Accounting Basics for Artists

Are you an artist seeking to gain confidence in the basics of accounting? Whether you're just starting out as a sole proprietorship or are an established small creative business, this course is for you. After attending, you’ll come away with a clear and practical introduction to essential accounting concepts tailored to creative careers. We'll cover basics such as tracking income and expenses, understanding the difference between cash and accrual accounting, and review simple bookkeeping systems that fit an artistic practice. We'll walk through budgeting for projects, managing irregular income, organizing receipts and financial records, and understanding basic financial statements such as profit and loss reports. Attendees will also receive guidance on separating personal and business finances, preparing for tax season, and identifying which expenses may be deductible for artists. By the end of the workshop, you will have foundational tools to make informed financial decisions and maintain healthier, more sustainable creative businesses. Presenters: Abigail Campbell, CPA Managing Director, Tax, LBMC Abigail Campbell, CPA, is the Managing Director of Tax in the LBMC Tax practice. Abigail specializes in not-for-profit tax and consulting. She has over 10 years of experience in public accounting and has worked with individuals and for-profit businesses, in addition to not-for-profits. Abigail has provided training sessions for Chambers of Commerce, arts organizations, and boards of directors. She also worked as the Finance and Contracts Manager for a North Carolina-based organization as well as with other regional public accounting firms prior to joining LBMC. She holds her Master of Library & Information Science degree from The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga and Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. Carrie Beth Crouch, CPA, CGMA, MBA Senior Manager, Client Advisory & Accounting Services, LBMC Carrie Beth Crouch began her career in accounting after graduating from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business with an Area in Accounting in 1996. Carrie Beth has worked for over 25 years in Business & Industry, primarily with companies in the manufacturing sector. Carrie Beth joined LBMC with the acquisition of Strothman and Company. She joined Strothman and Company as Client Advisory & Accounting Services (CAAS) Manager in 2023. Prior to joining Strothman, Carrie Beth served as the Business Finance Leader for a division of Hexion, Inc. She has also served in other financial planning and analysis roles during her career, giving her valuable experience and insight in serving clients with their Outsourced Accounting and Advisory needs.