Celebrate another Square Penny milestone with us!

 

This month marks our 15th business birthday. It’s been a thrilling adventure to now, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the unwavering support and vision of our founder, Damian Scodella. We thought it would be fitting to catch up with him for this huge moment in Square Penny history, and share his reflections on the last 15 years…

When did your Square Penny visioncome to life?

The idea of Square Penny had been cooking away in my brain for quite some time. It wasn’t until 2008 that everything came together to form the makings of the flourishing financial management firm you know today.

What was the thinking behind it? Why Square Penny and not something else?

Square Penny was started because of my passion for solving the problems that all businesses experience. I also believed that the corporate environment didn’t understand its workforce, or how to best embrace the talents of working mums. I realised that these incredible women were being underutilised; I saw mums who had a huge set of skills they wanted to keep using and refining, all while supporting their thriving families. The amount these women juggle, but somehow make it all seem effortless made it clear I needed them on my team!

To date, what have been Square Penny’s greatest achievements?

Thankfully, it’s a long list I can draw from! In the 15 years we’ve been operating, we’ve enjoyed continued growth whilst providing more than 50 women the opportunity to truly run their family around their work, not the other way around. Running this business hasn’t been without its low points, of course. In 2018, we parted ways with our largest client. It was the right decision in the moment, but it’s quite an unsettling experience, not knowing what’s around the corner. The good news is that we’ve gone from strength to strength ever since. In 2019 we created the Executive Team, 2021 we brought in the External Advisory Board and appointed the remarkable Trish Catlin as our CEO, and this year, I’m so proud to say we’ve achieved our 5-year plan.

What makes Square Penny unique in the financial management space?

We are process driven, passionate about what we do and we care about our customers. I believe this is what our reputation is founded on. We are respected by our colleagues and peers, and our uncompromising commitment to doing, everything we can do to help SMEs thrive is widely known.

How has Square Penny evolved over the years?

Since our establishment in 2009, we’ve grown so much. From one office here in Melbourne, we’ve expanded our workforce to cover three Australian states and also offshore in the Philippines. Our clients needs are more sophisticated than ever, and demand a higher level of service. To accommodate that, we changed our model so that each client would have more than just the one staff member on their file. I also stepped out of the direct running of the business and handed complete operational control over to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team. It’s been a freeing and exhilarating time to watch Square Penny flourish!

You mentioned you’ve achieved your 5-year plan. What’s next for Square Penny?

Interestingly enough, we’ve embarked upon achieving our next 5-year strategy. This time, it’s one that doesn’t include me leading the way. We have an exceptional team, led by our CEO Trish Catlin, and I know Square Penny will continue to thrive under her leadership. I want to demonstrate to other business owners that it’s possible to set up and grow a successful business, and have it run smoothly, even in your absence. You just need the right people around you to carry the vision forward.

If you’d like to join the growing number of business owners using our forward-focused, highly skilled team to get your business running like clockwork, or you’d simply like to wish us well on our birthday… Call 1300 472 412 and let us share the Square Penny way with you.

Work from Home Deduction

Work from Home Deduction

The Australian government has recently scrapped the shortcut method for claiming work-from-home deductions.

This method, which was introduced in the 2020-2021 financial year, allowed employees to claim a flat rate of 80 cents per hour for expenses incurred while working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

read more
Business Outsourcing: What’s best for YOUR business?

Business Outsourcing: What’s best for YOUR business?

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that ‘normal’ for business has been completely reimagined. We’ve established in these last three years of discomfort and uncertainty that there are better ways to get things done – from flexible working arrangements to standard recruitment practices.

read more
Best Business Software: Make 2023 your business’ most productive year yet!

Best Business Software: Make 2023 your business’ most productive year yet!

