1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I am JaJuan L. Williams, CPA, MBA. I am a focused, driven and passionate accounting professional who holds scholarship and entrepreneurship as the two key attributions to who I am. My focus areas are Audit, Internal controls, forensic and management accounting. I love sharing my experience with other women accountants through mentoring and encouraging them through their educational and professional journey’s. I have a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice Administration. I am a licensed CPA, I have a Masters Degree in Business with an Emphasis in Accounting. I am in ABD status for my Doctorate in Business Administration.
2. What made you go into accounting?
As you can see accounting was not my focus in undergrad, I wanted to be a lawyer. But as I was studying for the LSAT I was working for a landscape company processing payroll, which led to A/P , and A/R and piqued my interest. That prompted me to go back to school for my Masters in Business with a focus in accounting. I liked making the numbers make sense, interpreting the numbers and presenting my clients with pertinent information to achieve their business financial goals.
3. What are some of your greatest challenges and accomplishments?
My greatest challenge which turned into my biggest accomplishment was leaving my corporate position in 2009 to work full time in growing my firm. What was a very scary moment of not knowing what the overall success would be had turned into my bossiest accomplishment as my firm has now been established for over 11 years. My next greatest accomplishment was passing the CPA exam, I didn’t take the traditional route I had already been running my firm for over 9 years, fully staffed, married, 4 kids, and decided to start studying for the CPA exam. It was a great sacrifice but worth every moment of the sacrifice.
4. What are your hobbies or current side projects that you have going on?
My time is limited. I love reading and I am a Florida girl at heart so I love the beach. However, my Non-Profit Organization is my baby. My Non-Profit, The Lady CPA Network, is a non-profit organization aiding in the advancement of African American women in the accounting and finance profession. Our goal is to provide a network and platform for African American women in accounting and finance as a support system and collaborative body of professionals. To offer scholarships, mentorship, internships, entrepreneurial assistance, guidance and opportunities for women who aspire to be in the profession, as well as educational support and continuing education. To increase the visibility of African American women at the executive and partner level within the accounting and finance profession.
5. What is the best way for people to connect with you?
