Bookkeeping and Accounting: Is there really a difference? An Intro

Jean Kappely • November 13, 2025

Welcome to Silk Business Solutions

NEWSLETTER




As we navigate the challenging business environment, and continue to hunker down financially, and trying to make smarter money decisions, we wait for the tide to turn and the economy to lift.


In the meantime, this is an excellent time for learning new things.

For me, this has been a time to embrace and “chat” to ChatGPT. Late at night, I find myself down deep rabbit holes, “chatting” to a sophisticated search engine.


What occured to me though, is that although these “conversations” are thrillingly informative, and quenches a thirst for knowledge, it’s also stagnant and one dimensional, lacking in real engagement and relationship which we are all designed for.


It is relationships that I am most interested in and make it the centre-piece to my business; that one-to-one engagement, that conversation over coffee, that space where we can talk about the day-to-day experiences of running a business and my being in the “weeds” with you in your business.


During my “chats” with ChatGPT, I asked what the top 5 questions being asked about Bookkeeping. Over the next several weeks I will bring those questions and answers in my Newsletters and Posts on socials. Yes, the bones of my posts are from ChatGPT, but the flesh and the heart of the text is all mine. 


Join me in a journey of learning into the financials of your business and subscribe to my Newsletter. If you find yourself spending way too much time on your bookkeeping and less time with family and friends, and need a coffee and a chat, contact me here.


By Jean Kappely November 15, 2025
Contact us today to discuss how our outsourced bookkeeping services can streamline your finances, reduce stress, and support your business growth.
By Jean Kappely November 12, 2025
By outsourcing your bookkeeping, you gain more than just accurate records — you gain time, clarity, and peace of mind. A professional bookkeeper keeps your records current and compliant, provides monthly financial summaries, and ensures your accounts are ready for your accountant or the IRD.
By Jean Kappely November 12, 2025
As Waitangi Day passes by, it's natural to reflect on our business journey, comparing where we stand now to where we were last year and the goals we set for ourselves in 2023. Yet, despite our best intentions, it's easy for those aspirations to fade into the background as daily demands take over. Perhaps you've had this conversation with yourself recently, or perhaps it's one worth having. While setting goals is essential, as James Clear emphasizes in his book "Atomic Habits," they only truly work when accompanied by small, actionable changes in behaviour. One effective strategy for realizing your objectives is to create a cashflow forecast. By translating your goals into financial terms and projecting the outcomes for the year ahead, you can establish smaller, attainable targets. Surprisingly, this approach applies not only to business objectives but also to personal aspirations such as spending more time with family, improving fitness, or expanding your professional network. For instance, dedicating more time to family might require hiring additional help, empowering existing staff, or exploring financial restructuring options with your bank. The key is recognizing that qualitative goals often have financial implications for both you and your business. The crucial first step is to complete a cashflow forecast for the upcoming year. This not only provides valuable information but also allows you to explore various "what-if" scenarios. Your bookkeeper should be able to give you cost effective assistance with this process. Alternatively, if you're unable to access professional help, we at SILK love helping our clients make better and empowering decisions for themselves and their business. If you found this newsletter insightful and helpful, please email me.