So another year has come to pass, and more likely than not, you’re picking up exactly where you left off in 2022. Hopefully you’re feeling more rested for a bit of time to yourselves over the festive period. But now comes reality: back to the grindstone. But what if it didn’t have to be a grind? Here at Square Penny, we pride ourselves on identifying the best business software options to make doing what you do best a breeze. Throughout this blog, we’re going to help you get the most out of every workday for yourself and your employees by leveraging our extensive knowledge of the best productivity tools around. We’re going to problem solve as we go, so each set of tools will be based around a challenge that you may be facing in your own workplace right now. Ready to dive in? Let’s go…

read more
Business planning 101: Your top 5 quick wins before 2022 winds up

Business planning 101: Your top 5 quick wins before 2022 winds up

If you’ve had a year anything like ours, it’s likely the end of the year came more quickly than you were anticipating. Again. With business shutdowns and festivities approaching, many of our clients are spending the next few weeks getting their business ducks in a row before winding down for some hard-earned relaxation time with friends and family over the festive break. How great it is to know that when they switch their computers on for the first time in 2023, they’ll have already taken care of the bulk of their business planning well in advance, and can hit the ground running. Here’s what we recommend you take care of now for a successful start to 2023 for your business:

read more
Revenue leakage: What you need to know in order to grow

Revenue leakage: What you need to know in order to grow

It sounds like something you may need a doctor or plumber to remedy, but this time it’s your friendly financial service provider. If you’re experiencing a slowing of growth in your business, or simply difficulties with cashflow, the likely culprit is revenue leakage. But what is it, and more importantly, how can it be stopped? Read on to discover the fundamentals of revenue leakage, and what you can do to ensure you’re always on top of your business finances no matter what the week throws at you…

read more

Celebrate another Square Penny milestone with us!

 

This month marks our 15th business birthday. It’s been a thrilling adventure to now, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the unwavering support and vision of our founder, Damian Scodella. We thought it would be fitting to catch up with him for this huge moment in Square Penny history, and share his reflections on the last 15 years…

When did your Square Penny visioncome to life?

The idea of Square Penny had been cooking away in my brain for quite some time. It wasn’t until 2008 that everything came together to form the makings of the flourishing financial management firm you know today.

What was the thinking behind it? Why Square Penny and not something else?

Square Penny was started because of my passion for solving the problems that all businesses experience. I also believed that the corporate environment didn’t understand its workforce, or how to best embrace the talents of working mums. I realised that these incredible women were being underutilised; I saw mums who had a huge set of skills they wanted to keep using and refining, all while supporting their thriving families. The amount these women juggle, but somehow make it all seem effortless made it clear I needed them on my team!

To date, what have been Square Penny’s greatest achievements?

Thankfully, it’s a long list I can draw from! In the 15 years we’ve been operating, we’ve enjoyed continued growth whilst providing more than 50 women the opportunity to truly run their family around their work, not the other way around. Running this business hasn’t been without its low points, of course. In 2018, we parted ways with our largest client. It was the right decision in the moment, but it’s quite an unsettling experience, not knowing what’s around the corner. The good news is that we’ve gone from strength to strength ever since. In 2019 we created the Executive Team, 2021 we brought in the External Advisory Board and appointed the remarkable Trish Catlin as our CEO, and this year, I’m so proud to say we’ve achieved our 5-year plan.

What makes Square Penny unique in the financial management space?

We are process driven, passionate about what we do and we care about our customers. I believe this is what our reputation is founded on. We are respected by our colleagues and peers, and our uncompromising commitment to doing, everything we can do to help SMEs thrive is widely known.

How has Square Penny evolved over the years?

Since our establishment in 2009, we’ve grown so much. From one office here in Melbourne, we’ve expanded our workforce to cover three Australian states and also offshore in the Philippines. Our clients needs are more sophisticated than ever, and demand a higher level of service. To accommodate that, we changed our model so that each client would have more than just the one staff member on their file. I also stepped out of the direct running of the business and handed complete operational control over to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team. It’s been a freeing and exhilarating time to watch Square Penny flourish!

You mentioned you’ve achieved your 5-year plan. What’s next for Square Penny?

Interestingly enough, we’ve embarked upon achieving our next 5-year strategy. This time, it’s one that doesn’t include me leading the way. We have an exceptional team, led by our CEO Trish Catlin, and I know Square Penny will continue to thrive under her leadership. I want to demonstrate to other business owners that it’s possible to set up and grow a successful business, and have it run smoothly, even in your absence. You just need the right people around you to carry the vision forward.

If you’d like to join the growing number of business owners using our forward-focused, highly skilled team to get your business running like clockwork, or you’d simply like to wish us well on our birthday… Call 1300 472 412 and let us share the Square Penny way with you.

Work from Home Deduction

Work from Home Deduction

The Australian government has recently scrapped the shortcut method for claiming work-from-home deductions.

This method, which was introduced in the 2020-2021 financial year, allowed employees to claim a flat rate of 80 cents per hour for expenses incurred while working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

read more
Business Outsourcing: What’s best for YOUR business?

