Today we’d like to introduce you to Sabrina James.
Hi Sabrina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am the founder of AccounTAXstic, the name of the company is an amalgamation of accounting and taxes. My goal is to ensure that every client has a FANTASTIC experience while utilizing our services. I am a CEO, senior corporate accountant with over 12 years of experience, licensed tax preparer, and an advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisor. My firm was featured in Bloomberg Tax on several occasions, and I’ve also written tax articles on their behalf.
The journey leading up to this point in my career came with many twists and turns.
My accounting and tax career began over a decade ago. My first professional job was in the property management sector. I began as a Leasing Consultant and was then promoted to Property Manager. As a Property Manager, I gained some accounting experience such as posting rent payments, creating budgets, paying invoices, etc. At that time, I realized that I would much rather work with numbers on a spreadsheet instead of resolving resident complaints and enforcing evictions.
Shortly thereafter, I transitioned my career into corporate accounting. I attended Georgia State University and graduated with honors (Magna Cum Laude) while earning my Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) degree in Accounting and Finance. As a property accountant, I’ve worked for many nationally known multi-million dollar residential/commercial real estate companies.
After working for more than a decade as a tax and accounting specialist, I joined the millions of people who lost their job at the height of the pandemic. But instead of losing motivation, I decided to look at the chaos around me as an opportunity. The pandemic reminded us that with every challenge comes the opportunity to grow into something greater. Like so many others, I was forced to adapt and reinvent myself.
In 2020, I accumulated many bookkeeping clients and prepared taxes from my home office. My business grew significantly as I continued to increase my tax knowledge and offered more valued services to my clients. In 2021, I outgrew my home office and moved into an office in Columbia, MD. I hired a team to help manage my workload as the business expanded.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have encountered a few hiccups along the way. The first challenge taught me to be very selective when accepting a new client into the firm. Furthermore, I learned which prospects are good for business or just fishing for free information and not committed to the process. Then, I noticed the benefit of switching from hourly rate pricing to value pricing.
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?
AccounTAXstic specializes in accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation and planning, new business formations, and payroll services. We are featured in Bloomberg Tax for being a value-added business partner and trusted advisor to our clients, providing cross-functional guidance and advisory services focused on organizational and individual performance. Furthermore, we ensure each client receives close analysis, accurate results and gains financial control of their business and personal finances. We have a passion for helping business owners and individuals manage their finances, increase profits, and expand their businesses.
Accountaxstic is a member of many prestigious organizations such as the Greater Washington Congressional Black Caucus, the National Society of Tax Professionals, the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, the Maryland State Board of Individual Tax Preparers, and the Women Business Enterprise National Council.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Running a business is risky and sometimes unpredictable. I’ve turned down several high-paying jobs to run my business full-time. A few months ago, I took a major risk by partnering with another company to work on government accounting projects. In the beginning of the partnership, I kept my fingers crossed and hoped they were just as committed and would keep their end of the bargain. The outcome of the partnership is still ongoing, and I’m happy with the decision I made.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.accountaxstic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/accountaxstic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accountaxstic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/accountaxstic
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/accountaxstic-columbia
Image Credits
Catrise Cannady
