Organization Details

How The Bookkeeping Center Began ? From a Company with Problems to a Nonprofit with Solutions: In 2001, Darin Webb became a local small business owner of The Bookkeeping Company, Inc. The company hired bookkeepers throughout New York to work in various small to mid-sized businesses. In 2003, Professor Maurice Smith joined Mr. Webb, co-running the company to this day. Under their leadership, The Bookkeeping Company grew, employing as many as 14 bookkeepers in 2004. However, in the course of their business, Prof. Smith and Mr. Webb realized two problems with the company?s bookkeepers: most knew only QuickBooks and few understood the fundamental principles of bookkeeping.

To address these issues, Prof. Smith & Mr. Webb developed a for-profit accounting 101 course in 2004. It was a six-month course with a traditional structure that covered the curriculum of a college-level accounting course. Unfortunately, there were high drop-out rates; and, the participants felt that the course was too long and the cost for tuition and travel were too much.

After Mr. Smith was invited to teach an Introduction to Bookkeeping course at The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), Prof. Smith & Mr. Webb realized an opportunity to further build upon their original course. The BMCC course, which Prof. Smith had created, met once a week and combined the fundamentals of bookkeeping with QuickBooks. To expand on the BMCC course and the original model, Prof. Smith & Mr. Webb developed a curriculum that would include Peachtree and MYOB, two more electronic accounting systems similar to QuickBooks. And, the program would be free to eligible candidates, would include travel reimbursement, and a laptop computer with all three accounting software programs pre-installed.

By late 2006, Smith and Webb established The Bookkeeping Center (TBKC) as a 501(c)(3).

And in Fall 2007, they launched the new course, a free bookkeeping training program, DISCOVERBOOKKEEPING.

Since the Fall of ?07, Smith & Webb have consistently adapted DISCOVERBOOKKEEPING to fit the needs of the participants and local, NYC small businesses. At the core of their philosophy, TBKC emphasizes dedication, responsibility, professionalism, and honesty to all of the participants ? and future bookkeepers! By the Fall of ?08, Smith & Webb implemented strict attire and attendance policies as well a career development program which features resume building, mock interview sessions, and job placement activities. TBKC has also teamed up with Accountemps and Brooklyn Job Corps to provide participants with an inside look at what employers expect from an ideal bookkeeper.

As TBKC continues to reach skill-seeking individuals, Professor Maurice Smith & Mr. Darin Webb will support the cause for quality bookkeeping services and adapt TBKC?s programs to the shifting needs of today?s workforce.

Address

27 West 20th Street, Ste. 706
New York, NY 10011
(212) 242-6010

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