Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Porter.
Hi Marie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am the daughter of two immigrant parents from the beautiful island of Jamaica. I was born in Miami Dade County, where I currently reside. My parents have always instilled in me a strong work ethic and encouraged me to go after my dreams, although their dreams were hindered (delayed but not denied) while I was growing up due to their limited formal education and lack of economic resources. Fast forward, my father is a very talented carpenter and my mother is a registered nurse. I witnessed them work toward their goals while struggling to care for their three children and conquer milestones little by little.
With their encouragement, I attended the University of Miami, where I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration with a Major in Accounting and a minor in Finance. I subsequently received my Master of Accounting from Florida International University. I spent 8 years working for the State of Florida in various accounting functions, including being a sales and use tax auditor and auditing unemployment tax returns. My last position was at a popular South Florida casino, where I have held various positions including Staff Accountant, Accounting Manager, and Payroll/Accounts Payable Manager. In addition, I am also a tax preparer with over 13 years experience.
On a personal note: I’ve always felt that in some way or another that I don’t fit into the systems that jobs try to put me in. As a result, I launched my business, Lioness Accounting and Tax Services, Inc.. Corporate America tried to put a dollar value on my ability and tried to pile on unnecessary work to stretch every dollar they pay out of me. The exhaustion and discomfort pushed me into my destiny and here I am today, owning my small, but successful business and propelling its growth.
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 has definitely not been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, I struggled with client acquisition and the pricing of my services. In all honestly, I still have a slight struggle with pricing because it’s hard for me to know when to raise prices with economic fluctuations.
Fortunately, I have been aligned with good people and my gifts has made room for me, so the client acquisition has gotten easier with time. Network, network, network. Another challenge was finding the right tools to service my clients. It’s hard to anticipate some clients’ needs until you run across the issue, so I cross that bridge when I get there. Accounting is ever evolving.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Lioness Accounting & Tax Services, Inc. is an accounting firm that primarily caters to small businesses and individuals. We pride ourselves on competency, integrity and quality work. At Lioness, we are committed to helping our clients achieve complete and accurate financials that are in compliance with governing entities that our clients are required to report financial information to. Your financial success matters to Lioness Accounting & Tax Services, Inc. and it is our pleasure to empower our clients with the knowledge of not only how to maintain their records, but the delivery of accounting & tax services, that clearly depict our clients financial position.
Lioness’ service offerings include accounting, bookkeeping, income tax preparation, sales tax consulting, payroll services, notary services, business startup, and financial literacy. What I’m most proud of about my brand is that it illustrates tenacity in getting our client’s accounting done right versus what others in the industry are literally just throwing together. In all things, Lioness Accounting would like to hear well done.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me in the most minute form is a good name. Let it always be said of me that I had integrity. What I put above all though is God, family, and my framily (friends that have become family). I cherish every moment shared with them. The village is strong and I’m grateful for who God has placed in my path.
Pricing:
- Average Bookkeeping Price $250/mo
- Average Personal Tax Return $300
- Average Business Tax Return $360
Contact Info:
- Email: marie@lionessaccounting.co
- Website: www.lionessaccounting.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionessaccounting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LionessAccounting
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lioness-accounting-and-tax-services-north-miami-beach
