In Episode 39 of the HerStory Podcast, Kylie King is joined by the resilient and resourceful Denise Kingston, the face of Jim’s Bookkeeping Derwent Valley. Broadcasting from her 140-acre off-grid farm in Tasmania, Denise shares her unique perspective on business – one shaped by three generations of entrepreneurs and a “managerie” of animals that occasionally crash her professional calls.
Denise’s journey into bookkeeping was far from a straight line. After finishing a business degree during a recession and realizing a corporate accounting firm wasn’t for her, she spent decades running diverse family businesses, from food brokerages to automotive repair shops. It was after a life-altering divorce that Denise had to figure out how to stand on her own two feet, leading her to join the Jim’s Bookkeeping franchise to gain the supervised hours needed for her BAS agent license.
Today, Denise isn’t just a numbers person; she’s a mentor and business support system for small business owners across Australia. As a “franchisor” (business coach) for other Jim’s bookkeepers in Tasmania, she balances the technical side of payroll and BAS with a deeply human touch. In this episode, she discusses the realities of working for yourself, the power of a supportive franchise network, and why she’s currently dreaming of turning her off-grid paradise into an Agri-tourism farm stay.
What You’ll Learn in Episode 39
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How Denise transitioned from running a mechanical repair business to becoming a successful bookkeeper and BAS agent.
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The reality of starting over and building financial independence after a major life transition like divorce.
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Insights into the Jim’s Bookkeeping franchise model and how a collaborative network replaces competition.
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Why bookkeeping is about more than just numbers – it’s about being a supportive “business friend” to clients.
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The logistical and mental challenges of running a virtual business entirely off-the-grid in rural Tasmania.
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Why every business owner needs to “learn to be their own cheer squad” to overcome the hurdle of self-doubt.
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Practical advice on why you must keep your business and personal expenses separate from day one.
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Denise’s future vision for “Agri-tourism” and integrating holistic therapies like Reiki into her farm life.
Guest: Denise Kingston
On a professional front, I have a Bachelor’s in Accounting, a Graduate Diploma in Management (Human Resources), and am a registered BAS agent. I am currently completing a diploma in payroll.
I have essentially worked in a small business since I finished university, with my family and businesses I have owned myself. These range from food brokerage, automotive repair, news agency and takeaways.
I started Jim’s Bookkeeping Derwent Valley/Jim’s Bookkeeping Tasmania in late December 2019, a few months before the Covid pandemic hit! I had no clients and built the business from scratch.
I use my qualifications in Life Coaching and EFT to help me develop relationships with my clients and wholeheartedly enjoy the success of my clients.
Jim’s Bookkeeping Derwent Valley offers bookkeeping services, including BAS, cashflow assistance, and payroll to small businesses throughout the Derwent Valley of Tasmania, and beyond.
The Jim’s Bookkeeping Tasmania arm is the provision of mentor services to other Jim’s Bookkeepers in the state and the nation.
The business is a small business that strives to be professional, yet approachable, and that gives great advice and listens to clients’ needs. We base our business on what the client would like, not what we can get from them.
Find Denise:
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