Philippa Rickards Has Spent Decades Helping Small Businesses Get Their Time Back

Women Story
Feb 2
2 min read

Small businesses rarely fail because of bad ideas. More often, they fail under the quiet weight of paperwork, compliance, and decisions made without clear financial visibility. Philippa Rickards has built her career helping business owners remove that weight — patiently, methodically, and without drama.

Based in Geelong, Australia, Rickards is the founder of My Bookkeeping Buddy, a boutique bookkeeping and business advisory practice supporting SMEs across Australia. Her work spans bookkeeping, payroll, BAS and IAS services, and business advisory — but her purpose has remained consistent for more than two decades: to give business owners clarity and time.

Built on Experience, Not Trends

Rickards’ professional journey stretches back over 30 years, covering nearly every facet of business administration — from payroll and reconciliations to operations, compliance, and training. Before launching My Bookkeeping Buddy, she spent 25 years owning and managing her own business, gaining firsthand understanding of the pressures small business owners face daily.

That lived experience shapes how she works today. Clients don’t come to Rickards for quick fixes. They come for stability, structure, and someone who understands the realities behind the numbers.

A Partner, Not Just a Provider

My Bookkeeping Buddy operates with a deliberately personal model. Rickards works closely with clients to ensure not only accuracy and compliance, but confidence. Her firm supports businesses both locally and remotely, helping owners understand their financial health, improve cash flow, and make decisions with less stress.

“My role is to bring order to the financial side of a business so owners can focus on living their lives,” Rickards has shared.

Recognition Earned Quietly

In an industry that rarely attracts headlines, Rickards’ work has been recognised where it matters most. She was named a Finalist at the Geelong Business Excellence Awards, a reflection of long-term trust and service rather than scale.

Her leadership style mirrors her business philosophy: steady, practical, and deeply people-focused.

The Bigger Picture

For Philippa Rickards, success is not measured in growth charts or expansion plans. It is measured in something more durable — businesses that sleep better at night, owners who regain control of their time, and systems that work quietly in the background.

In a world obsessed with speed, her strength lies in something enduring: showing up, getting it right, and doing it again tomorrow.