How to Get Visible as a Bookkeeper: Sage’s Chris Downing on Confidence, Tech and Career

How to Get Visible as a Bookkeeper: Sage’s Chris Downing on Confidence, Tech and Career Opportunities In this Leadership Takeover Session, Sage’s Chris Downing shows bookkeepers and accountants exactly how to get more visible, build a reputation that feels authentic, and turn their experience into new opportunities – without pretending to be someone they’re not. Drawing on 19 years in practice (from junior to partner) and his current role as the “voice of the accountant and bookkeeper” inside Sage, Chris explains what visibility really means, why it matters, and how to start even if you feel shy, busy or unsure what to say. Read the GoProposal by Sage guide on how to be an authoritative accountant (or bookkeeper) and establish trust https://goproposal.com/blog/trusted/?UTM_Source=6FB Hosted by Jo Wood and Zoe Whitman from The 6 Figure Bookkeeper, this episode goes behind the scenes with one of the most recognisable faces in the UK accounting tech space. You’ll hear how early work experience, a love of technology and a focus on saving clients time led Chris to build a Business Intelligence department inside his firm, win Technology Champion of the Year, and ultimately move from practice into a senior role at Sage. Along the way he shares the mindset shifts that helped him speak at events, work with banks, and present to rooms full of peers – even when it felt nerve-wracking. You’ll learn why visibility is not about showing off, but about being useful and relatable; how awards, case studies and collaboration with software partners can quietly raise your profile; and why the firms that grow fastest are usually the ones willing to share what they’re doing well. Chris talks about saying yes (and sometimes no) to events, how he protects his time, and how he balances a busy internal role at Sage with being present at conferences, webinars and community meetups. For bookkeepers, he explains why your proximity to the numbers gives you huge commercial insight, why bookkeeping can feel lonely and how to build a supportive network with accountants and peers. He describes the “golden triangle” between the business owner, the accountant and the bookkeeper, and why collaboration – rather than competition – is where the real opportunity lies as MTD and digitisation reshape the profession. This is essential viewing for bookkeepers who want to stop being “brilliant but invisible”, share their expertise with confidence, and build a long-term career that can grow in whatever direction they choose. ----------------------------------------------- About us We're Jo and Zoe and we help bookkeepers find clients, make more money and build profitable businesses they love. Find out about working with us in The Bookkeepers' Collective, at: 6figurebookkeeper.com/collective ----------------------------------------------- About our Sponsor This episode of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is sponsored by Xero. Get 90% off your first 6 months by visiting: https://xero5440.partnerlinks.io/6figurebookkeeper ----------------------------------------------- Promotion This video contains paid promotion. ----------------------------------------------- Disclaimer The information contained in The Bookkeepers' Podcast is provided for information purposes only. The contents of The Bookkeepers' Podcast is not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast. The 6 Figure Bookkeeper Ltd disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of the Bookkeepers' Podcast.