"DEI work is about recognizing that our unique individual circumstances factor into our ability to succeed." - Chantal SheehanMelbourne, FL (April 13, 2022) – In late 2020, the Melbourne Regional Chamber began planning the launch of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and invited Blue Fox CEO Chantal Sheehan to serve as a founding member (and subsequently as an investor). Chamber Vice President of Business Development Mel Thomas said, “Chantal’s leadership style, professionalism, and operation of her organization made her an instant candidate to serve on the MRC’s DEI Committee. We are so honored that she not only accepted the invitation to serve but has been a force for driving those conversations and programs both internally and externally, as well as a financial supporter of our Professional Equity Sponsorship program for underserved business partners.” ![]() “Whether or not we realize (or accept) it, the concepts of equity and inclusion are relevant to everyone. DEI work is about recognizing that our unique individual circumstances factor into our ability to succeed. Equal opportunity or outcomes cannot be attained without addressing any limiting factors within those circumstances. Over 15 years ago, I first learned about the DEI framework in my master’s program at SIT Graduate Institute. It was personally and professionally transformational to unpack my own social identity and study the concepts of privilege. It is also crazy hard work. But advancing equity and inclusion in ourselves and our community requires hard work and courage at the individual level. I'm honored to serve on this task force and have been since the very beginning. What started as a small group of committed, hopeful, and passionate individuals have evolved into a community movement spearheaded by some of the most influential folx on the Space Coast. (And if you think #folx is a typo, look it up!),” said Sheehan. The Melbourne Regional Chamber recently launched a web page dedicated to its DEI initiative, including a special message from DEI Committee Chairperson Jamara Wilson, owner of Progressive Cleaning. Wilson writes, “The task force will work to educate and implement best practices on the Space Coast to enable businesses, residents, and visitors to feel respected, honored, acknowledged, and understood. We are a community of business leaders, business owners, and professionals with diverse backgrounds who will lead by example to create awareness and an environment that empowers positive change.”
The DEI Committee webpage also highlights investors and current committee members. For more information, visit www.melbourneregionalchamber.com/dei-task-force. For more information about Blue Fox and Chantal Sheehan, visit www.yourbluefox.com. ### ABOUT BLUE FOX: Blue Fox provides customized financial and back-office services for social impact organizations (nonprofits and social enterprises). The company’s services include bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, financial consulting, and comprehensive virtual CFO services. Blue Fox’s mission is to disrupt the traditional accounting model through technology, innovation, and a radically client-focused approach that truly empowers nonprofits and social enterprises. For more information, call (321) 233-3311, email hello@yourbluefox.com, and visit www.yourbluefox.com. ABOUT MELBOURNE REGIONAL CHAMBER: For nearly 100 years, the Melbourne Regional Chamber has been the area’s driving force in creating an environment in which business thrives. The Chamber has grown from a small-town chamber into a regional powerhouse dedicated to developing and promoting the business interests of our partners. The Melbourne Regional Chamber is a representative, advocate, educator, and facilitator of connection dedicated to a thriving community. For more information, call (321)724-5400, or visit www.melbourneregionalchamber.com
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Humans Serving Humans with Financial Peace of MindEven I can be surprised sometimes. Recently, I listened in on a new client onboarding call. I don't typically attend these calls. I'm the marketing person behind the scenes at Blue Fox (you know, the one showing up in your inbox with beautifully written newsletters). But our CEO suggested that I listen to this one. She said I might be surprised by the conversation and to keep in mind that many of our clients come to us in the same state of mind. Financial shop talk is what I thought I would hear. Boy, was I wrong! This is what surprised me: "What are you looking to gain from our partnership?" we asked. "I'm looking to gain stability," said our new client. "I've been working really hard to teach myself the finance side but realized I need to close the gap with your expertise. We could never trust our numbers. Numbers are facts, and we should be able to trust them to make decisions!" These are some of the words our client shared with us. But it was the unspoken emotion behind their words that struck me. They were frustrated, unsettled, timidly raising their hands. They knew it was time to ask for help. And now that help was there; all the emotions were coming to the surface. It was almost like they had financial management PTSD. What in the world happened to cause this level of stress? It wasn't any ONE thing that was catastrophic. The simple answer is that our client is recovering from a not-so-good bookkeeper who made lots of mistakes and has since left the organization. And now, those mistakes are rearing their ugly head, causing a whole shitstorm of re-work, cash flow challenges, and tax compliance issues. (That's why we always say you want a bad-ass bookkeeper, not a bad one!) As the call went on, I could sense our client feeling more and more relieved in the spirit of our partnership. Can you blame them?! They just gained a financial thought partner and another set of hands to oversee accounting data entry, management, and reporting. Isn't it clear? What Blue Fox really delivers is peace of mind! (And more time, consistency, financial access, process improvement, etc., etc., etc.) And then the shop talk started, just as I suspected. The conversation was now all financials, processes, transfer of responsibility, data architecture, and high-level recommendations. Here's a snapshot of EVERYTHING discussed (and then prioritized):
