Meet Rosalyn Di Cesare | Bookkeeper & College Professor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rosalyn Di Cesare and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rosalyn, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
This is something I still have not mastered after 9 years of running my own business. Unfortunately, it is very easy to get caught up with client emails, texts and phone calls even after “business” hours. Having a home office always makes it very tricky to stop working. However, over time, I have made more of an effort to respond to clients during business hours and leave things that can be dealt with until the next morning or next business day. Managing a work life balance is one of the most difficult things to do when running your own business, especially during the early years of your business. One thing I have learned is how important it is to have a good work life balance so you don’t burn out!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the owner and operator of RMD Bookkeeping. I started this bookkeeping business in September 2013. We specialize in bookkeeping, payroll, personal and small business tax returns, government remittances and much more.

I graduated from Accounting in April 2013 from Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, Canada. I knew right away that I didn’t want to work for anyone else. However, to gain experience, I started working for a small company just outside of my hometown doing day to day bookkeeping and shortly after I opened RMD Bookkeeping. I continued working part-time for a while until I became fully self-employed in 2015. In September 2016 I had the opportunity to teach accounting part-time at Fanshawe College as well, which I am still doing to this day. I also had the opportunity to teach at Conestoga College as well.

Some challenges I have had to overcome is maintaining a good work life balance while also juggling two teaching positions and continuing my own education as well. Running your own business is never easy and a lot of people may think it looks and seems easy, but it truly isn’t. You have to build connections and your own clients from scratch. Finding hard workers who see the same vision as you do for your business becomes difficult. You will never find employees who will love your business as much as you do. However, with time you will be able to find a solid team you can rely on.

My smaller, local business is built through word of mouth referrals and great customer service. We don’t advertise anymore since 99% of our new clients come through referrals from current clients. These are all important factors in achieving a successful business, regardless of what industry you may be in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the “Forest City”, I would bring them to Victoria Park in downtown London. Another place to go would be Springbank Park. For food, it would be a must to try The Tasting Room. For some local craft beers, I would likely take them to Toboggan.

If we wanted to do a day trip just outside of London, I would suggest going to Stratford. The scenery is beautiful there. A cool restaurant to try there would be Pazzo.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are multiple people to thank for my success along the way. My parents for one, for supporting me in following my dreams and keep pushing through no matter what. Thy encouraged me to keep trying even when I ran into challenges and struggles along the way. My Professors at Fanshawe College were super supportive during my studies and were a great sounding board whenever I needed it. Last but not least! My partner Andrea, who puts up with me during the most hectic time of a bookkeeper’s/tax filer’s life… tax season! Andrea has helped me grow my business and has assisted me whenever I need it. She has been understanding of the late nights and early mornings during tax season. I wouldn’t be where I am today without these people!

Website: www.rmdbookkeeping.com

Instagram: @rmdbookkeeping

Facebook: RMD Bookkeeping