Authors find joy in world of finance

Rhonda Odom has heard just about everything in her career of more than two decades as an accounting and finance professional.

Sharon E. Buck, on the other realm of things, easily could represent a “clueless client” for those in the finance world, where she is confused by debits and credits and is known to make comical tax refund requests.

Together, the longtime friends have written a book, “A CPA’s Guide to Hilarious Client Encounters – A Lighthearted Look at the World of Finance.”

The idea for the book came about when Buck, a published author, talked Odom, who serves as the chief financial officer and assistant superintendent of business and finance for the Putnam County School District, into it while traveling home from Dallas after attending a lady’s conference.

“We had such a blast on the plane and both were in stitches coming up with one-liners that the idea of the book was born,” Odom said. “Sharon considers herself one of my ‘clueless clients’ – her terminology not mine – and we thought everyone that deals with the daunting world of taxes could benefit from a good laugh and realize that taxes aren’t that scary after all.”

The public is invited to a book signing from 5-7 p.m. Friday at Needful Things bookstore, 908 St. Johns Ave. in Palatka. Refreshments will be served.

The book is available in printed soft cover at the bookstore Friday for $9, on Amazon or Barnes & Noble for $9.95, or as an e-book through Kindle for $3.99. It’s also available by emailing sharon@sharonebuck.com.

When asked if she, as the “clueless client,” can be seen in the stories in the book by reading between the lines, Buck pleaded the Fifth Amendment.

“I changed the names to protect the innocent in many of the situations because it would be mostly my name,” Buck said, smiling. “I have asked Rhonda more wild and crazy things on taxes than Carter has little pills.”

Odom gets a lot of laughs out of some of the questions she has been asked over the years as a tax consultant.

“People want to claim all types of expenses,” she said. “Anything to get the amount of taxes they owe down or their refund amount higher. I don’t laugh at my clients. I laugh with them and offer sound alternatives to some of the suggestions that come my way.”

According to the news release about the book, which says it showcases the lighter side of the world of finance, accounting and finance professionals often find themselves navigating the complex world of numbers and regulations with utmost seriousness. However, amid the piles of spreadsheets and tax forms lies a treasure trove of amusing and heartwarming client interactions that often go untold.

Odom said she and Buck wrote “Counting Laughs” to remind herself and other certified public accountants that humor is a powerful tool in their industry.

“By sharing these hilarious and heartwarming stories, I hope to show that laughter can bridge the gap between clients and accountants, making the financial world a more approachable and enjoyable place,” Odom said. “‘Counting Laughs’ is not just a book for financial professionals, but a celebration of the human side of finance.”

Odom believes their book is a must-read for everyone, from seasoned accountants looking for a good laugh to someone curious about the lighter side of accounting.

“The book is a chance for readers to experience a delightful journey into the world of accounting through a humorous lens,” she said.

Odom will retire from the school district July 31 after 28-and-a-half years of service. She also served more than seven years with the state of Mississippi retirement system. She plans to continue and expand her tax practice locally.

Buck, an Amazon best-selling author, is still writing books. She is renowned for her humorous mysteries with a Florida twist that is combined with her creative endeavors of editing, formatting and ghostwriting business books.

She has written 20 fiction books and ghostwritten 10 nonfiction business books.

Odom smiles when thinking about her clients who wait until the last minute each year to get their taxes done.

“It seems like a lot of clients would prefer to face the dentist’s drill instead of their accountant,” she said.

For Odom, any required task can be easier if you can find the joy of laughter in it.

“Know that everyone faces what you are going through and that no situation is a silo,” she said. “By keeping the environment positive and bringing laughter, a daunting task becomes manageable.”

Having a friend with a background in finance has its perks, according to Buck.

“I know I have asked Rhonda the most insane questions on whether something is tax-deductible,” she said. “I’m sure she rolls her eyes while texting me back the answer. I’ve discovered purchasing chewing gum isn’t a legitimate tax deduction. Who knew?”