Sonia, President & CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc.: Advize Career Interview
A high school filing job sparked a lifelong passion for accounting, leading to a remarkable career journey.
This individual's path, marked by persistent dedication and "nonstop learning," progressed from entry-level positions and community college to the presidency of Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc., a family-friendly business built on mentorship and client growth.
The workday is demanding, extending beyond traditional hours, yet fueled by a commitment to client responsiveness and empowering both staff and clients to reach their full potential.
Time management and detail-orientation are key skills, but the ability to offer insightful business strategies and overcome client resistance are critical differentiators.
Witnessing client and staff success is the most rewarding aspect, highlighting the impactful nature of the work and the universality of finance.
Passion, strong time management, and a focus on purpose over profession are emphasized as crucial for success, overcoming even the fear that once delayed career goals.
Entry-level bookkeeping positions are presented as excellent starting points, offering valuable experience and a pathway to a fulfilling career in accounting.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Sonia Perez
President & CEO
Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc.
California Lutheran University, 2006
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Accounting
Professional Services
Finance
Immigrant
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Career Path of a President and CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions
Sonia's career journey, beginning with a high school filing job, demonstrates a persistent passion for accounting despite unforeseen life events; this passion propelled their path from entry-level positions and community college to a successful, family-friendly business, Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc., built on the philosophy of "nonstop learning" and accommodating working mothers, a far cry from initial dreams but equally fulfilling.
Main Responsibilities of a President and CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc.
As President & CEO of Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc., Sonia's main responsibilities include client onboarding, "evaluating where they're at in their business" and identifying appropriate bookkeepers, while also performing some bookkeeping and accounting support, including staff training. Sonia's commitment to "growing clients and growing staff," reflecting a mentorship philosophy shaped by their own career journey, is a key aspect of their leadership.
A Day In The Life Of A President And CEO At Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc.
Sonia's workday, as President & CEO, is far from a traditional "eight to five," extending to "24 hours a day, seven days a week," driven by a dedication to client responsiveness and a collaborative office environment where immediate issue resolution is prioritized. The morning routine involves a team gathering, email checks, and a flexible approach to client support, reflecting a commitment to both work and family life.
Most Important Skills for a President and CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions
Sonia, President & CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc., emphasizes time management and detail-orientation as crucial skills. Beyond bookkeeping, the ability to provide clients with insightful business growth strategies—"to help people grow"—is a key differentiator in their career.
Favorite Parts Of Being A President And CEO At Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc.
Sonia, President & CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc., finds the most rewarding aspect of her role is witnessing both client and staff success. Seeing small business owners "meet their goals," like one client who progressed from needing help with the basics to renting their own warehouse, and simultaneously empowering employees to "learn and grow," even those new to QuickBooks or accounting practices, fuels Sonia's passion.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A President And CEO At Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc
Sonia, President & CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc., identifies the biggest challenge in her role as navigating the resistance to advice from some small business clients who, despite seeking help, "don't wanna be helped." This client inertia, while ultimately overcome, creates a recurring burden impacting the smooth operation of the company.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Accounting Industry As A President And CEO
Sonia, President & CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc., enjoys the universality of finance, stating "everybody needs finance," and the ability to provide valuable information and referrals, gaining "visibility to a lot" within the community. This highlights the broad reach and impactful nature of her work in the accounting industry.
Who Thrives in Accounting According to Freedom Accounting Solutions President and CEO
Sonia, President & CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc., emphasizes that passion is paramount for success in the accounting industry, stating "You have to have passion for it. You have to love it." Beyond passion, strong time management skills and dedication are also crucial for avoiding burnout and achieving job satisfaction.
What a President and CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Accounting Industry
Sonia, President & CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc., reflects that a significant obstacle in their career journey was "fear," delaying the realization of a dream by 18 years. Despite this, the corporate experience gained during that time provided valuable mentorship and a broader perspective, ultimately benefiting their current role and client interactions; the lesson learned: "don't follow your fear. Follow your passion."
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Bookkeepers
Sonia, President & CEO of Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc., suggests that entry-level bookkeeping jobs or AP/AR positions are excellent starting points for undergraduates; these roles provide valuable experience and help determine if a career in accounting is the right fit, with Sonia noting that "all they need is a little push" to see the possibilities within the field.
Significant Career Lesson From A President And CEO At Freedom Accounting Solutions
Sonia, President & CEO at Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc., emphasizes that a significant career lesson is the importance of purpose over profession, stating, "the purpose is bigger than the thing that you do." This realization, stemming from a recent QuickBooks Connect conference, underscores her commitment to serving others through her accounting expertise.
How College Helped A CEO at Freedom Accounting Succeed
Sonia's unconventional approach to undergraduate studies, juggling a full-time job alongside full-time coursework, provided invaluable real-world experience that connected directly to "the books." This practical application, coupled with a professor's insightful observation that a degree is merely "a check in the box," ultimately shaped their career success beyond academic achievements.
How Identity Has Influenced a President and CEO's Career at Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc.
Sonia's immigrant background fueled a powerful drive to overcome obstacles, stating that it gave her "more strength and maybe that superpower to help push through so much." This motivation, combined with family support, propelled Sonia's academic and career achievements, culminating in her current role as President & CEO, and serving as a role model for their children.
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https://freedomasi.com/, IG freedomasi https://www.instagram.com/freedomasi/, FaceBook Freedom Accounting Solutions Inc. https://www.facebook.com/FreedomAccountingSolutionsInc/