My marketing mind was swimming at this point :) That's when I stopped paying attention (a symptom of being a creative person) and just started writing. Nonprofit leaders need to know that they are not alone in feeling overwhelmed by financial management. It's common for organizational leaders to have a background in service delivery/programs, marketing, or fundraising, not financial management and strategy. AND THAT'S OKAY! That's why companies Blue Fox exist! We set our clients up with the most efficient and tech-savvy financial processes to save them time and frustration. Then we provide access, information, and analysis to give clients the power to make strategic, data-driven decisions. The onboarding call was almost over, so I zoned back in and heard our client say, “You have no idea the amount of confidence you're giving me! "It makes me sad for the stress we've experienced, but we're so happy we found Blue Fox to help us!" Confidence. Peace of Mind. Kindness. Understanding. Patience. We’re not your average accounting firm, are we? Far from it! Our CEO always says, “We’re just humans serving humans.” An outsider might think that we’re just a bunch of bean counters performing accounting, payroll, and tax work for our clients. But we know it’s more than that. When a nonprofit organization improves its financial stability, its leadership can take better care of staff members and deepen its ability to provide mission-driven services. Humans serving humans. And that, my friends, is the ripple effect of care, kindness, and humanity. Written By: Chelsea Clementi, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Blue Fox
I'm risking here. I want to share a story with you, and I hope it will help you or someone you love one day. Almost a year ago, I was diagnosed with an incurable, chronic inflammatory condition called endometriosis. If you've never heard of endometriosis (or endo for short), I'm not surprised. Most people haven't. I really didn't understand what it was until I was diagnosed with it and forced to consult the interwebs. Those who suffer from endo experience a broad range of symptoms. That's part of what makes diagnosis tough. Yet, "tough" is no excuse for how this disease rages on with little medical research or attention. Endometriosis affects at least 1 in 10 women. (At least = probably more because it's not diagnosed correctly.) To put that in perspective: There are few known therapies for treating endo. Its effects can be (and often are) debilitating. Even more disturbing: On average a woman must see 8-10 DIFFERENT doctors/medical professionals before she is properly diagnosed with endo. For me, that meant misdiagnoses started as a teenager and continued for two decades. For me, that meant hearing (over and over and over) from doctors that my issues were simply "abnormal." Or even worse, that my condition was just my own "bad luck." But the truth is: I'm one of the lucky ones. Many women die from endo complications. Many women struggle with infertility due to endo. Many women suffer with more pain than I ever had. And many - SO many, TOO many - women don't have access to quality, unbiased healthcare. The result: needless suffering. In December 2021, I went for surgery so that my doctor could remove a life-threatening endometrial cyst from one of my ovaries in addition to performing other endo treatment. By all accounts, the surgery was successful, and I'm feeling better than I have in 10 years. The journey ahead is uncertain, but I'm optimistic about my physical health for the first time in a very long time. Why am I sharing all of this with you now? A few of you know how scary this past year has been for me, both as a woman and as a business leader. I was terrified. From July to December last year, the reality of my situation sank in... Was surgery really the best option? Or would our broken medical system fail me again? How would I manage if I had to be out of the office for 4-8 weeks afterwards? How would this disease affect my life and my relationships, both business and personal? It was an incredibly stressful time. But less so because of many of you - my fellow Blue Fox friends, family, and teammates. Our team and clients lifted me up, carried me and each other, and gave me the time I needed to heal. What a gift. What a privilege. Words cannot convey my gratitude, to my family and team especially. I'm sharing this all with you because, as strong and as fierce as I'd like to think I am, this experience challenged me deeply on every level. I felt small, powerless, and uncertain throughout. And if I hadn't had any one of the support mechanisms I've mentioned, I might not have come out on the other side of this as well as I have. Women often put their own care last. |
Our squad at Blue Fox created this comprehensive checklist to help your team prepare for a smooth audit process. We encourage you think about the audit as a proactive management tool (not a huge thorn in your side). The auditor’s findings will in fact provide actionable insights on how to improve your back office and financial management practices. Bonus: implement the advice on our checklist and become a better financial steward even before the audit starts. (Your donors will like the sound of that!) |
Do All Nonprofits Require An Audit?
