Michelle from The Accounts Department Ltd was once a one-woman band - now she’s a CEO of her company with a wonderful team working with her.

Michelle shares her business journey with us, and tells us why connection in biz communities matter, and why delegating early is worth the investment.

What’s your biz?

Tax, Accounting, Bookkeeping, Profit First and Wealth Creation!

Who do you work with?

Small business and sole traders who love their business but not the accounts and tax side. They are overwhelmed, time poor and are struggling to balance work and personal lives, often using their precious leisuretime to manage their accounts.

We offer stress-free accounting with proactive support and expertise in a family-style culture. Our testimonials show we have an above and beyond ethos and and genuinely love guiding our clients to success.

What sparked the idea behind your business?

I started my business because I wanted flexibility while raising my two sons. Back in 2000, I realized that running my own accounting and bookkeeping business would allow me to balance family life with professional work. But it wasn’t just about flexibility—it was about creating a service that takes the stress out of financial admin for other business owners who feel overwhelmed by paperwork.

It wasn’t a single “aha” moment. It was the experience of seeing how many small businesses struggle with bookkeeping and compliance. I saw an opportunity to make a real difference by offering clear, friendly, and reliable support, so my clients can focus on what they love—running their business—while we handle the numbers.

What does a typical day look like for you as a business owner?

TAD has a GM so a typical day for me looks very different now that I’m the CEO & Relationship Ambassador compared to when I first started.

These days reviewing business performance, planning strategy, and checking in with my team to make sure everything is running smoothly. I still keep an eye on client needs, however my focus is more on growth, innovation, and supporting my team so they can deliver exceptional client service. Balancing business and personal life is still a priority for me.

Living near the beach helps. I’ve learned to set boundaries, delegate effectively, and use technology to stay efficient.

What are some of the key milestones in your business journey so far?

100% filing with IRD for 24 years running! This is an epic achievement which only a handful of NZ accountants achieve. It's testament to the team of amazing women that make up TAD.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced so far?

One of the biggest challenges I faced in the early days was wearing all the hats.

I was the bookkeeper, the accountant, the marketer, HR, legal. It was exhausting trying to do everything myself while making sure the business stayed afloat.

I overcame that by building systems, embracing technology like Xero and MYOB, and, most importantly, learning to delegate. Over time, I grew a team I could trust, which allowed me to step back from the day-to-day and focus on leading the business as CEO.

What are your future goals in your business?

I love seeing my team thrive and knowing that the systems we’ve built allow me to explore new ways to add value beyond traditional accounting and bookkeeping.

Right now, I’m excited about helping clients with wealth creation strategies and implementing Profit First. These approaches go beyond compliance—they empower business owners to take control of their cash flow, build sustainable profits, and create long-term financial security.

It’s about shifting the focus from just managing numbers to truly driving growth and success.

What’s worked best for you to build brand awareness and get customers?

Word of mouth is still the most powerful way to build brand awareness and attract new customers. Happy clients sharing their experiences has always been the foundation of our growth.

Alongside that, networking has been invaluable—connecting with other business owners and professionals opens doors and builds trust.

I also invest in sponsorships within the community, which helps keep our name visible and shows our commitment to supporting local initiatives.

What is one of the important lessons you've learnt as a business owner? What advice would you share to someone starting out?

Engaging the right people in the right seats and surrounding yourself with professionals who do what they know best. When you trust your team and lean on experts, you free yourself to focus on what you do best and what moves the business forward.

My advice to anyone starting out? Don’t be afraid to delegate and invest in the right people early. It might feel hard at first, but it’s the difference between surviving and thriving.

How does being a part of She Owns It help you in your business journey?

Being surrounded by like-minded women who understand the struggles of running a small business. Sharing ideas, support each other through challenges, and celebrate wins together.

Connection, encouragement, and learning from people who are walking the same path. That sense of community makes the journey less lonely and a lot more inspiring.

⚡️ FAST 5:

1. One thing you’d tell your younger self starting out?
you don’t have to do it all alone. Surround yourself with professionals who know their craft and put the right people in the right seats.

2. Your favourite biz or personal development books or podcasts?
Rhinoceros Success - Scott Alexander

3. How many tabs do you have open right now?
9

4. What's your go-to power song?
Eye of the Tiger

5. A quote you love?
GRIT - Growth, Resilience, Instinct, Tenacity