Melanie joined Xero as NZ Head of Bookkeeping in 2016. Prior to that Melanie founded Bookkeeping and Beyond and Training and Beyond - both multi- awarding winning businesses. Melanie founded the New Zealand Bookkeepers Association (NZBAI) in 2010 and was its President from 2011 until December 2016. The NZBAI is consulted upon by strategic government agencies and is the sole professional bookkeeping body in New Zealand.Melanie enjoys sharing her knowledge of bookkeeping with small businesses and individuals. A small business owner herself, Melanie works with many businesses and understands the pain points of small business, such as cash flow and having more time. Her speciality is strategy, succession planning and advisor to small business.A member of the Institute of Directors, Melanie is seeking opportunity to expand her governance experience.Melanie is enjoying Yoga Teacher training specialising in therapy / pain management Highlights include:Founding President of The New Zealand Bookkeepers Association.Public speaking and mentoring; Melanie has extensive experience in public speaking and is often asked to present nationwide on various business topics.Business tutoring in a tertiary environment Leading a large medical practiceSuccessful start-up sale of a worm farming and education businessStart-up of a successful temporary recruitment company with international recruitment roles2012 - 2018 Melanie has the privilege of mentoring teams in the University of Canterbury (Entre) 75k challenge.