Meet Mackenzie Fluharty | Virtual Assistant Specializing in Event Management and Bookkeeping

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mackenzie Fluharty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mackenzie, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
There is a big different between a CPA/Accountant and a Bookkeeper. A CPA is focused on developing and executing a strategy for your local, state and federal taxes along with the documents to file these taxes.

A bookkeeper records financial transactions using a software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks or using a spreadsheet. Recording financial transactions consists of tracking expenses, managing invoices, payroll, inventory, and bank/credit card reconciliation. Bookkeepers also manage monthly financial reports like your balance sheet, profit and loss report and cash flow statement.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a Virtual Assistant specializing in Event Management and Bookkeeping. I am most proud of my work ethic and can do attitude with my clients. No task is ever too big or too small for me to assist with. I am just as happy being onsite at a 1,200+ person exhibit managing logistics as I am doing data entry clean up. I have been in business operations for over ten years and have worn many hats – 9/10 out of ten I am not only able to find a solution to any questions but also assist in that resolution. Professionally what sets me apart is the industry specific education I pursue and continue to pursue to make sure I am always following by best practices. I am a CMP Certified Meeting Professional, a global recognition of excellence in comprehensive event management. There are currently 11,000 professionals that hold this certificate. I am also a Certified Bookkeeping Professional, QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor and FreshBooks Accounting Partner.

Getting to where I am today has been a very winding road. I began my career as a full time meeting planner and then migrated into a role that also had a focus on business operations management. I have worked in several different industries and for several different companies. Each time I left one company I chose to leave because I received an offer for a bigger role with higher compensation that my current employer was not able or willing to match. After growing tired of the constant circle of changing jobs to find growth I decided to start my own firm and have full control of my client and business outcomes, If I could give my younger self or any other entrepreneurs advice it would be to never be afraid to invest in yourself. That investment may be different from what you initially envisioned but it will always be worth it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My perfect day in Naples, FL itinerary would consist of: – Brunch in Venetian Village at the Bayside Seafood Grill and Bar
– Segway Tour of Olde Naples
– Beach Day at Vanderbilt Beach, be sure to walk into Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park to look for sea shells!
– Afternoon snacks and drinks at The Turtle Club at Vanderbilt Beach Resort
– Shopping and wine tasting at Tin City, do not forget to have some stone crab and 2 for 1 cocktails at Pincher’s Crab Shack
– Dinner at D’Amicos The Continental on Third Street South
– Slidr Ride from Third Street South to Fifth Avenue
– After dinner drinks and dessert at Hob Nob on Fifth Avenue
– Wrap the night up with live music at the Sea Monkey Bar on Naples Bay

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My social media manager, Kassidy Lynne Social Media Management, deserves a huge shoutout. I have known Kassidy personally for many years and just started working with her on a marketing contract two months ago when my business had the cash flow to do so. Kassidy has been helping me build an grass roots, online presence from the ground up. I literally did not have Facebook or Instagram before working with her so she started at ZERO! Not only has she gotten me media attention from three different outlets across the US she has also helped build my brand with active followers that are engaged with my content.

I also need to send a shoutout to my Naples, FL tax advisors Ron & Mia that have sent me several referrals and been great mentors and coaches.

Website: https://thefluhartygroup.net/

Instagram: @thefluhartygroup

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/the-fluharty-group

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFluhartyGroup

Image Credits
Annie Voth Elopement/Wedding Photographer, Ann Elizabeth Photography LLC. (239)293-4898 | annievoth@gmail.com https://www.annelizabethco.com/