Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany McKnight.
Tiffany, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a passion for numbers. When I was in community college, I started taking the required classes and found the business course to be both interesting and practical —because business touches every part of our lives. When I took my first accounting course, I immediately connected with it. I loved how it challenged me to think critically, and I found joy in working with numbers, which came naturally to me.
I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, and I am now more than halfway through a Master of Science in Taxation. I was employed for 10 years in the corporate world, starting with general accounting and ending with specializing in foreign corporate taxes. While the work was intellectually challenging, the stress, office politics, and lack of flexibility began to wear on me. I started to feel increasingly disconnected from the reason I started this journey in the first place.
In 2021 I had my first daughter, and everything changed. I was fortunate to be given eight months of maternity leave, but when I returned to work, I was emotional every morning dropping her off. Everyone said it would get easier, but it didn’t. My priorities had shifted. My corporate job was no longer at the center of my world — my daughter was.
I knew I had to make a change. I needed something that could provide income, offer flexibility, and — most importantly — make me happy. I was unsure of my path forward, but ultimately, I made the difficult decision to resign. My boss offered me a part-time position, which I accepted temporarily, but deep down I knew I still wasn’t where I wanted to be.
Then one day, while listening to music, I heard an ad for a course on starting your own bookkeeping business. It sounded too good to be true — flexibility, financial independence, and a path that aligned with my experience. I signed up immediately. The course provided step-by-step guidance and practical tools I could build from, which made the process far less overwhelming. Still, the fear was real. I had always relied on leadership to provide expertise and guidance. Could I really do this on my own? I reassured myself that my background in bookkeeping and accounting, combined with experience in corporate taxes, had prepared me well.
I hadn’t anticipated how much work it would take to get started — from building a website and registering my business to growing my visibility online and marketing my services. Throughout this time, I balanced working part-time and caring for my baby. It took several months of hard work and persistence, but I kept progressing toward my vision. Then, one day, I got my first call from a potential client. I was nervous but overjoyed when she signed the engagement letter and became my very first client. That moment was a turning point — I realized I could truly do this. I was officially in business!
Fast forward to today, I’ve built a client base of 12 small business owners I’m proud to support. This journey has taught me so much and helped me grow, not only in my career but also on a personal level. I feel more confident during potential client calls, more rooted in my purpose, and more connected to the life I always wanted: one where I’m present for my daughter, doing work I enjoy, and building something of my own.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been a smooth road — but is it ever? That’s just part of the journey — if it were easy, everyone would do it.
Leaving the comfort of the corporate world was scary. I walked away from a steady paycheck, health insurance, and a 401(k) — all the things we are told define “security.” I confronted real fears around uncertainty and financial instability, all while adjusting to life as a new mom. Balancing part-time work, launching a business, and caring for my daughter was exhausting and overwhelming at times.
Building this business challenged me in ways I never anticipated. I had to quickly pick up skills I’d never needed before, all while navigating the uncertainty of working for myself. There were moments of self-doubt, especially when potential clients didn’t call right away or when I questioned if I was doing things “right.”
Every challenge taught me something: resilience, patience, and the importance of not giving up. Over time, I built confidence, grew a solid client base, and realized that persistence really is everything. The road was bumpy, but it made the victories even more meaningful.
As you know, we’re big fans of McKnight Bookkeeping LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m the founder of McKnight Bookkeeping LLC, a bookkeeping company that supports small business owners and entrepreneurs with everything from daily transaction coding to high-level financial reporting.
I offer a full suite of services, including:
• Bank and credit card transaction coding
• Reconciliations
• QuickBooks setup and cleanup
• Accounts payable and receivable
• 1099 filings
• Payroll processing and tax filing
• Inventory tracking
• Fixed asset management
• Sales tax accounting and filing
• Financial and management reporting
What I really enjoy is helping small business owners get their finances organized so they can better understand and grow their businesses. Many of my clients are entrepreneurs who are talented at what they do — but don’t necessarily have the time or background to manage the financial side. That’s where I come in.
What sets McKnight Bookkeeping apart is my attention to detail, fast and clear communication, and my background — I have a bachelor’s degree in accounting and more than a decade of experience in the field.
I’m most proud of the level of service I provide to my clients. Many of them have expressed how relieved they are to finally feel confident in their books and numbers. I’m also proud that my business has grown from referrals — proof that the work I do is valuable and appreciated. Whether a client is just starting to build a business or already running an established one, I aspire to be a trusted partner who brings clarity, peace of mind, and dependable support to the financial side of matters.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The most important lesson I’ve learned on this journey is that growth requires taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone. For a long time, I clung to the familiarity of a corporate career, even though it no longer fulfilled me. The fear of leaving that security kept me from moving forward.
Starting my own business wasn’t easy, but it has been absolutely worth the effort. Taking that leap of faith allowed me to create a career that aligns with my values and gives me the flexibility I need as a mom. One day, I hope to pass this business on to my children. I’m proud of what I’ve created, and I look forward to embracing whatever the next chapter brings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mcknightbookkeeping.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/McKnightBookkeeping
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcknightbookkeeping
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mcknight-bookkeeping-long-beach-4
