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Sed ut perspiciatis unde.
SubscribeWe recently connected with Helena Berube and have shared our conversation below.
Helena, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s talk about social media – do you manage your own or do you have someone or a company that handles it for you? Why did you make the choice you did?
I’ve hired help with my social media. As a CPA and financial expert, I feel like my time is best spent in the books to provide quality work that’s done on time. I know many business owners use social media to market their businesses, but for me, I’ve found the most success with client referrals.
I first started with a Social Media Manager who I found through a referral from a colleague. She posted consistently, and on time, but there was no ROI. After we parted ways, I didn’t keep up with my social media for a few months until I started working with my current Assistant. While I understand a social media presence may lend a certain level of credibility to potential clients, I don’t see it as a viable revenue generator in my business.
My advice would be to do your research but don’t overthink it. If you’re not a creative or are already wearing too many hats, learn how to delegate. It’s worth it to pay (a little extra) for quality help.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m the principal CPA and founder of Menjar Financial, LLC. I focus on providing ethically sound, quality accounting and financial services to small businesses and individuals. I believe in “accounting for your growth” as more than just a motto, but a mission. I empower my clients through simplifying business process and providing timely information to not only comply with tax reporting requirements, but to help guide sound business decisions anchored in the data. It’s truly amazing what story the numbers can tell. I offer over 20 years of accounting and finance experience, working with various media programming, sports, product, and technology organizations. I am known to my business partners and clients alike for my honesty, integrity and attention to detail. I have an innate focus on streamlining processes and seeing the angles that others may miss. I have been recognized for my commitment to operational efficiencies, client service and ability to put people at ease. One of my greatest strengths is my capacity to shift and adapt to changing environments, which is fueled by my thirst for continuous learning.
I am a native of metro-Atlanta, growing up in south DeKalb County and graduated from Georgia State University, with a BBA in Accounting and Finance, dual major. In addition to my CPA certification, I am a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor and have also received a certificate of completion from Ga Tech Scheller College of Business for Business Analytics: Leveraging the Power of Data. Aside from my professional accounting and finance experience, I’ve spent several years in program management, I’m very involved in my local community and also co-lead a mentoring program for Black professionals.
I’ve seen and done a lot, I’ve built a network that I sometimes don’t even recognize the power of, I’ve been in rooms that I would have never imagined I’d be. It hasn’t been easy – and the biggest lesson I’ve had to learn is that it’s okay to not know what tomorrow brings. You just have to keep moving forward. Spending the foundational years in a corporate environment , provided financial security but I was severely lacking in the work/life balance area. Like a bad relationship – one of my hardest but most rewarding decisions was to leave. Now I can focus on advocating for wellness for myself and others – physical, mental and FINANCIAL!
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Hands down it would be referrals. Continuing to get referrals is a testament to the quality of work I’m able to provide on a consistent basis.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I was fresh out of college I intended to pursue a career as a Financial Advisor, but soon realized I didn’t have the network or personality for it to be sustainable (I had no interest in making cold calls). A few moments stand out leading to my decision to make a pivot from finance into accounting.
I remember I went to an interview to potentially be a Financial Advisor for a major financial company. As a part of my interview I had to do a mock phone call,. I’m not pushy… so let’s just say it didn’t go well.
I also started my hair in locs before I graduated college. I didn’t know how difficult it was going to be difficult to get a job in the financial sector with locs. Luckily, I had a friend who worked as an investment banker and she told me that unless I was willing to cut my hair certain people wouldn’t let me manage their finances. I tend to not go stomping on people’s porches who don’t want me there, and I’m also not keen on changing parts of myself to fit, so in that moment I made up my mind to pivot into accounting. Everything happens for a reason, and I am glad to be here in this space making a difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.menjarfinancial.com
- Instagram: @MenjarFinancial
- Facebook: Menjar Financial LLC
- Linkedin: Helena Berube, CPA
Image Credits
9Photography – Enin Jzar – [email protected]
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