Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Randolph.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Angela. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My career began in Texas after I graduated from college with a degree in Accounting and Finance in New Orleans, LA. I started as a state auditor examining other agencies as well as businesses for sales and use tax. I transitioned to Big 4 Public Accounting in the Houston area traveling around the country performing audits for public companies. During this time at the firm, I obtained my Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license for the state of Texas. After a few years on the road and one too many busy seasons, I decided to move on to Corporate America working in the Oil and Gas industry in Accounting preparing financial statements for SEC filings to performing global consolidations and financial reporting for various Fortune 500 companies in the city. In the midst of my accounting career, I decided to enter a two year Executive MBA Program with a concentration in Management and Finance.
Although I’ve had progressive roles in accounting and finance in Corporate America, I really began to have thoughts of entrepreneurship upon completion of my MBA. During the two year program, I’d gone through several downsizing events and organizational restructurings. I’d moved on from Corporate America for good after the last recession or reorganization. I transitioned to Federal Government as a tax auditor examining multi-million-dollar global corporations for federal tax compliance. But it would take another seven years before I’d finally make up my mind to launch my business Stellar Ledgers.
During my tenure at the feds I constantly came in contact with business owners who needed help with their accounting and finances so finally I started my business in the summer of 2017. This new venture began as a side gig to supplement my government salary which was still an adjustment from the Corporate perks, and benefits I’d come to know for a substantial part of my career. But as I talked to more and more business owners especially those led by women, I knew this was my purpose to help alleviate the anxiety, frustration, and stress so many business owners have around managing their finances, accounting, and taxes.
I’d spent the majority of my career managing the finances for multi-million and billion-dollar fortune 500 companies advising senior executives on key strategic planning initiatives and responding to market demand, competition, internal environmental factors, etc. to lead the organization to more profits. It was time to move from leading and auditing Big Business to serving small businesses the backbone of the country’s economy. When I began my business, I decided to use my expertise in accounting, audit, tax, and finance to assist small business owners with the challenges of entrepreneurship. It’s truly a rewarding experience partnering with business owners helping them navigate strategically as their business grows and scales. Most recently with this year I began leading training workshops and classes. The impact these sessions have on business owners has been such a joy to witness. I love to transfer the knowledge I have to business owners who have a zest for business and want to do things the right way.
I saw first hand how businesses were affected when they had tax issues or their bookkeeping was not up to par from my earlier days as state auditor to the present day. I believe that education in both personal and business finances can greatly improve the lives of the community which was the driving force of the upcoming Stellar Ledgers Academy an online training and education platform that will highlight a variety of financial topics for new and emerging businesses. I’m finding even more joy and passion in educating business owners on topics such as financial statements, business funding, tax compliance, and budgeting to name a few.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey hasn’t been exactly a smooth one. I have learned a lot about myself during this process of building a business. I initially planned to run the business in the background faceless from the comfort of my introverted space. But I eventually discovered that was not a winning strategy. I needed to connect with people and share my story and offer compassion and empathy especially when it comes to people’s finances and tax issues. I had to move past my discomfort and work through being in people filled spaces so I can reach those who needed my help the most. I’d realize that it’s really not about me anyway it’s about serving people and helping them achieve their goals of financial freedom, independence, and security so they can leave a legacy for their families. I had to embrace marketing and sales conversations in a way I didn’t have to before. Sure, I knew numbers but it was the other parts of the business I had to quickly get up to speed with or end up with an expensive hobby.
I also had to quiet the noise of those questioning why I chose entrepreneurship and reminding me of how hard it is. Many wondered why I wasn’t simply satisfied with this “good government job”. Needless to say, I had to change my circle and network with those who shared similar dreams that I had. I want for my clients what I want for myself financial freedom so I can live the life I desire. In my mind, I acknowledge the risks but I also know without taking reasonable risks there would be zero chance of the rewards. I’ve already reaped the rewards of having a purposeful life and these are not all financial. In addition to the naysayers, I had to also silence the negative talk in my own head when things didn’t exactly kick off as fast as I would have liked. But I sought the advice and counsel of successful entrepreneurs investing in myself and business and the ROI has surpassed my expectations.
Stellar Ledgers – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Stellar Ledgers is a boutique firm that partners with clients as their business grows offering a transformative experience providing financial tools, strategies, and solutions so clients can focus on core operations in achieving their business goals. We leverage our expertise in business to help our clients identify areas of improvement, increase profits, and reduce costs.
We bring a wealth of accounting, auditing, finance, and tax compliance experience to the market in service to small businesses. Our core offering includes Outsourced CFO and Controller Services, bookkeeping, financial consulting, coaching, and education for small businesses. Although the Firm is based in the Greater Houston, Texas area we serve businesses nationwide through cloud accounting software and apps.
My focus as a CPA is on managing the finances of the business and all things that impact cash flow, revenue, profit as well as mitigating risks associated with operations. My financial coaching program is designed for individuals who want to take control of their personal and business finances. Known as ‘Angela the CFO’ I’m also a financial educator and consultant to businesses. I believe you have to know the financial health and condition of your business before you can do anything else from filing your taxes to planning for growth and scalability.
Partnership with Stellar Ledgers means a joint vested interest in the success of the business which improves the overall community. The client has access to expert knowledge of every financial aspect of the business: accounting, finance, tax compliance, and audit.
There is a delicate balance between growing the business and the time and resources needed to maintain a home, raise kids, and being an attentive spouse. Familial relationships are a priority to our clients which is why it’s so important to leave a financial legacy for them through entrepreneurship. Juggling kids, husband, wife, and the demands of entrepreneurship while maintaining friendships and business relationships includes a very busy lifestyle with very limited free time. Our clients have peace of mind knowing the finances of their business are in expert hands and we care about the success of the whole person in life, mind, body, spirit, and business.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m planning to launch my first online course this year with more to come on business topics educating entrepreneurs under the Stellar Ledgers Academy umbrella. I also plan to do more workshops, webinars, and training reaching as many businesses as I can sharing what I know about accounting, finances, and tax compliance. I’m excited about the future as my business grows and scales and then I’m off to start another venture fulfilling my serial entrepreneur dreams.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1220 Blalock Rd. Ste 300
Houston, Texas 77055 - Website: https://stellarledgers.com
- Phone: 2818298059
- Email: info@stellarledgers.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellarledgers_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellarledgers/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/StellarLedgers
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelathecfo/
Image Credit:
Creative Sparks Image
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