An Interview with Accountant Lisa Thompson

She's the mother of three, and  part-time secretary at her church. Both she and her husband run small businesses. I was fortunate to catch up with this busy lady! And today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Lisa Thompson, owner and operator of Simply Accounting. Join me in welcoming Lisa!

Maria: Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer a few questions, Lisa! Tell us a bit about yourself:

Lisa: I am originally from Louisville, KY, but my family and I moved to Georgia 16 years ago. We love the Cumming area and hope to be here for a very long time. My husband and I have three terrific kids and a great son-in-law. No grandkids as of yet! My husband, Parkey, has his own business, Financial Focus. He helps people learn to control their finances, so of course he is one of my clients (he does not pay well at all!).

My family loves the Lord and we are very dedicated to our church and enjoy the way the Lord has been working and has used us to minister and worship at Greater Heights Baptist Church and in our community.

Maria: I can testify to the fact that you have a wonderful family! I still remember having your oldest daughter, Kayla, in my Awana group when she was in junior high - and to think that she's married now. Time goes by quickly! How did you get started as an accountant?

Lisa: I worked for Belk Department Store in Cumming for about five years. I started on the sales floor as a part-time associate, and eventually moved into the office area as Human Resource Manager, thus starting my career as a payroll specialist and bookkeeper. In 2004, I began working for a construction company where I learned more of the skills needed to be able to start my own bookkeeping business.

Maria: It's so neat to see how the Lord equipped you for what you're doing today. What services do you offer at Simply Accounting? Are you accepting new clients?

Lisa: I focus on general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll taxes and corporate taxes. And yes, I am excited about expanding my business to accept new clients.

Maria: That's good news! I've heard humorous stories of clients bringing their receipts to their accountant in shoe boxes. Has that ever happened to you? If not, share something funny that's happened in your accounting practice.

Lisa: My very first client was a man who owned a construction company. He was very unorganized. On my first day to go to work in his office, I realized that he had not opened his mail for eight weeks! He also had not kept very good records with his income and expenses, nor reconciled his bank accounts in at least two months. It was not funny at the time, but looking back, it was a challenge that showed me if I could survive my first client, then I could survive whatever future clients challenged me with.

Maria: Wow! I'm glad you can look back and see the humor in that job experience! On a more serious note, how has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your business?

Lisa: It has definitely made an impact. My relationship with Jesus Christ has made me strive to be an even more honest, hardworking, bookkeeper.

Maria: Fantastic! How has being an accountant helped with your personal record keeping?

Lisa: It has helped me realize how important it is to be budget-minded and to keep a very close eye on the income and expenses of a household. My family pays for everything with cash. No credit cards, no mortgage payments, etc. I thank the Lord for a godly husband who helps support me and encourages me in my business and household bookkeeping.

Maria: Good for you! I'm sure paying for things with cash helps you to avoid over-spending for things. What goals do you have for your company's future? Any personal goals you'd like to share?

Lisa: I would like to eventually see my business grow, and I know the Lord has plans for my future and the future of Simply Accounting in His hands.

Maria: Thanks for sharing. What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our readers?

Lisa: It is a very important thing to teach our children to learn basic accounting skills, teach them at an early age the importance of not spending what they do not have. So many adults do not learn that lesson early enough in life and it eventually effects what they do with their finances their entire lives.

Maria: Excellent advice! Thanks so much for giving us a peek into your business, Simply Accounting, and for sharing much wise counsel with us today. God bless you as you continue running your business according to His principles, and for His glory! 

Connect with Lisa:

Website: www.simplyacct.net
Email: lisat@myfinancialfocus.net