Meet Cicely Jones: Your Personal Accountant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cicely Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cicely, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process for my business started becuase I saw there was a need for accounting assistance amongst entrepreneurs and small business owners that I came in contact with. In 2001, I left my job of 10 years to pursue another endeavor but the skills I obtained while working there were so valuable that I had to do something with them. I was a bookkeeper for an executive suite firm where I assisted with the accounting and financial needs of a vast variety of clients ranging from McDonald franchises, fitness studios, construction companies to even jewelry brokers. On that job I learned many financial aspects surronding Accounting. I loved it so much I went back to school to get my degree in in this field. After completing my degree, I knew I wanted to become a platform in the community as a wealth of financial knowledge to people who looked like me that were in need.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
MPA Financials is a thriving Accounting firm, possessing 20 years of experience in accounting, payroll, tax services, financial management and consultation. Even though based out of Birmingham, AL, with technology, we are able to service clients in over 8 states providing the most up to date accounting and tax knowledge available. Before rebranding, MPA Financials was birthed as My Personal Accountant. What sets us apart from others is just that, the name and what it stands for. The goal of MPA Financials is to provide a personal experience of connecting on a financial level to deliver sound financial advice while maintaining financial records that will assist clients in making informed business decisions. MPA Financials offers proactive strategies to help individuals succeed in life, professionally and personally. What excites me in my business is when I am able to take dreams and hobbies of my clients and transform them into legitimate businesses set up for success. Just knowing that I help create generational wealth for families through investing and savings fuels my passion. With 20 years of experience, it has definitely come with struggles. The struggles we have had has been our growing pains. Those challenges and struggles have made MPA Financials so much stronger. Challenges come to make us stronger and that is exactly what we’ve become. Our success and growth comes from overcoming any challenge that has been put before us. Along the way, we have learned that dealing with your finances and taxes are stressful. So, we proud ourselves on being hands on with clients to make sure we are knowledgeable on what the financial needs of the client are while striving to alleviate the worries and anxiety of these tasks. Accounting is more than just keeping a ledger by adding and subtracting numbers. There are a lot of moving parts to this field, but through education and experience working with a vast client base we have been able to stay relevant over the years and continue to make a difference. MPA Financials specializes in relationships with entrepreneurs and business owners providing CFO services including Accounting, Full Service Payroll Management, Notary Services, Individual and Business Tax Preparation, Business Formation and Financial Consultations. I would like to leave you all with the confidence of knowing that our skilled team of accountants and bookkeepers has adequate knowledge and experience of handling all of your financial needs. Let us help you realize your full financial potential. Professional Services: Accounting / Bookkeeping, Payroll Management, Corporate & Individual Taxes, Notary, Sales Tax Preparation, Tax Resolution, Credit Repair / Restoration, Retirement Income and Corporation Formation

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hmmm, I normally try to show my guests a good time when they come to Birmingham, so we would first start at The City Club Birmingham for Breakfast where we could enjoy a breathtaking view of the City of Birmingham from the 31st floor. But if I am not hosting a Girls Night In or having a house party on the deck, some of the spots we would visit during the week would be Carter’s Seafood, Urban Smoke, Tasty Jamaica, Bizarre Coffee Bar and One Taste (local to my community in Pleasant Grove). But if looking for night life or evening fun we would hit, Birmingham Daquiris with Granny’s Fish and Grits right outside or my favorite food truck, The W.O.E.D. Experience. For entertainment we would take a food tour with Eat.Drink.Ride Food Tours, go to Rickey Smiley Karaoke Night @ The Stardome or listen to some live music at The Perfect Note. Due to Covid, some of my favorite spots have closed but I still try to patronize small business owners around the city. Can’t wait til things are back to normal.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to recognize, my son, my siblings, supportive family and friends. I would also like to thank my clients. Thank you for your loyalty and trust to handle your financial needs. Thank you for allowing me to be Your Personal Accountant.

Website: https://mpafinancials.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpafinancials/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cicelyjjones/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpafinancials

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mpafinancials

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mpa-financials-pleasant-grove-2

Image Credits
EJ Frazier Johnny J Jones