Leslie Johnson, CPA
Leslie Johnson, CPA, is a seasoned Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in tax preparation, accounting, and financial consulting. Currently serving at Paradise Accounting & Tax Solutions PLLC, Leslie provides comprehensive accounting services to individuals and businesses, specializing in income tax planning, compliance, and strategic financial solutions. She combines technical expertise with a commitment to accuracy and client service, ensuring her clients navigate complex financial matters with confidence.
In addition to her accounting practice, Leslie is the founder of Fund Your Deal LLC, where she serves as a Certified Private Money Lender. In this role, she partners with real estate investors to provide flexible financing solutions, supporting clients in achieving their investment goals. Her dual expertise in accounting and private lending allows her to offer unique financial insights that maximize efficiency and profitability.
Leslie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Lake Superior State University, graduating with high honors, and furthered her studies at Grand Valley State University to qualify for the CPA exam. Known for her diligence, integrity, and client-focused approach, Leslie is dedicated to helping individuals and businesses optimize their financial strategies while providing education and guidance to empower informed decision-making.
• Grand Valley State University - BS Accounting
• Lake Superior State University - BBA
• North Central Michigan College - AAS
• Michigan Association of CPA
• Doberman Underground
• A nonprofit dog rescue.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, determination, and perseverance. As a CPA, practicing due diligence and striving for perfection have always been central to my approach, ensuring the highest standards for my clients. My journey was inspired by a friend who ran her own CPA firm and encouraged me to pursue my ambitions. I began my 30-year CPA career after passing the CPA exam while pregnant, commuting 90 miles daily to attend classes in person, and raising two children, ultimately graduating with a 3.899 GPA. Since 2018, I have successfully managed two businesses, including my current firm, all while maintaining my long-standing membership in the Michigan Association of CPAs. Beyond my professional life, I am passionate about animal wellbeing and regularly support Doberman Underground, a nonprofit dog rescue.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: don’t sweat the small stuff and learn to balance your personal needs with your work responsibilities. This guidance has helped me maintain perspective, manage stress, and make thoughtful decisions while pursuing long-term professional and personal goals.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the accounting profession is to practice patience and diligence, especially during the demanding tax season. Stay focused on your long-term goals despite immediate challenges, and understand that clients can be persistent, often reaching out at unexpected times. Developing resilience, clear communication, and strong organizational skills will help you navigate these demands while building a successful and rewarding career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in the accounting field right now include staffing shortages and a limited influx of new CPAs due to strict educational requirements. Client demands and the high pressure of tax season create additional stress for professionals. There is also some skepticism regarding AI’s role in CPA work, as many have yet to see its practical benefits. Despite these challenges, opportunities exist to streamline processes, leverage technology effectively, and mentor the next generation of accountants, even though limited time for personal hobbies during peak work periods remains a constraint.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are diligence and determination. In my professional life, this means approaching every client matter, tax return, or financial analysis with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and excellence in every aspect of my work. I take pride in going the extra mile to deliver reliable, high-quality results, recognizing that my clients depend on my expertise and thoroughness. In my personal life, these same values guide my relationships, goals, and daily habits, whether it’s supporting my family, pursuing personal growth, or giving back to the community. For me, diligence and determination are not just professional principles; they are a way of life that reflects integrity, accountability, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in everything I do.