In a recent episode of The Woodard Report podcast, host Heather Satterley welcomed Candy Bellau, the founder of Kramerica Business Solutions, to discuss her remarkable journey from financial hardship to success in the accounting industry. Bellau’s story is one of resilience, transformation and community support—messages that resonate deeply in the accounting profession. As a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and a leader committed to change, Bellau has valuable insights for professionals looking to manage their practices sustainably.
Here are the takeaways from this impactful conversation:
Bellau openly shared her experiences with financial hardship and feelings of isolation—a reality that, as Satterley pointed out, many accounting professionals face but seldom discuss.
Bellau once struggled to keep her business afloat, quietly handling the pressures of unpaid payroll, personal debt and even predatory loans. She described how she initially felt like the only failing firm owner, hiding her financial issues and assuming her peers were thriving without similar struggles.
It wasn’t until she connected with a supportive community at industry events like the Scaling New Heights conference that she realized she wasn’t alone. This discovery allowed her to open up about her challenges, finding both emotional support and practical advice.
For Bellau, this sense of community was instrumental in her turnaround. She emphasized the importance of finding safe spaces to share struggles and seek advice. Her message is a powerful reminder that connecting with others in the industry can offer fresh perspectives and, often, solutions to difficult problems.
A key turning point for Bellau was re-evaluating how she valued her services. She explained that, in her early years, she significantly undercharged clients, working tirelessly while earning far less than her expertise warranted.
The realization came when she discovered that non-accountants with limited experience were charging far higher fees than she was. This was a wake-up call that highlighted the impact of undervaluing oneself.
Through her journey, Bellau developed a new approach to pricing, focusing on the value of her services rather than hourly rates. She adopted a client-centered pricing model, emphasizing the unique benefits her firm provides as a “virtual controller.”
Bellau shared that pricing should reflect the cost clients would incur for hiring a full-time employee with comparable expertise. Her experience underscores the importance of accounting professionals believing in their worth and confidently communicating the value they deliver to clients.
Beyond financial success, Bellau’s goal is to build a sustainable work culture. At Kramerica Business Solutions, Bellau has created an environment where her team can balance personal and professional life, allowing them to work under 35 hours a week while earning full-time salaries.
She regularly consults with her team about their goals and preferences, demonstrating her commitment to a healthy work-life balance. Recently, she treated her team and their families to a five-day trip as a gesture of gratitude for their dedication.
Bellau explained that, in accounting, overworking has long been considered a badge of honor. She aims to disrupt this mindset, promoting a culture that values efficiency, well-being and happiness. Her approach has led to a thriving, resilient firm and a deeply committed team.
Bellau hopes her story inspires other firm leaders to prioritize their teams' well-being, recognizing that a healthy work culture ultimately leads to better service for clients and a more successful business overall.
Candy Bellau’s journey is an inspiring example of the power of mindset, community and resilience in overcoming business challenges. Her message is clear: You’re not alone, and with the right support and mindset shifts, you can transform both your practice and personal life.
Listen to the full episode here or check out Candy's recent blog posts and podcast interviews: