We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Darlene Wilson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Darlene below.
Darlene, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear your thoughts about making remote work effective.
At RAM, we began incorporating a remote-work environment in about 2017. I could see the trends for acquiring and retaining talent begin shifting. It was also a strategic move to have employees in other cities and states that would be a voice for the services in our firm. We have been able to cast our net wider. Some of our clients desire the physical presence of a team member near their office and this option confirms that increased security in our services. Working remote forced our leadership team to refine our processes and procedures so reporting is consistent and repeatable. Good working and cohesive technology have been another key factor to the success of our team working remotely. It’s definitely an upfront investment and a moving target until all the pieces come together. We are fortunate to work with some strategic partners and consultants that put together a roadmap for our firm that allowed us to work securely and well together in our remote offices.
As of 2020, we are a 100% remote-work company. We still maintain our main office so our team has the flexibility to work hybrid. It’s still the center of RAM and it allows us to gather and convene our team, community and strategic partners. We work well together in our remote offices. Our company culture is even stronger now and we have been intentional about meeting and working in teams to ensure support and collaboration is available frequently. We stayed committed to our mission and vision throughout the pandemic which enhanced our communication. Flexibility was necessary for my team, and it was a little easier for us to adjust given the nature of the accounting management services we provide.
I have found that my team is less stressed given the option to work remotely. It’s also about their quality of life. One thing we can’t get more of is time. As the founder, I have noticed that we have more capacity working remotely and still able to stay within the proposed work hours for each team member. We have regular team meetings, and we started a team building book club that focuses on remote work, self-care, and leadership while remote.
We have incorporated 2 half day virtual team seminars that focus on company updates, client updates, team building workshops and self-care. Our team also gathers once a year in a location to be determined for a 3-day team summit. This is well received by the team and much needed to ensure our work aligns with the culture, mission, vision and values at Relay Accounting Management. Remote work works well for us!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
THE RAM PHILOSOPHIES To deliver the highest value and world class quality services that our clients deserve. We observe the following practice philosophies:
Business-Oriented Approach
RAM uses a business-oriented approach with an emphasis on early planning and understanding your business. This enables us to identify key areas and tailor our response to the unique aspects, size, and nature of your business and to offer value-added constructive comments and recommendations.
Professional Competence
RAM always strive for continuous improvement of our skills and capabilities through investing heavily in training and technology for our staff.
Independence and Integrity
RAM is committed to giving our clients what they rightly deserve, yet still recognize that our associates are uniquely qualified to give constructive advice to our clients regarding its business.
ABOUT OUR FIRM
With over 40 years of professional service in the field of accounting, finance, management, and compliance, we certainly take great pride in letting our clients know who we are and the industry capabilities we can deliver.
Relay Accounting Management (RAM) specializes in relationships with Not For Profit organizations, entrepreneurs and businesses seeking growth and development strategies by providing virtual CFO service, forensic accounting, business consulting, and accounting management services which include financial forecast and projections, budget preparation, bookkeeping, payroll management, tax preparation and payment services. We can also train and develop your internal staff on the use of accounting software for bookkeeping, payroll processing and tax payment requirements. We are Accountants Turning Our Clients Vision Into Value!
In our accounting firm, we provide the highest level of accounting management and bookkeeping expertise and access to the latest technologies. We believe even routine accounting and bookkeeping functions deserve customized treatment. We are not a transactional firm. We are accountants that assist our clients with their growth strategy, designing policies, processes and procedures and that align with the business or organization. Internal control and compliance measures are key components as well to our client success. Our aim is to reduce the burden of critical non-core functions by managing them virtually in a more efficient, productive and profitable manner.
We understand that choosing to outsource is a critical business decision and usually the difference of your organization disengaging to realize the next level in business through financial projections and forecast that empowers management to work more on their processes and the operation of the business. Be assured that our skilled team of accountants and bookkeepers have sufficient exposure and experience in handling the outsourced CFO and accounting management assignments.
