Starting an Accounting Firm
Interview with In The Black Accounting Services Founder Joy P. Black
Joy P. Black opened In The Black Accounting Services after leaving the IRS in 2000.
Joy Black knew exactly what she was getting into when she founded In The Black Accounting Services.
Tell me about your current business. What are you doing exactly?
In The Black Accounting Services is a CPA Firm providing bookkeeping, payroll and accounting services to small businesses; federal, state, local tax return preparation and representation for individuals and small businesses
What were you doing before this, and is this your first business?
IRS Criminal Investigator (Federal Law Enforcement NOT civil IRS employee)
Who are your main competitors? How do you compete against them?
Larger CPA firms and tax prep franchisees are my main competitors. I compete by providing more dependable services (can speak to a human being when you have a question) at a lot more affordable prices
How has your experience in running the business been different from what you expected?
None - having conducted financial investigations for almost 10 years, I already had an accurate idea of the time commitment and daily operations.
What have you done that has been very effective in helping to grow the business?
Excellent Customer Service
What advice would you give to somebody else who wanted to start a similar business?
Make sure you have the people skills to work for you self in addition to the professional skills required to adequately provide the services you are offering.
Thank you for your time, Joy. That is great advice for future CPA entrepreneurs!
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