How Profit First Transformed My Business Finances (Even as an Accountant!)

From Panic to Profit: My Before & After Money Story

You'd think that having a Bachelor of Commerce and an accounting background would make managing my own business finances easy, right?

Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

When I first launched my business, I quickly discovered that traditional accounting education didn’t prepare me for the real day-to-day money management that small business owners face. Like many of the clients I now work with, I struggled with cash flow.

The Cash Flow Chaos I Lived In

In those early days, I was stuck on a financial rollercoaster. One day, my bank balance looked great. The next? I was scrambling to cover payroll, bills, and taxes. I was logging in to check my bank balance daily, hoping there was enough to pay staff and myself. Often, I was the one who got paid last—or not at all.

Despite all my education, I didn’t have a system for managing money in real time. I was reactive, not proactive. And the stress? Constant.

The Turning Point: Discovering Profit First

Everything changed when I picked up a copy of Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. It wasn’t just another finance book—it was a lightbulb moment.

Mike's system was simple, practical, and didn’t require analyzing complex financial statements. It showed me how to manage my business money like a personal budget, with clear categories and priorities. I didn’t need to wait until the end of the year for my accountant to tell me what was going wrong. I could take control right now.

What I Did Differently

In 2020, I implemented Profit First in my business. I set up multiple bank accounts for things like income, owner’s pay, taxes, and operating expenses. I allocated money based on percentages every time revenue came in.

It took a little discipline at first, but the clarity it gave me was worth it. I no longer guessed how much I could spend. I knew what I could afford, and where my money was going.

The Transformation: From Dread to Empowerment

The shift was massive:

I stopped panicking over surprise expenses or GST deadlines.

I paid myself first, every single time.

I had funds set aside for taxes (no more scrambling in April!).

I finally had peace of mind and a repeatable, low-stress system to rely on.

Most importantly, I gained confidence. I no longer felt like a fraud for not having it all figured out. I had a process I could trust—and one I now teach other entrepreneurs to use in their businesses, too.

Why This Matters (Even if You’re Not a Numbers Person)

Here’s the truth: You don’t need an accounting degree to be good with money. You just need a tool that actually works with your brain and your business.

So many entrepreneurs think the problem is them when they struggle with cash flow. But it’s not. The problem is we’re handed systems built for corporate accountants, not small business owners trying to juggle growth, taxes, and paying themselves.

Profit First bridges that gap beautifully.

Want to Stop the Money Stress?

If this story feels familiar, know that you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out alone either.

I now help business owners just like you implement Profit First into their own financial systems. Whether you're just starting or have been in business for years, I can help you:

Set up a simple, sustainable cash flow system

Build confidence in your financial decisions

Finally pay yourself what you’re worth (and on time!)

Always have enough money set aside to pay your taxes and GST when they become due

Want help implementing Profit First in your business?

Check out our online course and finally feel in control of your money.