A 91原创 accountant says her passion for people is the reason she is volunteering to run a Financial Fitness Peer Mentoring workshop for local women this fall.

BDO Canada LLP senior manager, Kelly Keyworth, is offering her time to share advice with a small group of women who want to build their financial literacy.

鈥淚 like to work with local business owners and help them in my professional life and this program gives me the opportunity to volunteer and share my knowledge and expertise.鈥�

Keyworth has worked as an accountant for more than 35 years. Running the workshop for women is a highlight of her job.

鈥淚t鈥檚 the 鈥榝un鈥� side of what I do 鈥� getting to meet the people and help them. Overall, the goal is to increase the attendees鈥� knowledge, skills and confidence in their financial literacy of their business.鈥�

The course is hosted by the Women鈥檚 Enterprise Centre, which is partnering with professional accountants to support financial literacy.

鈥淟ack of financial knowledge can be a primary cause of small business failure, yet financial management is a very teachable skill,鈥� wrote CEO of Women鈥檚 Enterprise Centre, Laurel Douglas in a release.

鈥淭hrough this program, women business owners take an in-depth look at their own financials and work together in a confidential environment with our volunteer CPAs to build their confidence and fill their knowledge gaps.鈥�

The peer mentoring groups teach women how to speak comfortably with their businesses financial team, access the financial health of the business, manage cash flows and evaluate the financial impact of business decisions.

鈥淲e try to make it concrete and relevant for the attendees. It is a safe and confidential environment,鈥� said Keyworth.

The program is open to women who actively operate a B.C. business that is generating revenue.

The course consists of six, two-hour mentoring sessions and costs $150. Once enough people have signed up, dates will be scheduled.

For more information and to register for the workshop, visit: