Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen McAllister.
Hi Jen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’ve worked in the accounting field for 25 years, obtaining my CPA license 7 years ago. Before starting my accounting firm, I was employed by a large corporation for almost 5 years in which I grew the accounting team from myself to a staff of 18, most of which I hand-picked and developed myself. My role was Director of Treasury as well as Accounting Manager of Mergers and Acquisitions.
My 3-year plan was to use the proceeds from my share of the sale of the corporation, to then start building my own accounting firm. What happened instead is that the corporation downsized, eliminating me but keeping two males who were hired after me, with the same credentials as myself. I consulted with an attorney about wrongful termination, who said I had a case but warned they were difficult to win. I made a pivotal decision that day, regarding limited time and energy and how I would choose to spend it.
I could use it fighting in a legal case and negative energy, or I could use it toward starting my own business and creating positive growth for myself, future clients, and future team members, but there would not be time for both. Within 3 days, I had my new business registered with the IRS, the state and had a working website. I started as one, and seven months later I am a team of 8 women.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Three of the women I worked with at the prior corporation, wanted to follow me to my new firm. The struggle was all about timing, and the balance between securing clients not too soon or too late in relation to when these women would need to put in their two weeks’ notice, then take a major leap of faith to join me.
In every case, I would tell a specific person “Put in your two week’s notice” and I would have no client to fill their plate. In all cases, the clients would come and everything fell into place the way it needed to. I’ve included God in this journey, and I know that is why each time I take a leap of faith, it has worked out.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The name Rise felt inspired. It is a word that has guided the creation and growth of this business Rise CPA & Accountants LLC. The three main things that drive me and the team each day are: We help our team Rise (personally and professionally), we help our clients Rise in their business, and we help other women Rise by providing support in various opportunities that arise.
What sets us apart is that we spend time with business owners, at their speed and level. We are not one-size-fits-all. We customize every accounting plan with our clients. We are patient and have a genuine interest in our client and their business. We are timely and accurate.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Many similar companies will take days to get back to their clients, yet we are quick to respond. Competitors are often “out-of-the-box” and don’t customize a plan like we do.
Competitors often just plug in the transactions and balance bank statements, but we analyze financial statements and discover corrections because good data in is good data out, and financial statements are tools to make business decisions by clients. Many put in the bare minimum, but we provide the most value.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@RiseAccountingLLC.com
- Website: RiseAccountingLLC.com
- Instagram: @riseaccounting
- Facebook: Rise CPA & Accountants LLC
