BIOGRAPHY
Nobody recommends a bad movie, a bad restaurant, or a bad accountant.
But after more than 15 years in Accounting, over 90 percent of my new
clients are referrals. People are recommending me, so I guess that means
I’m doing something right.
I have diverse analytical skills, proven business sense and an innate
ability to maximize an organization’s performance. I’m a skilled facilitator
and financial consultant, and a multifaceted resource for small businesses,
entrepreneurs, and women in the workplace. But my clients really appreciate
that I can explain the books in PLAIN ENGLISH! That plays an integral part
in the operational success of my clients’ organizations.
BY THE BOOK
Many people think I’m strange because I like Accounting so much. I’ve always
loved numbers and have always been very analytical. Growing up, I always
struggled with the subjective subjects. One thing I like about Accounting is
there’s only one answer! Although I have a creative flair, in my industry
creativity can send you to jail. I am an honors graduate of Cheyney
University of Pennsylvania, earning a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
In addition to completing my MBA at the Keller Graduate School of
Management, I’m a certified QuickBooks training specialist. I am also
an adjunct Accounting professor at Chattahoochee Technical College.
Prior to launching By The Book Accounting, I worked for public and private organizations to increase profitability
and financial accuracy. I’ve supervised large and small accounting departments and have extensive experience in
managing payables and receivables, cost accounting, corporate and individual tax preparation, and fiscal
management strategies. One of my most notable accomplishments includes spearheading the restructuring of
a county government’s accounts payable department that resulted in the diversion of a potential $8.5 million dollar
loss.
NUMBERS WITH STYLE
I brand my accounting practice – and myself as a speaker – as being different. Not only am I a good accountant, but
I’m a good accountant with a personality and sense of humor. My colleagues tend to be so stiff and rigid that when I
tell a joke, they don’t get it. Don’t get me wrong, I have square tendencies and my analytical side shines when it
comes to business, but I have what I call “rounded edges.”
I love building relationships with my clients so I can get to know them as individuals and as business owners. By
making sure my clients are more than just a folder or a tax return, I can advise them year-round on business and
accounting practices that can improve their bottom line and their tax returns.
ON STAGE
Next to accounting, I love speaking and holding workshops. Part of that ‘personality’ is that I’m a ham and always
have been. When I get the attention of an audience, I am in business. Speaking engagements and workshops are my
opportunity to distinguish myself from all the other accountants in the phone book. It also addresses a third
passion, which is teaching. When I see that “AHA” on a person’s face, it’s golden for me. When I held my first
workshop in 2003, there were three people in attendance and two of them were relatives. But that one other
person is still my client today.