Hello all...
I am a Professional Crypto Consultant focused on working with individuals and businesses on solutions for blockchain accounting, analytic and tax preparation. Former IT Professional/Executive (retired), lifelong programmer and spreadsheet master with passion for financial systems and accounting. I may not be an accounting or tax professional but I have been well trained by the various CPA mentors in my life so I can hold my own in many ways.
I started with crypto in 2016 (BTC) and 2017 (ETH) then when the pandemic hit and side-tracked my business, two things happened: I started trading, instantly hooked on the boundless possibilities and after failing to find suitable portfolio and tax tools, I created my own (think Koinly or CoinTracker light). I continue to use and improve it for my peronsal use as it provides specific lot tracking, generates my tax forms and, most importantly, provides data that I can feed into QuickBooks for analytics. Along the way, I have created numerous tools and processes to enhance and extend my data capabilities for clients.
As far as community goals, working in crypto is equal parts exciting and frustrating so I un-retired a year ago and changed the focus of my niche consulting/bookkeeping practice to focus on crypto full time. At a high level, unlocking the potential that crypto offers requires creating new resources that solve eveyday pain points. For example, I tackle tough projects, sorting out complicated crypto situations involving data extraction, compilation and analysis - typically for accounting and tax purposes. Building a collaborative community where new talent can onboard into the new world of crypto support is why I am here.
As to learning from other freelancers, there is no doubt that not only is their strength in numbers, but growing a new core of crypto focused professionals is critical. A long time ago, I participated in a working group tasked with understanding and recommending ways to evolve the CIO profession. The slant was heavily on continuing education and standards as it was part of an Accounting/Audit organization. We are on the cusp of starting to see that emerge and it is exciting. So, I am here today, with hopes and dreams of the community expanding and organizing to meet the challenges that stand before us. We can and will learn from each other - perhaps organically at first but then perhaps more formally. I loved the early days in IT when user groups formed and would get together - an online community like this is that and much, much more.
As to buiness processes, I spent an entire career making systems work together. Systems that turn data into information - beyond basics, my focus was on profitability. For example, when I show clients profitabiltiy (or lack thereof) on their NFTs, they are generally floored. Recently, I had a client that was into gaming with NFTs and they were mortified by just the sheer total cost of the gaming (turning it into fiat vs crypto has a way of grounding any conversation). I have been and continue to work on tools as fast as I can. I recently audited data extracted via explorers for ETH and nearly a dozen EVM compatible chains and as a result filed a handful of bug reports of various kinds. And I love working with crypto startups - as the grow and succeed, their needs for squaring things/controlling aways suddenly jumps to the top of their to do list. Taking in equity, issuing payroll, paying bills are all standard when you use fiat - using crypto takes things to another level. My take is that we all need to have confidence in data and that is a mission for me - from blockchain to portfolios, I audit and improve data, every day.
I am going to add what I have not figured out too. Upwork is a great platform and I am greatful for all that it represents. As a crypto professional, the occupational hazard is talking about crypto in a way that is easily misconstrued for going off-platform. I tried out the community early on and had to cut back as I grew weary of the moderation of content biting me. I completely understand it and honestly have no problem with it since as a business person, it makes total sense. However, it is exhausting and limiting. So, I return today, after a hiatus - I have changed my engagement rules to be mindful of audience and moderations and will use disclaimers as necessary. I learned long ago that we should work together for a long as it is productive. And since I truly wish for continued success for all who touch crypto as well as for Upwork, I am back to participating for the time being.
Lastly, a note about those who think Upwork should accept crypto. While this is certainly a business decision that they can choose to make, I remain convinced it would be unwise. We can debate all the pros and cons, but for sheer reasons of protecting all participants, I would argue it is a bad idea. And many folks, including feelancers are just not ready. I love working with crypto and want to see it adopted broadly. However we are a long way from general utility. On the horizon, yes. And that is exciting because there will come a day when it will make sense. That day is not here yet. Honestly, I would normally be open to debating it but it would be a moderation nightmare to do so - for that reason, please don't take it personally if I do not engage on this topic. I have said my peace and that's satisfying enough.
Thanks for reading, I am here to help in any way I can.