Our success and growth are the direct result of working with clients who value our professional advice. At RAM, the team member’s professional growth and development are a primary core value. The RAM Team, the trusted business advisor to the middle market, is committed to innovative and creative solutions, rewarding relationships, and the professional and personal evolution of our team members and clients alike.
Our Founder and Managing Principal, Darlene Wilson is a distinct representative of how Birmingham businesses operate given effective and efficient leadership of their organization. With more than twenty-eight years in the corporate banking and public accounting, more than fifteen of those years as an entrepreneur in our city qualifies her as a leading entrepreneur in Metro Birmingham and many other regions and states.
As the Managing Principal of the firm, she has learned the meaning of corporate culture and collaboration and understands why this is important for our team and clients. She is the example of a true leader knowing how to empower all those she encounters on her journey.
No business location is outside the scope of our ability to service your account virtually. With proven leading technology and options to transmit proprietary information safe for all, makes you and your company only a phone call and click away from our team. Allow our team to keep you fiscally fit!
Our Founder and Managing Principal, Darlene L. Wilson
Darlene Wilson is a distinct representative of how Birmingham businesses operate given effective and efficient leadership of their organization. With more than twenty-eight years in the corporate banking and public accounting industry, more than sixteen of those years as an entrepreneur in our city qualifies her as a leading entrepreneur in Metro Birmingham and other regions and states.
She is the Founder and Managing Principal of Relay Accounting Management and Director of Classic Business Connect. Both companies focus on filling gaps, getting connected, knowing your numbers and applying metrics in ways that achieve growth and build capacity. Relay Accounting Management (RAM Firm) provides remote CFO services, forensic accounting, business consulting, and accounting management services to include bookkeeping, payroll management, tax payment and tax preparation services. Classic Business Connect (CBC) provides spaces where key players connect to explore contract options through partnerships and JV opportunities that align with corporate, federal and government contracts. Their clients can increase revenue and continue to build capacity via educational, joint venture, capital access and mentor protégé opportunities. They are a group of consultants whose purpose is principally to help members exchange business referrals, create joint ventures and teaming agreements to service the business opportunities they CONNECT for them.
Darlene received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Montevallo. She is honored for being selected in July 2022 and 2021 as Birmingham Top 60 that features the top 60 influencers across a broad range of industries and Darlene was recognized in June 2022 and 2021 for Who’s Who in Accounting. In 2019 she was included in the Top 100 National Influential Execs in Finance. Her accounting firm was also nominated for ICIC’s 2019 Inner City 100 Award. The Inner City 100 is a national ranking of America’s fastest-growing urban businesses in inner cities. Darlene is a member of the Class of 2022 – Leadership Birmingham. She completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program at Babson College in the Fall of 2018 and Emerging Leaders through the U.S. Small Business Administration in 2017.
Darlene was appointed by Mayor Randall Woodfin to Birmingham Airport Authority Board of Directors in 2018 and she served as Treasurer and the Chair of the Audit and Finance Committee through September 2021 and is currently the Board Chair of the Birmingham Airport Authority. Darlene is a member of the inaugural Board of Directors for National Black Empowerment Council formed in 2021 and she serves on their executive committee as Treasurer. In February 2021, she was appointed to the National Black Bank Fund where she serves as Treasurer. Darlene was also selected to serve as Treasurer on Legacy Prep Charter School Board in 2021 where she has been a school board member since 2020. And for Kiwanis Club of Birmingham, she was selected to the Board of Directors in 2020 and now serves as Secretary 2021-2022. Darlene serves on Regions Bank Advisory Board for the Birmingham market and is also a member of the Small Business Council for the City of Birmingham for a second term and led the City Services Committee during her first term. She is past Board Chair of REV Birmingham which is an economic development organization and a member of Foundation Capital where she serves on the Loan Review Committee. She continues to lend her talents to other organizations in focus group opportunities with Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham, Prosper Birmingham, and Congressional Black Caucus to name a few. You can also find Darlene in the “classroom” where she enjoys facilitating workshops, teaching course topics relating to entrepreneurship and accounting for businesses.
