Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Greene
Hi Marie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been driven by a passion for organizing and problem-solving, which led me to a career in accounting. After earning my degree and CPA certification, I honed my skills at several notable firms, accumulating valuable industry experience. My entrepreneurial spirit and love for innovation spurred me to launch Connected Accounting in 2019, a pioneering cloud-based firm designed to support the growth of small and mid-sized businesses. Today, we’re celebrated for our personalized, tech-savvy approach to financial management, enabling business owners to streamline their operations and make data-driven decisions. Numerous challenges have marked my journey, but I take immense pride in the reputation we’ve built and the significant positive impact we’ve had on our clients’ success.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Hiring has certainly been one of the most significant challenges we’ve faced. Finding the right candidates who align with our vision and company culture requires a substantial time investment, and balancing this with the daily demands of running the business is no easy feat. Over time, we turned to various tools and resources to streamline our hiring process, with Hiring for Attitude by Mark Murphy proving particularly invaluable. The book offered actionable insights on gauging candidates’ compatibility with our company ethos and provided strategies for asking revealing interview questions beyond standard competency metrics. One of the key takeaways was the importance of prioritizing attitude over technical skills, which aligns perfectly with our belief in nurturing a positive workplace culture. Another crucial lesson was the implementation of behavioral interviewing techniques, which helped us predict future job performance. Using these strategies, we’ve been able to refine our screening process significantly.
Crafting the right screening questions is crucial to efficient and effective hiring, yet it’s a task that demands constant refinement. Despite our best efforts, there have been instances where we’ve hired individuals who weren’t the right fit. These situations are profoundly difficult, not only because they affect team morale but also due to the mental strain associated with terminating employment. Every failure, however, has provided valuable lessons, helping us to refine our hiring process and improve our team dynamics. The journey is complex, but each challenge strengthens our resolve and commitment to building a resilient and capable workforce.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Connected Accounting is dedicated to empowering small and mid-sized businesses to succeed by leveraging precise financial data to inform their decisions. We specialize in offering innovative, time-saving solutions that not only optimize operations but also provide peace of mind. Our mission extends beyond traditional accounting—we aim to transform the business world through collaboration and unwavering reliability.
At Connected Accounting, reliability forms the cornerstone of our services and client relationships—it’s one of our core values, embodied in every interaction and deliverable. We take immense pride in our reputation for consistency and dependability, ensuring that our clients receive timely and accurate financial insights crucial for their growth. Clients regularly praise us for our prompt communication, forward-thinking strategies, and robust financial guidance, all founded on an unshakable commitment to reliability.
To uphold this dedication, we’ve implemented an email ticketing system guaranteeing response times within 24-48 hours and utilizing advanced project management software to meticulously track every client service task. Furthermore, each client is supported by a dedicated team of three, ensuring seamless service continuity in the event of illness, vacation, or emergencies. We recognize that life is unpredictable and strive to be a constant, dependable partner for our clients, ready to address any challenge that arises.
For our readers, we want you to know that we are more than just accountants; we are your reliable partners in your business journey. Our services include everything from day-to-day bookkeeping and payroll management to comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. We invite you to experience the difference of working with a firm that truly understands and responds to your unique financial needs. For more information, visit our website at connectedaccounting.co, where you can explore our blog for insightful articles and updates.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 crisis taught us the vital importance of adaptability and flexibility in both business and personal realms. As the pandemic reshaped how we work and interact, quick and effective adaptation became essential. At Connected Accounting, we supported clients in transitioning to remote operations, using technology to automate processes like payment collections, mail processing, and on-the-go bill payments.
The introduction of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans posed new challenges for accountants. Our team rapidly mastered these financial instruments to provide timely and accurate guidance to our clients. This involved navigating complex applications, ensuring compliance with evolving guidelines, and advising on optimal fund utilization, often requiring long hours of dedicated work. Our focus was securing financial stability for our clients, helping them retain employees, and managing costs during the crisis. This reinforced our commitment as indispensable advisors in times of need.
Moreover, our increased flexibility improved our responsiveness to clients’ changing needs, from virtual consultations to crisis management strategies. This experience emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability, ensuring we are better prepared for future challenges.
Pricing:
- Starts at $700 per month
Contact Info:
- Website: https://connectedaccounting.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectedaccounting
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectedaccounting.co/
- Twitter: https://x.com/connectedacct