Business Outsourcing: What’s best for YOUR business?

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that ‘normal’ for business has been completely reimagined. We’ve established in these last three years of discomfort and uncertainty that there are better ways to get things done – from flexible working arrangements to standard recruitment practices.

read more
Best Business Software: Make 2023 your business’ most productive year yet!

Best Business Software: Make 2023 your business’ most productive year yet!

So another year has come to pass, and more likely than not, you’re picking up exactly where you left off in 2022. Hopefully you’re feeling more rested for a bit of time to yourselves over the festive period. But now comes reality: back to the grindstone. But what if it didn’t have to be a grind? Here at Square Penny, we pride ourselves on identifying the best business software options to make doing what you do best a breeze. Throughout this blog, we’re going to help you get the most out of every workday for yourself and your employees by leveraging our extensive knowledge of the best productivity tools around. We’re going to problem solve as we go, so each set of tools will be based around a challenge that you may be facing in your own workplace right now. Ready to dive in? Let’s go…

read more
Business planning 101: Your top 5 quick wins before 2022 winds up

Business planning 101: Your top 5 quick wins before 2022 winds up

If you’ve had a year anything like ours, it’s likely the end of the year came more quickly than you were anticipating. Again. With business shutdowns and festivities approaching, many of our clients are spending the next few weeks getting their business ducks in a row before winding down for some hard-earned relaxation time with friends and family over the festive break. How great it is to know that when they switch their computers on for the first time in 2023, they’ll have already taken care of the bulk of their business planning well in advance, and can hit the ground running. Here’s what we recommend you take care of now for a successful start to 2023 for your business:

read more
Revenue leakage: What you need to know in order to grow

Revenue leakage: What you need to know in order to grow

It sounds like something you may need a doctor or plumber to remedy, but this time it’s your friendly financial service provider. If you’re experiencing a slowing of growth in your business, or simply difficulties with cashflow, the likely culprit is revenue leakage. But what is it, and more importantly, how can it be stopped? Read on to discover the fundamentals of revenue leakage, and what you can do to ensure you’re always on top of your business finances no matter what the week throws at you…

read more

Celebrate another Square Penny milestone with us!

 

This month marks our 15th business birthday. It’s been a thrilling adventure to now, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the unwavering support and vision of our founder, Damian Scodella. We thought it would be fitting to catch up with him for this huge moment in Square Penny history, and share his reflections on the last 15 years…

When did your Square Penny visioncome to life?

The idea of Square Penny had been cooking away in my brain for quite some time. It wasn’t until 2008 that everything came together to form the makings of the flourishing financial management firm you know today.

What was the thinking behind it? Why Square Penny and not something else?

Square Penny was started because of my passion for solving the problems that all businesses experience. I also believed that the corporate environment didn’t understand its workforce, or how to best embrace the talents of working mums. I realised that these incredible women were being underutilised; I saw mums who had a huge set of skills they wanted to keep using and refining, all while supporting their thriving families. The amount these women juggle, but somehow make it all seem effortless made it clear I needed them on my team!

To date, what have been Square Penny’s greatest achievements?

Thankfully, it’s a long list I can draw from! In the 15 years we’ve been operating, we’ve enjoyed continued growth whilst providing more than 50 women the opportunity to truly run their family around their work, not the other way around. Running this business hasn’t been without its low points, of course. In 2018, we parted ways with our largest client. It was the right decision in the moment, but it’s quite an unsettling experience, not knowing what’s around the corner. The good news is that we’ve gone from strength to strength ever since. In 2019 we created the Executive Team, 2021 we brought in the External Advisory Board and appointed the remarkable Trish Catlin as our CEO, and this year, I’m so proud to say we’ve achieved our 5-year plan.

What makes Square Penny unique in the financial management space?

We are process driven, passionate about what we do and we care about our customers. I believe this is what our reputation is founded on. We are respected by our colleagues and peers, and our uncompromising commitment to doing, everything we can do to help SMEs thrive is widely known.

How has Square Penny evolved over the years?

Since our establishment in 2009, we’ve grown so much. From one office here in Melbourne, we’ve expanded our workforce to cover three Australian states and also offshore in the Philippines. Our clients needs are more sophisticated than ever, and demand a higher level of service. To accommodate that, we changed our model so that each client would have more than just the one staff member on their file. I also stepped out of the direct running of the business and handed complete operational control over to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team. It’s been a freeing and exhilarating time to watch Square Penny flourish!

