The Many Hats of a Business Owner (and Why Accounting Makes Me Cringe)

So, you're thinking about starting a business? Awesome! It's an incredible journey, a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and a constant learning experience. But let me tell you a secret: when you're running the show, you're not just wearing the "CEO" hat. You're also the janitor, the delivery driver, the salesperson, the customer service rep… you get the picture. It's a non-stop adventure, a constant juggling act, and definitely not for the faint of heart. If you're not prepared to roll up your sleeves and put in the hard work, business ownership probably isn't for you. But if you thrive on challenges and love the idea of building something from the ground up, then welcome to the club!

There are so many aspects of running a business that are genuinely fun and rewarding. And then… there are the other tasks. You might think taking out the trash or dealing with difficult negotiations would be at the bottom of my list. And for many, they probably are. But for me? The absolute worst task, the one that sends shivers down my spine? Accounting.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Accounting should be fun, right? It's all about money, charts, and colorful graphs! Exciting stuff! Yay! …Right?

Wrong. At least for me. I don't dislike it because I don't understand it. I just… genuinely don't want to do it. It's like eating your vegetables – you know it's good for you, but you don't necessarily enjoy it.

But here's the thing: you can't ignore accounting. It's a fundamental part of running a business. So, what do I do? I enlist help. I call in the professionals. My amazing accounting team swoops in and saves me from drowning in spreadsheets. I don't just hand them the reins and walk away, though. I work with them, providing information and context. They guide me through the financial maze, offering expertise and efficiency that I simply don't have, because, let's face it, accounting isn't my primary focus.

If you're running a business, you need to know about the Chart of Accounts, Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and all that other “fun” stuff. If you’re not naturally inclined towards it, you have to learn. It's just part of the deal.

This isn't a blog post about solving a specific accounting problem or offering expert advice. It's simply an acknowledgment that accounting is an unavoidable part of business ownership, and a chance for me to vent a little about how much I don't enjoy it.

Good times, indeed. (said with a slightly forced smile)