Ruth S. Jones
Ruth Jones (she/her) is the Owner and Member Manager of Top-Notch Bookkeeping LLC, where she operates a fully remote, cloud-based bookkeeping practice serving small business owners nationwide. An empathetic, detail-driven professional, Ruth is recognized for building trusted partnerships grounded in integrity, transparency, and accuracy. She believes that dependable financials are the cornerstone of sound decision-making and long-term business success, and she approaches every client engagement with a commitment to excellence and confidentiality.
Ruth specializes in QuickBooks Online and delivers comprehensive bookkeeping services, including transaction coding, bank and credit card reconciliations, accounts receivable and payable, payroll processing and tax filings, 1099 preparation, and financial reporting. She holds an Intuit Bookkeeping Certification and QuickBooks Online Level 2 Certification, and is known for identifying efficiencies that often result in thousands of dollars in annual savings and significant time reclaimed for her clients. In addition to her technical expertise, Ruth is intentional about elevating both her personal professional reputation and the visibility of the Top-Notch Bookkeeping brand.
Ruth brings a diverse professional background spanning insurance, publishing, and education. Early in her career, she worked at Kemper Insurance and later spent several years with Allstate Insurance Company, where she passed five actuarial exams. She later worked for a textbook company and built a long and impactful career in education before retiring and launching her bookkeeping business. Ruth holds a Master of Science in Mathematics from Roosevelt University and a Post-Graduate Teaching Certificate in Library Media Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also the author of the picture book The Fatback Black Cat, inspired by her cat Sylvester. Based in Glen Allen, Virginia, Ruth volunteers with Lamb’s Basket Food Bank and enjoys reading, participating in book clubs, and cheering on her beloved Chicago Bears.
• Postgraduate Teaching Certificate , Library Media Science
• Illinois State University - BS, Math
• Volunteer at Lamb's Basket food bank
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to doing work that I genuinely love, maintaining a positive and grateful mindset, and staying committed to helping others succeed. Being happy and fulfilled in my work allows me to bring my best self to every client and every task, and I believe that making a meaningful difference whether by supporting small business owners or contributing to my community is the true measure of success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep moving forward, be a great mentor to others, and always be kind and respectful. Progress and growth come from perseverance, but true success is built through the relationships you cultivate and the impact you have on others. Leading with empathy, integrity, and respect not only strengthens professional connections but also creates opportunities to uplift and inspire those around you.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to confidently voice your opinion and stand up for yourself, while also being a good listener and staying open to new ideas and experiences. Success comes from balancing confidence with curiosity, advocating for your perspective, and continuously learning from others. Embracing challenges with an open mind and a willingness to grow will help you build both expertise and meaningful professional relationships.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Early-stage solo business owner concentrating on marketing and visibility; balancing growth goals with cost considerations for promotional programs.
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 giving my best effort every day, maintaining a genuine eagerness to learn, and finding joy in the work I do—especially when it comes to problem-solving and working with numbers. I believe that dedication, curiosity, and passion not only drive personal fulfillment but also create the foundation for meaningful contributions and lasting success.