Meet Helena Berube: CPA and Wellness Advocate

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

Hi Helena, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always wanted to make a difference. I never believed that difference would be made working for a major corporation. I have learned over the years that I will make the greatest impact, when I align my passions, my gifts and what is needed in the world around me. For me it’s more than just providing a great service or doing a good job, I want to make a real impact in my community. That takes a lot of hard work… and having balance is also very important to me. Starting my own business is still a lot of hard work, but it comes with flexibility to balance my life in a way that won’t drive me nuts!

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m the principal CPA and founder of Menjar Financial, LLC. I focus on providing ethically sound, quality accounting and financial services to small businesses and individuals. I believe in “accounting for your growth” as more than just a motto, but a mission. I empower my clients through simplifying business process and providing timely information to not only comply with tax reporting requirements, but to help guide sound business decisions anchored in the data. It’s truly amazing what story the numbers can tell. I offer over 15 years of accounting and finance experience, working with various media programming, sports, product, and technology organizations. I am known to my business partners and clients alike for my honesty, integrity and attention to detail. I have an innate focus on streamlining processes and seeing the angles that others may miss. I have been recognized for my commitment to operational efficiencies, client service and ability to put people at ease. One of my greatest strengths is my capacity to shift and adapt to changing environments, which is fueled by my thirst for continuous learning.

I am a native of metro-Atlanta, growing up in unincorporated (south) DeKalb County and graduated from Georgia State University, with a BBA in Accounting and Finance, dual major. In addition to my CPA certification, I am a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor and have also receive a certificate of completion from Ga Tech Scheller College of Business for Business Analytics: Leveraging the Power of Data. Aside from my professional accounting and finance experience, I’ve spent several years in program management, I’m very involved in my local community and also co-lead a mentoring program for Black professionals.
I’ve seen and done a lot, I’ve built a network that I sometimes don’t even recognize the power of, I’ve been in rooms that I would have never imagined I’d be. It hasn’t been easy – and the biggest lesson I’ve had to learn is that it’s okay to not know what tomorrow brings. You just have to keep moving forward. Spending the foundational years in a corporate environment, provided financial security but I was severely lacking in the work/life balance area. Like a bad relationship – one of my hardest but most rewarding decisions was to leave. Now I can focus on advocating for wellness for myself and others – physical, mental and FINANCIAL!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love good food, music and company. I don’t hang out around town as much these days, so I’d likely have to scour the internet for the best places, but there are a few places that would definitely make the list. The Flying Biscuit in Candler Park, a stroll though the shops in Little 5, the Beltline, Highland Bakery, the Clairmont Lounge, and some places for live music and/or spoken word. Atlanta’s music/art scene never disappoints.

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 have to shout out my entire village! I am thankful my parents for instilling in me a heart for community involvement. I’m thankful for a group of close girlfriends that have provided support, love and encouragement through it all. I am thankful for the many mentors that I’ve adopted along the way(whether they know it or not), who have encouraged, inspired and helped to develop my business acumen. Ubuntu!

Website: www.menjarfinancial.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/menjarfinancial

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

Image Credits
9 Photography