are natural networkers. Which are you (or are you in the middle)?

A: I’d say I’m in the middle. I like to observe but I am not hesitant to express my opinion about something. I will say that I think people change over time. When I was younger I think I spoke without thinking at times. Now that I am old(er),I take the time to think before speaking.  

Transfer: Q: Let’s say you just attended a certification course. What would be your first step in applying what you learned?

A: When I am in that situation I will often do triage on what has been presented - what is important and what is not important. I would assess how that learning should be applied. Each year for tax preparation I have to learn the little details of how the tax law has changed - standard deduction changes and personal exemptions. What I bring to the table is the ability to discern the pertinent aspects of something new and put that to use.

Q. Please share with us a resource you just can’t live without.
A: For my accounting work, my QuickBooks online subscription is something I can’t live without.  That connection gives me access to the 20-plus clients I deal with. It allows me to see exactly what they are seeing, to advise and collaborate with them and to be on the same page while we might be miles apart in distance. It really has become the cornerstone of my business.

Q: Give us one little known fact about you.

A: I am an O negative blood type so I’m an universal donor. I have a little over 10 gallons of donated blood that is running around out there. Weird, eh??