In a recent interview at the UNCHAIN Fintech Festival we delved into the mission and expansion strategies of Bookkeepie, a Hungarian fintech company channeling accounting services for SMEs. András Vizsy, CEO of Bookeepie, and Alex Ion, Country Manager for Romania, shared their insights on how the company is transforming the SME landscape through innovative accounting solutions.
Introducing Bookkeepie: A Mission to Simplify SME Operations
András Vizsy began the conversation by outlining Bookkeepie’s core mission: to streamline the process of finding suitable accountants for SMEs. He explained that Bookkeepie’s platform not only assists existing SMEs in finding accountants tailored to their needs but also supports new businesses with end-to-end online company registration and accounting services. András highlighted the multifaceted roles entrepreneurs often juggle, emphasizing the importance of reliable accounting support to ease their burdens and allow them to focus on growing their businesses.
International Expansion and Market Dynamics
Alex Ion, who oversees Bookkeepie’s expansion into Romania and other potential markets like Austria, echoed his colleague’s sentiments. Alex noted the distinct differences between the Hungarian and Romanian markets, such as the higher workload for Romanian accountants due to fewer professionals relative to the number of companies. He pointed out the lack of digitalization and entrepreneurial education among Romanian accountants as key areas Bookkeepie aims to address with upcoming digital products.
Innovations on the Horizon
When asked about new digital products, Alex provided a glimpse into Bookkeepie’s future offerings. He explained that the current focus is on helping SMEs determine the appropriate business and taxation formats, guiding them from registration to finding the right accountant. Bookkeepie’s innovative approach includes providing vetted accounting contracts and facilitating the onboarding process between SMEs and accountants to prevent misunderstandings and ensure smooth collaborations. Alex teased that more friction-reducing tools are in development and will be available in the coming months.
Challenges and Growth Amidst a Pandemic
Reflecting on the challenges faced since the company’s inception in May 2020, András acknowledged the uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he noted that the shift to online interactions favored Bookkeepie’s business model, allowing them to gain significant market traction in Hungary. He also mentioned legislative changes, such as the KATA regulation, which impacted sole proprietors and further emphasized the need for Bookkeepie’s services. Despite these challenges, the company’s focus on digitization and client education has solidified its position as a leading player in the market.
Success Stories and Future Aspirations
Both András and Alex shared success stories that highlighted Bookkeepie’s impact. András recalled the pride of securing the first successful match between an SME and an accountant in Hungary – way back in 2020 – a milestone that validated their efforts. He also cited partnerships with market leaders like OTP Bank, Számlázz.hu and MBH as significant achievements. Alex, on the other hand, recounted the swift and successful matchmaking of an international company with a Romanian accountant, demonstrating Bookkeepie’s potential to serve multinational clients.
Advice for Potential Partners
As the interview concluded, they emphasized the importance of open communication and exploring mutually beneficial opportunities. András shared an example of a collaboration with a company training personal coaches, which led to the creation of tailored accounting services for the sports industry. Alex reinforced the idea of approaching potential partnerships with an open mind and a focus on creating value for end clients.
András and Alex provided an insightful overview of their mission, achievements, and future plans. Their commitment to innovation, digitalization, and client education positions Bookkeepie as a transformative force in the SME accounting landscape, both in Hungary and beyond. As they continue to expand and refine their services, the company aims to simplify the complex world of accounting for SMEs, ensuring entrepreneurs can focus on what they do best: building and growing their businesses.
You can watch the full interview here: