Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashaki Brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ashaki, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

I was a 22 year old fresh out of college and newly in my career as a Plant Accountant. The Plant Controller… my boss… was an older white-haired man who was very witty and always had a story to tell. I always found myself listening intently for the punch-line or the lesson. I was never really sure which I was going to get, but I learned invaluable lessons from him. The one I lean on the most almost 18 years later and now as a business owner is to look for ways to add value. The truth is there are plenty of accountants to choose from. What sets me apart is that I intentionally go beyond what’s included in the contracted agreement and provide the client with something that is of value and specific to that client. Something that can be implemented in their processes or information beyond the world of accounting that can aid them in their endeavor. That in-turn increases my value to them.

Ashaki, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Well… I am seasoned accountant with nearly 18 years of experience that works predominantly with small businesses. I fell in love with accounting when I took an intro accounting course in the 10th grade after a teacher recommended the class to me. That led to me attaining a bachelor’s degree in accounting at South Carolina State University and later a Master of Professional Accounting degree at the University of West Georgia. I have worked with clients in multiple industries including corporate meeting & event planning, legal, medical/health, behavioral health, e-commerce, government contracting, interior design, nonprofit and others. I really enjoy learning about new industries and determining how I can best serve my clients in that industry.

Now, can I talk about the area of my passion? I have heard over the years from business owners that they just can’t afford an accountant. Some said that they weren’t bringing in enough income or making enough sales. Others said that they couldn’t afford the “surprise” bill at the end of the month. Their previous accountant charged by the hour and they at times would get a bill larger than they expected or could afford. The problem with not having an accountant is that the owners are potentially not looking at financial reports, which means they don’t have the necessary information to make informed business decisions. Financial information is key. There is a reason why large companies review their financial reports and other financial information often and consistently. I want to help change that mindset of “cannot afford an accountant”.

I have put together monthly customizable accounting plans. Business owners can select a base plan and build on that plan according to their needs and budget. No surprise bills. The monthly cost will be the same each month until they outgrow the plan and need to upgrade. I really want to see people win. I’m passionate about getting financial information into the hands of decision makers to help with that.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

The way I keep in touch with clients is often via email and periodic check-ins. I use the periodic financial review meetings with clients as a moment to connect and to see what they have planned. That allows me to stay abreast of what’s going on to make sure we are a fit for their future. Understanding my clients’ plans gives me time to research and make recommendations to aid in their growth. My goal is to make each client feel like I am a part of the team. So I also use a messaging platform so that they can reach out with quick questions.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Sure. This is really how Higher Accounting Services Corp. started. I was about 5 years into my career. I had been promoted within that time with a choice of locations to transfer to. I’d gotten bonuses every year and pay increases multiple times. All was going well. I had placed my dream that I had since I was in undergrad of starting an accounting firm on the back burner. I had gotten comfortable in my career and honestly I was too scared to take the risk. The fear of failure was a huge obstacle for me. Then the recession hit in 2008. The company that I worked for restructured. I was among hundreds of employees who lost their job in the following year. I attempted for months to get another job, but the pickings were slim due to the recession. I was either underqualified or overqualified. My back was against the wall and out of necessity Higher Accounting Services was born in 2010. That period in my life taught me that sometimes the circumstances of life will push you into manifesting a dream.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.higheraccounting.com/
• Instagram: @ashakibrown_accountant
• Other: https://www.bookkeeperstore.com/

Image Credits
Higher Accounting Services, Corp.