Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christian Wilson-Poole. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Christian with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My mother, as a CPA and a successful entrepreneur, served as a role model for me. I had the privilege of witnessing her dedication and determination in her professional life, which has undoubtedly had a significant impact on my own work ethic.
Being a CPA and an entrepreneur requires a high level of discipline and attention to detail. I was able to learn the importance of these qualities through observing my mother’s meticulous approach to her work.
Perseverance is key for me as well. Entrepreneurship often involves facing challenges and setbacks. My mother’s ability to persevere through tough times and keep pushing forward was inspiration for your own determination and resilience in the face of adversity.
My mother’s experience taught me the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Balancing a demanding career with personal life is a skill that can greatly influence your own approach to work. This is something that I preach to my accountants every week. Protecting your sanity and not overworking yourself is the type of work environment that I encourage and have been able to implement, thanks to my mother’s leadership and willingness to allow me to make our businesses ever more innovative.
In summary, my strong work ethic, rooted in discipline, perseverance, time management, goal-setting, and work-life balance, are all attributed because of my mother, a successful CPA and entrepreneur. Her achievements and dedication have helped shape my own values and approach to work, and I am so blessed and impressed by the legacy she has passed down to me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My current position is lead accountant for Relay Accounting Management. This company was founded by family almost 20 years ago. In my position as lead accountant, my primary responsibility is to oversee and manage the accounting services provided by the firm to clients located throughout the United States. Our role involves handling a wide range of financial and accounting tasks for various clients. This includes tasks such as financial statement preparation, bookkeeping, AR/AP management, payroll management, tax planning, preparation and compliance, and other financial services, depending on the specific needs of each client.
One of the unique aspects of the firm’s extensive geographical reach. By offering outsourced accounting services nationwide, our firm provides essential financial support to businesses and organizations across the entire United States. This not only highlights the firm’s capabilities but also showcases our expertise in managing a diverse range of clients with different accounting needs. Our firm’s main objective is to build strong and long-lasting relationships with clients. Effective communication and understanding of your clients’ financial goals and challenges are crucial in providing tailored accounting solutions to meet their needs. Ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations, as well as maintaining a high degree of accuracy in financial reporting, is a key aspect of our role as the accounting firm representing these organizations. This is especially important, given the diverse range of clients and the need to navigate various state and federal tax codes.
By outsourcing accounting tasks, businesses can focus on their core competencies and strategic initiatives. This allows them to redirect resources and energy toward areas that directly contribute to their growth and success. Outsourced accounting services can easily adapt to the changing needs of a business. Whether a company is experiencing growth, downsizing, or seasonal fluctuations, an outsourced accounting firm can scale their services accordingly. Outsourcing allows businesses to tap into a wide pool of accounting talent. This is particularly advantageous when specialized skills are required for unique financial situations or industries. Our team consists of 6 Accountants that all have the capacity to manage 10 7 figure business accounts. With this team dynamic, it also allows us to team up on accounts depending on the services, size and activity that is taken in that account.
In summary, outsourced accounting is a strategic approach that offers cost efficiency, access to specialized expertise, and numerous advantages for businesses seeking to streamline their financial operations and enhance their overall financial health. It allows organizations to focus on their core functions and gain peace of mind knowing that their financial matters are in capable hands.
My side job is CEO of Young FINANCE LLC. Young FINANCE is dedicated to the crucial goal of promoting financial literacy among young people. This mission is rooted in the belief that every child, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, should have access to essential financial knowledge. My firm recognizes that financial literacy is not a privilege but a necessity. It seeks to break down barriers to entry by making financial education available to kids of all demographics, ensuring that no child is left behind.
At Young FINANCE we have developed a semester-long financial literacy curriculum that covers a wide range of topics. This curriculum is designed to be engaging, informative, and accessible to young learners, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions. Young FINANCE aspires to have a national impact by working to introduce its financial literacy curriculum in schools across the country. This ambitious initiative aims to reach children in various communities and educational settings, providing them with a consistent and high-quality financial education. By offering financial education, Young FINANCE empowers young individuals to manage their finances effectively, make informed choices, and build a strong foundation for their financial future. This not only benefits the students but also has the potential to positively impact their families and communities.
The long-term impact of your firm’s work is significant. It helps break the cycle of financial illiteracy, reducing the risk of financial hardship and debt, and creating a more financially responsible and informed generation. Young FINANCE recognizes the importance of inclusivity and tailoring its programs to meet the diverse needs of students from different backgrounds. By being adaptable and responsive to the unique challenges each demographic faces, your firm ensures that its curriculum is relevant and effective.
In summary, Young FINANCE, is dedicated to providing accessible financial education to children of all demographics. Through its comprehensive curriculum and initiatives to get this curriculum into schools nationwide, your firm is making a significant contribution to the financial well-being and future success of young individuals, families, and communities across the country.
In 2024, Young FINANCE will also be releasing a book titled Unlocking Financial Freedom: “The Power of Financial Literacy.”
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three qualities that have helped me in my life and profession so far:
Discipline: Discipline is the bridge between setting goals and achieving them. It involves setting a clear path, following it consistently, and overcoming obstacles. With discipline, you can stay focused on your objectives and work diligently to attain them. Being a CPA and an entrepreneur requires a high level of discipline and attention to detail.
Perseverance: Entrepreneurship often involves facing challenges and setbacks. My ability to persevere through tough times and keep pushing forward regardless of obstacles is what has gotten me to where I am. There have been many times where I have wanted to throw the towel in on certain projects, but if I want to get to where I want to be, that is never an option.
Time Management: Time management is essential for achieving your goals, reducing stress, optimizing resources, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It is a fundamental skill that can significantly improve your personal and professional life by allowing you to make the most of the limited time available to you. As a CPA and an entrepreneur, time management is crucial. My ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and prioritize tasks efficiently can serve as a valuable lesson in simply getting things done or not.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
An ideal client for Relay Accounting Management (RAM) is one who embodies a growth mindset and a willingness to take advice and apply it as needed. This type of client is not only more likely to benefit from our firm’s expertise but also to foster a productive and mutually beneficial long-term relationship. The combination of our firm’s financial knowledge and the client’s openness to advice can lead to improved financial performance and overall success.
A growth-minded client actively seeks opportunities for improvement. They are not content with the status quo and are eager to explore ways to enhance their financial processes and outcomes. This proactive approach is essential for a successful partnership with an accounting firm. Clients who value advice are committed to learning and growing. They are open to understanding financial concepts and best practices, which makes it easier for your firm to offer guidance and collaborate effectively.
Clients who value advice and act on it are more likely to achieve long-term success. They understand that financial management is an ongoing process, and they are committed to continuously improving their financial position. Clients who actively seek and apply advice build trust and credibility with our firm. This trust is essential for a strong and enduring client-accountant relationship.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ramfirm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theramfirm/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/35548596/admin/feed/posts/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheRAMFirm
