STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

Two bookkeeping firms have merged to create what is believed to be the biggest little boutique bookkeeping firm in Idaho.

It will offer residents of Sun Valley, Hailey and Boise enhanced bookkeeping service. But it will also offer Wood River Valley residents who are good with numbers the opportunity for a career, as the expansion plans calls for doubling the employee base.

While there’s plenty of talk about how the labor shortage is affecting such businesses as restaurants, the new Sage Bookkeeping Solutions is also feeling the brunt of too few laborers in the field, said Toni Himmelman, director of operations for the bookkeeping service.

“We need more bodies—this labor shortage—it’s everywhere,” she said.

“We are poised to deliver dependable bookkeeping and managed accounting solutions across Idaho and be the employer of choice for those who are looking for a rewarding career in bookkeeping and accounting,” added Song Pettus, CEO of Sage Bookkeeping Solutions.

QBSolutions, which Himmelman managed, and Sage Bookkeeping merged to create Sage Bookkeeping Solutions. The merger brings together two Idaho bookkeeping firms with decades of combined experience.

Both started more than 17 years ago. They have 300 clients between them and 11 employees. Sage Bookkeeping Solutions will be a subsidiary of the parent company, Total Accounting and bookkeeping Solutions (TAABS).

“TAABS exceeded our hopes for a firm we can combine with and continue the tradition we have for excellent service, deep expertise and an environment our clients and associates want to be a part of,” said Himmelman, who has worked with books for 10 years in the Wood River Valley and longer in Boise

Sage Bookkeeping Solutions handles bookkeeping, payroll, sales, and taxes. And it’s moving from hourly to monthly service, which should offer additional benefits for clients, Himmelman said.

“We’re excited because it’s a good opportunity,” she added. “We’re looking for bookkeepers as we want to have a long-term presence in the communities we serve. We want to partner in people’s businesses and we will have a team of two on an account, instead of one. This will mean we always have two sets of eyes, in case someone retires or move on. We’re bigger and better.”