The Clarity Blog

Financial guidance, branding wisdom, and real-world stories written for small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs.

from the blog
client appreciation, nonprofit Clarity client appreciation, nonprofit Clarity

Navigating the Depths: A Dive into PTMSC's Adventures with Clarity

In the heart of Port Townsend, Washington, lies a beacon of education and conservation, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC). Founded in 1982, this 501c3 non-profit has been illuminating minds and fostering a deep connection to the marine world for over four decades. At its core, PTMSC is a community-driven organization fueled by the dedication of volunteers and a profound understanding that conservation and restoration in Port Townsend are integral components of a larger global ecosystem. 

From its beginnings focusing on school programs and supporting teachers in K-12 education, PTMSC has evolved into a beacon of lifelong learning, catering to diverse interests and demands for high-quality marine education. We sat down with Executive Director Diane Quinn to gain insight into PTMSC’s impactful work and its journey with Clarity.

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nonprofit, small business Clarity nonprofit, small business Clarity

Four Tips for Finding A Great Bookkeeper

Having a terrific bookkeeper on your team brings peace of mind and improves your organizational health. But finding a great match for your business can be hard, especially if finances aren’t your strong suit.

To begin with the obvious, they should have basic bookkeeping skills, including:

  • Proficiency with bookkeeping software

  • Ability to add vendors and customers to your books

  • Ability to manage accounts payable and receivable

  • Familiarity with payroll taxes, and how to pay them online

  • Ability to reconcile bank and credit card statements

  • Knowledge of what clean books should look like, and the ability to spot errors and sleuth out problems

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accounting, small business, nonprofit, Clarity Team Clarity accounting, small business, nonprofit, Clarity Team Clarity

Building the Financial Team That Will Help Your Business Thrive

For many entrepreneurs and small to mid-sized business owners financial management is one of the most challenging aspects of running their business. For some it makes sense to hire knowledgeable staff to manage financial processes internally; for others, contract services make more sense. So what are the different financial roles and services available, and what can they do for your business? I’d like to help define three roles—Bookkeeper, Controller, and Chief Financial Officer—and talk a bit about the different ways these roles can support your company’s overall growth, health, and wellbeing.

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