But, is it required? The answer is more complicated than yes or no. According to the Council of Nonprofits, there are "circumstances that may trigger the requirement for an independent audit." Click here for that full article.
For further questions, feel free to contact our team of nonprofit financial gurus. We can help your organization get sorted year-round and in the event that your nonprofit is being audited. We cheerfully serve our clients with customized financial and back office services ranging from standard bookkeeping and accounting, payroll and tax, to coaching and consulting, to comprehensive virtual CFO services.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Blue Fox is seeking nonprofits and social enterprise organizations that are interested in taking their back office operations and financial stewardship to the next level. As our Ideal Client, you will be responsible for putting your trust in Blue Fox to seamlessly manage your day-to-day financial operations and provide you with expert level financial guidance. Periodic virtual coffee breaks together are encouraged. :)
WE ARE SEEKING:
- U.S. based nonprofits and social enterprises (B-Corps, C-Corps, S-Corps, or 501(c)(3)s only)
- Established organizations with an annual budget of $5M or less
- A staff of 50 employees or less
- Missions that matter, especially missions related to conservation and environmental stewardship
- Inclusive teams with a commitment to DEI
- Technology lovers looking to work smarter and create efficiencies across the back office
- Organizations that invest in professional development for their team (people matter!)
- QuickBooks Online users
KEY PERSONALITY TRAITS FOR SUCCESS
- Kindness and honesty are non-negotiable
- Life-long learners committed to developing their financial capacity
- Ability to ask for help when needed (it’s okay, we’ve got you!)
- Sense of humor (it’s just accounting – not life or death!)
- No drama Mamas (and we do like working with guys, too, of course!)
- Driven by COMMON SENSE
TIME COMMITMENT
The Ideal Client position requires is 1-2 hour/month (wow, that’s way less than you spend on your books now)! Client on-boarding may require 3-5 hours/week for a 4-week time period. After that, Blue Fox will manage your financial back office so you can focus on program development, fundraising, marketing and making positive contributions in the community you serve.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
Complete this form to schedule a complimentary consultation so we can discuss you needs.
While you're here, meet some of our clients, the Changemakers of Today! We think you'll enjoy what they have to say about our Blue Fox team.
About Blue Fox: Our team provides customized financial and back-office services for social impact organizations. Services range from standard bookkeeping and payroll services to coaching and consulting, to comprehensive virtual CFO services. Our mission is to disrupt the traditional accounting model through technology, innovation, and a radically client-focused approach that truly empowers nonprofits and social enterprises. For more information call (321) 233-3311, email hello@yourbluefox.com, and visit www.yourbluefox.com.
Our Blog
Welcome to the Blue Fox Blog! A fairly entertaining source of info and news related to our company, nonprofits, social sector trends, and, of course, accounting. Enjoy!
Top Articles
How "Small" Payroll Mistakes Cause Multi-Year S#!t Storms for Nonprofits
Behind the Scenes, New Client Onboarding Call
When to Hire a Tax Professional - 10 Factors to Consider
40+ Ideas to Light a Fundraising Fire Under Your Nonprofit Board Members
Why Outsource Your Nonprofit Accounting to Blue Fox? Ask One of Our Newest Clients
Client CASE STUDY: One of The Most Financially Sustainable Nonprofit Orgs We Know
The Magical Nonprofit Financial Ratio Matrix
10 Reasons to Outsource Your Nonprofit Accounting
How to Make Your Nonprofit Recession-Proof
How to Engage Your Board of Directors in Financial Conversations
QB Tip of the Month: How to Use Classes for Painless Grant Writing
When to Hire an Accountant for Your Social Impact Org
Are You Paying Too Much for Payroll?
Company News
Blue Fox Earns Better Business Bureau Accreditation
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Blue Fox - The Origin Story
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