You mentioned you’ve achieved your 5-year plan. What’s next for Square Penny?

Interestingly enough, we’ve embarked upon achieving our next 5-year strategy. This time, it’s one that doesn’t include me leading the way. We have an exceptional team, led by our CEO Trish Catlin, and I know Square Penny will continue to thrive under her leadership. I want to demonstrate to other business owners that it’s possible to set up and grow a successful business, and have it run smoothly, even in your absence. You just need the right people around you to carry the vision forward.

If you’d like to join the growing number of business owners using our forward-focused, highly skilled team to get your business running like clockwork, or you’d simply like to wish us well on our birthday… Call 1300 472 412 and let us share the Square Penny way with you.

Work from Home Deduction

Work from Home Deduction

The Australian government has recently scrapped the shortcut method for claiming work-from-home deductions.

This method, which was introduced in the 2020-2021 financial year, allowed employees to claim a flat rate of 80 cents per hour for expenses incurred while working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

read more
Business Outsourcing: What’s best for YOUR business?

Business Outsourcing: What’s best for YOUR business?

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that ‘normal’ for business has been completely reimagined. We’ve established in these last three years of discomfort and uncertainty that there are better ways to get things done – from flexible working arrangements to standard recruitment practices.

read more
Best Business Software: Make 2023 your business’ most productive year yet!

Best Business Software: Make 2023 your business’ most productive year yet!

So another year has come to pass, and more likely than not, you’re picking up exactly where you left off in 2022. Hopefully you’re feeling more rested for a bit of time to yourselves over the festive period. But now comes reality: back to the grindstone. But what if it didn’t have to be a grind? Here at Square Penny, we pride ourselves on identifying the best business software options to make doing what you do best a breeze. Throughout this blog, we’re going to help you get the most out of every workday for yourself and your employees by leveraging our extensive knowledge of the best productivity tools around. We’re going to problem solve as we go, so each set of tools will be based around a challenge that you may be facing in your own workplace right now. Ready to dive in? Let’s go…

read more
Business planning 101: Your top 5 quick wins before 2022 winds up

Business planning 101: Your top 5 quick wins before 2022 winds up

If you’ve had a year anything like ours, it’s likely the end of the year came more quickly than you were anticipating. Again. With business shutdowns and festivities approaching, many of our clients are spending the next few weeks getting their business ducks in a row before winding down for some hard-earned relaxation time with friends and family over the festive break. How great it is to know that when they switch their computers on for the first time in 2023, they’ll have already taken care of the bulk of their business planning well in advance, and can hit the ground running. Here’s what we recommend you take care of now for a successful start to 2023 for your business:

read more
Revenue leakage: What you need to know in order to grow

Revenue leakage: What you need to know in order to grow

It sounds like something you may need a doctor or plumber to remedy, but this time it’s your friendly financial service provider. If you’re experiencing a slowing of growth in your business, or simply difficulties with cashflow, the likely culprit is revenue leakage. But what is it, and more importantly, how can it be stopped? Read on to discover the fundamentals of revenue leakage, and what you can do to ensure you’re always on top of your business finances no matter what the week throws at you…

read more

Celebrate another Square Penny milestone with us!

 

This month marks our 15th business birthday. It’s been a thrilling adventure to now, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the unwavering support and vision of our founder, Damian Scodella. We thought it would be fitting to catch up with him for this huge moment in Square Penny history, and share his reflections on the last 15 years…

When did your Square Penny visioncome to life?

The idea of Square Penny had been cooking away in my brain for quite some time. It wasn’t until 2008 that everything came together to form the makings of the flourishing financial management firm you know today.

What was the thinking behind it? Why Square Penny and not something else?

Square Penny was started because of my passion for solving the problems that all businesses experience. I also believed that the corporate environment didn’t understand its workforce, or how to best embrace the talents of working mums. I realised that these incredible women were being underutilised; I saw mums who had a huge set of skills they wanted to keep using and refining, all while supporting their thriving families. The amount these women juggle, but somehow make it all seem effortless made it clear I needed them on my team!

To date, what have been Square Penny’s greatest achievements?

