Kevin Shinn is making managing finances simpler and faster for Canadian small and medium-sized business owners with vBookkeep. The Markham-based company combines human financial expertise with artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools and insights to help streamline expense tracking and tax preparation.
Shinn has experienced these challenges firsthand. ‘Before founding vBookkeep, he spent over eight years working in Canadian banks and managed a 500-person company in his hometown where accounting played a crucial role in daily decision-making. Those experiences taught him that proper accounting is the backbone of a successful business.
“I had been dealing accounting and bookkeeping for years, and it was really painful, so at that time. The day-to-day challenges inspired me to look at how I could improve bookkeeping and accounting technologies, especially with the innovations happening with AI,” Shinn says.
While almost every industry is being revolutionized by AI, vBookkep sets itself apart by delivering exceptional service through a one-stop-shop model. Beyond expense tracking and tax preparation, vBookkeep’s CPA associates offer comprehensive services, including CRA filing support and ongoing bookkeeping maintenance—all delivered seamlessly through their integrated human and AI model.
Almost every industry is being revolutionized by AI, but vBookkeep is taking a unique approach. The company is a bookkeeping service that uses an in-house developed technology platform. Customers get the best of both worlds—financial expertise and AI speed.
"Our clients get the best of both worlds with expert financial guidance and the speed and accuracy of AI," Shinn says.
Tasks that typically take a bookkeeper days are now completed in minutes.
“For example, manually inputting bank and credit card statements into an accounting system can be extremely tedious. With our platform, clients simply upload their statements, and our technology quickly generates everything needed to reconcile the company's books."
Shinn is also the CEO of Datamond Systems Inc., which develops the technology used by vBookkeep.
vBookkeep’s clients include self-employed individuals and small and medium-sized businesses. He says the company can serve both small and medium-sized businesses with top-tier service and competitive pricing. Shinn says their technology has also caught the attention of fellow accountants and accounting firms.
“We have accounting firms that use our software to improve service for their clients. With AI, it’s opening up exciting so many new opportunities for businesses,” Shinn says.
As part of Canada’s largest tech ecosystem, Markham has been the perfect place to build and grow vBookkeep.
“Markham is the ideal location for us. We’re in 3600 Steeles Ave, the former IBM building, surrounded by tech companies. We’re also part of ventureLAB, which has provided us with mentorship and support,” he says.
Shinn has also received assistance from the Markham Small Business team. The company was selected to be in the 2024 Markham’s Starter Company Plus program cohort, which provides training, education, and advisory services. It also awarded vBookkeep a $5,000 grant that Shinn says came at a critical time for the business.
“Being recognized by Markham SBC for this program was amazing. It shows us how technology innovation and community support go hand-in-hand,” Shinn says. “We feel this is the startup home for all entrepreneurs.”
Learn more here: www.vbookkeep.com
