In this episode of the HerStory Podcast, Kylie King welcomes the incredible Teresa Tidball, director of Tidball Accountancy. Teresa is a standout member of the ALIBI community, having won the 2023 ALIBI Business Lady of the Year and the 2024 Earth Keeper Award. Originally from the United States, Teresa shares her fascinating journey of migrating to Australia and rebuilding her career from the ground up – starting as a receptionist who refused to make coffee and evolving into a leading tax expert.
Teresa discusses her unique niche in the equine industry, explaining how “speaking the language of horse” allowed her to build a specialised, cloud-based practice. From the psychological hurdles of mother-entrepreneurship to the technical differences between the ATO and the “scarier” IRS, Teresa provides a grounded, values-driven perspective on why small business owners must stop avoiding their numbers. Whether you are a horse lover or a solo-trader struggling with cash flow, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and a touch of “CEO vibes.”
What You’ll Learn in Episode 75
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Teresa shares how a literal squirrel bite changed her career path from veterinary aspirations to the safety and versatility of accounting.
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You will learn about the challenges of migrating to Australia and how Teresa navigated the “Australian experience” barrier to rebuild her professional life.
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Teresa explains her specialised niche in equine businesses and why understanding the specific needs of horse owners (from hay to hoof care) is a massive competitive advantage.
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We compare the Australian tax system to the US system, revealing why the IRS is significantly more difficult to navigate than the ATO.
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You’ll discover Teresa’s perspective on the “Work-Life Jungle” and how raising a toddler provides the ultimate training for dealing with difficult customers and constant pivoting.
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Teresa discusses the importance of building a values-driven business, including her commitment to being fully carbon-offset and paperless.
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We dive into the “2024 Tax Cliff” and how the removal of key offsets impacted small business refunds, requiring honest and sometimes difficult conversations.
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You will get expert advice on managing unpaid invoices, including the use of direct debits, letters of demand, and a clever tip for debt collection clauses in contracts.
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Teresa shares the “One Number” rule for business owners who are scared of their finances – starting small to build the confidence needed for big decisions.
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You’ll hear about Teresa’s “Big Hairy Scary Goal” of transitioning into a full CEO role so she can spend more time riding her horses while her team handles the processing.
Guest: Teresa Tidball
Teresa Tidball, FIPA FFA is the Director and Tax Agent of Tidball Accountancy Pty Ltd, a woman-led, paperless, and fully carbon offset accounting practice based in Penrith, Australia. With over a decade of experience in public practice and a specialisation in the equine industry, Teresa has built a reputation as the go-to tax and business advisor in her niche.
An immigrant to Australia from the United States, Teresa knows firsthand the challenges of breaking into an industry that values “local experience.” That journey shaped her commitment to inclusivity and her belief that potential and attitude matter more than a résumé.
Teresa’s work extends far beyond compliance and tax returns. She empowers clients to truly understand their finances, creates rural employment opportunities for women, and integrates environmental responsibility into every aspect of her business. She plants a tree for every client each year, supports not-for-profits with her expertise, and shares knowledge freely to lift the standard of her profession.
In 2023, Teresa was named Business Lady of the Year by the Australian Ladies in Business Initiative, recognising her leadership, innovation, and dedication to making a positive impact on people, communities, and the planet.
Tidball Accountancy Pty Ltd is a modern accounting practice redefining what it means to be a trusted business advisor. Founded in 2014 by Director and Tax Agent Teresa Tidball FIPA FFA, the firm specialises in taxation, bookkeeping, tax planning, and cloud accounting for small and medium businesses, with a unique expertise in the equine industry.
Find Teresa:
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