Owner's Story

I earned my Business Degree from Cal Poly in 1999, moved to San Francisco and founded Keeping the Books as a side job that same year. At the time I was the Controller for American Wine Distributors on Pier 23, using QuickBooks all day every day while overseeing others using the software in a multi-user environment. As such, I was meticulous in drafting "Standard Operating Procedures" for every aspect of the company's financial management, and was credited with establishing the most efficient, streamlined bookkeeping system the company had ever seen. I soon realized that my methods were a valuable asset, and began consulting with small business owners in the Bay Area to increase their efficiencies and train them on their QuickBooks software.

Fast forward to 2002 when I left the Bay Area, moved back to San Luis Obispo and got married. Keeping the Books started slowly picking up local clients, eventually taking on staff and moving into the heart of Downtown SLO in 2007.We've been here ever since, and intend to remain here for the foreseeable future. When I'm not Keeping the Books, you can find me on the local racquetball courts, spending time with my wife and two beautiful daughters on the Central Coast. I am the Treasurer of Central Coast Feather Fanciers and raise exotic breeds of poultry as well.

Certifications

Tobin Risner is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisors have completed a rigorous and comprehensive QuickBooks curriculum developed by Intuit. They understand the challenges you face, and can offer guidance on everything from complex accounting questions to payroll interpretation to mastering advanced features of the program. Not only have ProAdvisors taken a 3-part QuickBooks Certification course and passed comprehensive testing, they must also stay on top of the latest software developments and renew their certification annually in order to remain ProAdvisors.

General Manager's Story

A bookkeeper since 1992, Kim is experienced and dedicated to client satisfaction, currently progressing toward obtaining Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor status. She brings a great energy to the team and is a major reason that Keeping the Books has such a positive reputation in San Luis Obispo. When Kim isn't Keeping the Books, she enjoys traveling, cooking, playing the guitar and hanging out at the beach.

Jody Owen's Story

Jody has been an accountant/bookkeeper on the Central Coast since 1994. She loves bookkeeping and has worked for MANY industries. She take tremendous pride in her work sets very high standards in the workplace. She has exceeded our expectations and those of our clients since day one, and we are lucky to have her on our team! When Jody isn't Keeping the Books she enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids, walking on the beach, making crafts or taking classes to improve her career.