Thankfully, it’s a long list I can draw from! In the 15 years we’ve been operating, we’ve enjoyed continued growth whilst providing more than 50 women the opportunity to truly run their family around their work, not the other way around. Running this business hasn’t been without its low points, of course. In 2018, we parted ways with our largest client. It was the right decision in the moment, but it’s quite an unsettling experience, not knowing what’s around the corner. The good news is that we’ve gone from strength to strength ever since. In 2019 we created the Executive Team, 2021 we brought in the External Advisory Board and appointed the remarkable Trish Catlin as our CEO, and this year, I’m so proud to say we’ve achieved our 5-year plan.

What makes Square Penny unique in the financial management space?

We are process driven, passionate about what we do and we care about our customers. I believe this is what our reputation is founded on. We are respected by our colleagues and peers, and our uncompromising commitment to doing, everything we can do to help SMEs thrive is widely known.

How has Square Penny evolved over the years?

Since our establishment in 2009, we’ve grown so much. From one office here in Melbourne, we’ve expanded our workforce to cover three Australian states and also offshore in the Philippines. Our clients needs are more sophisticated than ever, and demand a higher level of service. To accommodate that, we changed our model so that each client would have more than just the one staff member on their file. I also stepped out of the direct running of the business and handed complete operational control over to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team. It’s been a freeing and exhilarating time to watch Square Penny flourish!

You mentioned you’ve achieved your 5-year plan. What’s next for Square Penny?

Interestingly enough, we’ve embarked upon achieving our next 5-year strategy. This time, it’s one that doesn’t include me leading the way. We have an exceptional team, led by our CEO Trish Catlin, and I know Square Penny will continue to thrive under her leadership. I want to demonstrate to other business owners that it’s possible to set up and grow a successful business, and have it run smoothly, even in your absence. You just need the right people around you to carry the vision forward.

If you’d like to join the growing number of business owners using our forward-focused, highly skilled team to get your business running like clockwork, or you’d simply like to wish us well on our birthday… Call 1300 472 412 and let us share the Square Penny way with you.

Work from Home Deduction

Work from Home Deduction

The Australian government has recently scrapped the shortcut method for claiming work-from-home deductions.

This method, which was introduced in the 2020-2021 financial year, allowed employees to claim a flat rate of 80 cents per hour for expenses incurred while working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

read more
Business Outsourcing: What’s best for YOUR business?

Business Outsourcing: What’s best for YOUR business?

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that ‘normal’ for business has been completely reimagined. We’ve established in these last three years of discomfort and uncertainty that there are better ways to get things done – from flexible working arrangements to standard recruitment practices.

read more
Best Business Software: Make 2023 your business’ most productive year yet!

Best Business Software: Make 2023 your business’ most productive year yet!

So another year has come to pass, and more likely than not, you’re picking up exactly where you left off in 2022. Hopefully you’re feeling more rested for a bit of time to yourselves over the festive period. But now comes reality: back to the grindstone. But what if it didn’t have to be a grind? Here at Square Penny, we pride ourselves on identifying the best business software options to make doing what you do best a breeze. Throughout this blog, we’re going to help you get the most out of every workday for yourself and your employees by leveraging our extensive knowledge of the best productivity tools around. We’re going to problem solve as we go, so each set of tools will be based around a challenge that you may be facing in your own workplace right now. Ready to dive in? Let’s go…

read more
Business planning 101: Your top 5 quick wins before 2022 winds up

Business planning 101: Your top 5 quick wins before 2022 winds up

If you’ve had a year anything like ours, it’s likely the end of the year came more quickly than you were anticipating. Again. With business shutdowns and festivities approaching, many of our clients are spending the next few weeks getting their business ducks in a row before winding down for some hard-earned relaxation time with friends and family over the festive break. How great it is to know that when they switch their computers on for the first time in 2023, they’ll have already taken care of the bulk of their business planning well in advance, and can hit the ground running. Here’s what we recommend you take care of now for a successful start to 2023 for your business:

read more
Revenue leakage: What you need to know in order to grow

Revenue leakage: What you need to know in order to grow

It sounds like something you may need a doctor or plumber to remedy, but this time it’s your friendly financial service provider. If you’re experiencing a slowing of growth in your business, or simply difficulties with cashflow, the likely culprit is revenue leakage. But what is it, and more importantly, how can it be stopped? Read on to discover the fundamentals of revenue leakage, and what you can do to ensure you’re always on top of your business finances no matter what the week throws at you…

read more

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