Working on and setting up a proper invoicing system is a crucial part of developing business skills as an interpreter. Working in the field of freelance work requires a lot of organization. We are very lucky in this day and age that we have the technology available to us like Excel spreadsheet and Google Sheets. My invoice was created using Google Sheets, an almost carbon copy of Excel spreadsheet software. I have set up my invoicing in a manner which I can use a template version of the invoice and essentially punch in all the information I need to calculate the total amount owing whilst maintaining an organized system to keep track of the work I have invoiced for. I have outlined the requirements and terms associated with my invoice in a clear manner to minimize confusion in regards to rate of pay and amounts owing.
We were also very lucky to have had someone come in to Douglas College and talk to the class about invoicing strategies. The speaker has experience as an interpreter working in freelance and shared his wisdom with us and the techniques/formats that he finds helpful with keeping track of your invoices and finances. It is an important business skill to have professional and easy to understand invoices to avoid chasing after clients for money. Also, it is extremely beneficial to meet and have discussions with other professionals in regards to how they organize their finances. There is always something new that we can learn from someone else, even when it comes to spreadsheet formulas and templates.
Chris Chiarelli - An INTR Journey 