VeronicaParker.com

What’s that one dish you’re absolutely great at? You know, the one you’d confidently enter into any cooking contest because it wins, hands down, every time. The dish that’s so good, your family and friends beg you to make it even when it’s not the holidays. The recipe so iconic it’s practically your culinary legacy, the one you’re ready to pass down to your kids as a family heirloom.

For me, I’ve perfected a recipe so essential, so irreplaceable, that no family function is complete without it. Holiday? Birthday? Random Tuesday pop-up dinner? I’ve got it covered. Every year, the family group chat buzzes with assignments to avoid duplicating dishes. Auntie's got the banana pudding, one of Uncle's desert is a given, and Cousin’s bringing his famous giblet gravy. And then, there’s me.

What’s my contribution, you ask? The Utensils!

Yes, you read that right. Festive plates, the clear top-of-the-line forks, large cups, and napkins. The unsung heroes of every meal. Let’s face it: without my perfectly curated selection of disposable dinnerware, the rest of the meal doesn’t stand a chance. You can’t eat mac and cheese with your hands (well, not gracefully). You can’t savor banana pudding without a spoon. And you definitely can’t enjoy Cousin’s gravy without a plate to catch it.

I take my role seriously. Picking the right plates? A delicate balance of sturdiness and style. Napkins? Always two-ply; I’m not about to let my family suffer through flimsy one-ply disasters. Cups? Don’t even get me started. This isn’t just a contribution, it’s an art form.

I may not be whipping up gourmet dishes, but my utensils are the foundation of every successful meal. And if that’s not something to be proud of, I don’t know what is. After all, what’s a family feast without the tools to enjoy it? So, while others leave a legacy of recipes, I leave a legacy of functionality. And trust me, no one’s ever complained (while exiting with the to-go plates).

Bon appétit!

To Spell or Not to Spell Correctly?
That is the Question! But What is the Document?

As the end of the year approaches, my annual ritual of verifying names and addresses for W-2 and 1099 forms kicks into high gear. Every year, without fail, there’s someone who disputes the spelling of their own name—even though they may have entered it themselves in the HR system. 🤭 And then, there are the folks who “forget” to update their addresses, leaving me chasing down corrections. What should be a quick task always stretches into a marathon of updates, phone calls, and emails.

Today, to get me started, I stopped by my favorite fast-food spot for breakfast. Predictably, when they asked for my name, my simple “Veronica” usually somehow morphs into “Victoria,” “Vanessa,” or “Valerie.” Occasionally, they get it right, but then the spelling goes astray. Thankfully, these minor slip-ups don’t end up on critical documents like the W-2s I’m preparing.

So, as we dive into W-2 and 1099 season, here’s a small request: give us grace for the occasional spelling mishap, we’ve done our due diligence. And if you’re one of those folks with an email address like “MoneyMaker2020” or “Cowgirl1996”—clearly a Cowboys fan who wants to reminds us of their last Super Bowl win. Or maybe you have since moved on to a more professional address, please, help us out by adding your real name in the signature! It’s the little things that make a big difference, especially when it’s for something as official as tax documents.

I may be particularly sensitive to this topic because, after all, I gave my son a name that’s only four letters long: Evan. I figured fewer letters would mean fewer ways for people to get it wrong… although, somehow, it still translates to Ethan every time. So I tried, right? I may have been a little luckier with his first name, but the last name—now that was out of my control. One out of two isn’t so bad, right?

Weathering the Audit Aftermath

As an accountant and a mom of a pr***en, there are moments when both roles overlap in the most unexpected ways. Take, for example, Hurricane Helene. Just like in accounting, where we’re constantly managing unexpected financial storms, being a parent means preparing for unpredictable moments, especially with a growing, active son.

When a storm hits, whether it’s managing financial reconciliations or guiding my son through the chaos of school closures and power outages, the principles remain the same: stay calm, have a plan, and adapt quickly. In accounting, much like in parenting, forecasting can only go so far, there are always variables out of our control.

Hurricane Helene served as a reminder of the importance of balance. Just as I help my clients weather financial uncertainties, I also guide my son through life's storms with patience and understanding. Both roles require adaptability, problem-solving, and a lot of patience. And, of course, knowing when to take shelter, when to push forward, and rebuild.

Wishing for the safety of everyone and the swift restoration of even more.

Balancing of a Mohawk and Numbers

As a 'seasoned' accountant (where there’s more salt than pepper), navigating through a maze of numbers comes as second nature to me, much like knowing the complete menu at Starbucks. With over three decades of experience under my belt, you'd think there's little that could surprise me. Yet, the twists and turns of parenthood have a way of presenting challenges that no spreadsheet can calculate.

It's mohawk season. One year during summer camp, my son decided he wanted a mohawk. It was a blend of swimming and soccer, sprinkled with a hefty dose of last-minute planning. As a first-time mom, I quickly discovered that securing a spot in a summer camp was as extremely competitive as purchasing front-row seats at a concert by a legendary artist like Prince.

The camp kicked off with a group of motivated volunteers and energetic kids. However, about three or four weeks in, the camp morphed into daily critiques reminiscent of famous film critics Siskel and Ebert. A story for another day, perhaps.

Enters Landon, the catalyst for my son's sudden interest in a new hairstyles. Describing Landon's haircut without knowing its official name, my son made it clear: he wanted a mohawk. A few days later, Landon finally makes an appearance, I understood. A mohawk it was, standing tall, proud, and flowing through the kicks. The only hiccup? My son's hair was nothing like Landon's. The prospect of him achieving a similar style seemed as feasible as my son driving us home that day.

This predicament mirrored the experiences I've had in my professional life. Clients often come in, dazzled by the strategies and successes of others, wishing to replicate them. Like haircuts, however, what works for one may not suit another. As I've learned to navigate these waters (in a life jacket, I can't swim), I've embraced the role of "The Reconciliator" – part mediator, part creator, committed to tailoring solutions that fit each unique scenario. (To think, now I'm a seamstress too?)

Just like hairstyles, there's no one-size-fits-all in accounting. The key lies in understanding the individual characteristics, needs, and goals. Whether it's aligning a client's accounting strategies with their industry standards or adapting a new business model, customization is king.

Fast forward to the present, and my son has proudly rocked his mohawk for over six years. Just when I thought he had grown in this style, and how it fit his gamer role, now he's wanting another change. We're embarking on a new adventure: twists (help me). As with any new journey, it's about finding what works best for him, ensuring it reflects his personality and style. It's a continuous process of trial, error, and success, much like fine-tuning a company's accounting framework.

In the end, whether it's reconciling multiple accounts or figuring out how to style a mohawk so it stands just right, the principle remains the same: what matters most is finding the perfect fit. And in both hair and accounting, when you get it right, it's not just about looking good—it's about feeling confident, capable, and ready to present it to the world.

So, to all the parents and professionals out there, remember: sometimes, the journey to finding the right style (be it for hair or for your business) can be twisted. But with a bit of patience, creativity, and tailored advice, you'll find that perfect balance. And I believe, when it reconciles, it doesn't just add up, it may stand up, lay just right, and shine.

From Leather to Nylon: A Shopaholic's Guide to Career Change Calling all fashionistas and cubicle heroes! Grab your Starbucks (I've got mine!), and let's spill the tea (or coffee). My shopping addiction is as deep as the ocean, with a special place in my heart...