Darlene was recognized as BBJ’s Women to Watch 2017 and 2015 CEO Finalist of the year in the Small Business Category presented by Birmingham Business Journal. She’s served as mentor for several years for Biz Women Mentoring Monday. Darlene gives back to the community of entrepreneurs by facilitating workshops, panel discussions, podcasts, and focus groups. She connects business owners with opportunities and enjoys educating owners about the importance of the business behind the business.
Darlene is the mother of one son, Christian who is a Spring 2021 graduate from MSU in Denver, CO with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and works as a Lead Accountant at RAM Firm. As Darlene says it best, this is by far her most challenging job yet her greatest accomplishment in life. Family brings her the most joy! She is a native of Lake Charles, LA and has been in Birmingham, AL for more than thirty years and both are home to her. She enjoys cooking, wine tasting with a great cigar in hand, traveling the world, flower/vegetable gardening and reading. She simply loves life!
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
At RAM Firm, managing and maintaining high morale is one of the top three priorities for our leadership team. Given the depth of talent, academic acumen and experience, our team needs an environment that respects them and ensures they know they are our greatest resource. I manage my team as professionals. They are responsible for their performance, and we are responsible to each other to ensure the success of the work of each team member. We lean in and support, fill gaps and assist when needed. We are a team that does not point fingers. We are solution driven and together we succeed. Our management style leans towards a flat organizational structure. It’s more suitable for the level of professionals that make up our RAM Team. Although we are formal in our structure and policies, we know we are managing adults and they are responsible for their work performance that enhances our firm and elevates their talent.
Managing is also about training, continuing education, self-care and community engagement. Great morale boosters and leadership enhancements are team projects and community works. Our leadership team works to ensure our team is engaged and remains engaged. We work together to choose our community engagement and giving opportunities. Respect is a RAM CORE Value. We exercise this CORE Value at all times. Respect is not optional.
We encourage our team to work together and manage their challenges without involving management. However, we create safe spaces to communicate with leadership and guarantee we hear all sides to guide our team to a resolution that is suiting for all. In our diverse work environment, it goes without saying we had to create company language that addresses diversity, equity and inclusion. No politics, gender, racial or religious conversations are permitted at any time.
Our weekly team meetings highlight team performance by management and team members. We highlight both professional and personal wins in our firm. The whole person matters to us. We promote and encourage self-care. We did away with sick/personal/vacation days. Our motto is for our team to use their time off as needed. No restrictions! Our leadership team focuses heavily on the health of our team and their needs, and this ensure we make adjustments as necessary to meet their needs regularly.
Managing evolves and we are willing to grow with the team to ensure high morale remains as a top priority at RAM!
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
I have built some strong relationships over the years in business. Accounting management services are primarily secured by referrals and recommendations. I forge these relationships through community support, board appointments and professional organizations. I have mentors, sponsors, coaches and an advisory board. The dream team that surrounds me fills my gaps and guide me based on my strategic growth plan. I ask them to help me make connections.
Always follow up and follow through. Be prepared to connect and make intentional efforts to communicate with potential clients or other connectors. Where you give is not always where you receive. Learn the art of “planting seeds” that you will harvest over a period of time. This is critical to your growth strategy. It keeps you in the mindset of what it will take to manage this new client once it’s time to harvest. This is the “get ready” time as well for your business. Making strong connections is all about learning about those you come in contact with. Don’t be so quick to make it all about you. I do recommend navigating spaces that you know your clients frequent. Over the years, I’ve learned to ask to meet specific people, to speak on certain panels and access certain events. Use your time wisely to meet those that matter the most for the business you operate. Use your current customers/clients and ask them for business. Let them know your needs. Your customers/clients are one of best resources for new business as well. They want to represent for you but sometimes they don’t know what you need.
Always be prepared to introduce yourself, talk business and have a follow-up plan.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.RAMFirm.com
- Instagram: theramfirm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRAMFirm
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/theramfirm/
- Twitter: @RAMTaxTalk
Image Credits
Martez Nalls, Bold as a Lion Studios