Today we’d like to introduce you to Brittany Thomas.
Hi Brittany, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
My story began far back in high school. I had taken my first accounting class at Southwind High School. It was my junior year and I was hyper-focused on what I would major in for college and what I wanted my career to resemble. I remember learning that there were two key factors in choosing a career. One being substantial income and the other being job security.
So, what did I do? I googled, “jobs with high income and job security.” I remember focusing on doctors, lawyers, and accountants. The obvious answer for me was of course an accountant. I went off to college where I received my bachelor’s degree and then started my career off with entry-level positions and worked my way up to a Senior Accountant. Throughout my years of experience, I worked alongside major corporations as well as small family-oriented businesses.
My career was growing and I noticed family members, friends, and childhood peers started to form and grow businesses as well. There were major differences in the foundation, and functionality of the business I worked for and the business I witnessed my community build and grow. The financial knowledge and accessibility seem to be crimpling the potential of business in the black community. I witnessed a major gap in knowledge and resources.
That is when I decided to become that resource. While I have not reached the altitude of what is required to fully bridge the gap, I’ve learned that is my purpose and I work towards it every day.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey from entry-level accountant to small business owner was not without its trials. I’ve had expecting growing pains of fostering a family and balancing the financial burden of trying to grow a small business. How I survived was learning to advocate for myself in all spaces as a small business owner. It was important to remain flexible.
This is something that I reiterate to my clients as well. I’ve had to work full-time jobs while running my business amid my busiest seasons. It’s about trusting the process of growing into your dreams and your purpose.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an accounting professional with years of experience, I have started a small accounting firm that specializes in bookkeeping, tax filing, and individual financial consulting. The firm focuses on small businesses in the start-up and growth phases within the beauty, real estate, and retail industries. We also service financially motivated individuals looking to optimize financial opportunities.
This focus allows business to start with a sturdy foundation and a greater chance of reaching maturity and success. We hope to stand out by providing a lasting relationship from the start and becoming a team rather than client to accountant relationship. Our success is dependent upon their success.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was talkative and a bit of a comedian in the comfort of my close friends and family.
However, from the outside, I was pretty shy and reserved. I found myself always wanting to say things and only reached the courage right when the opportunity missed me. As I grew older my two personalities merged into a shy but surprisingly witty individual.
Contact Info:
- Website: Jones-NealAccounting.com
- Instagram: @jones_nealaccounting
