Laid off in 2013, they unknowingly set me free. Starting my own business gave me freedom to choose clients, control my time, and build a life I love.
Susan (Michelle) Brown · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Susan (Michelle)
Susan (Michelle) Brown, who professionally goes by her middle name, Michelle, is the founder and owner of Michelle Brown Consulting and Unleashed Financial Advocates, where she helps small businesses build stronger financial foundations through strategic bookkeeping and operational consulting. With more than 25 years of bookkeeping and business operations experience, Brown has worked across a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, legal services, retail, advertising, hospitality, engineering, and professional associations. After her previous employer lost funding, she launched her independent consulting practice in 2014, transforming decades of hands-on financial and operational expertise into a business dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve clarity, confidence, and long-term success.
Brown specializes in serving women-owned small businesses by designing practical bookkeeping systems that support innovation, adaptability, and sustainable growth. Her services extend beyond traditional bookkeeping to include virtual CFO support, financial systems design, workflow optimization, vendor and contract management, expense reduction, QuickBooks implementation, and business strategy. Known as a trusted financial steward, she partners closely with clients to deliver meaningful monthly financial reporting, uncover operational inefficiencies, eliminate unnecessary costs, and create resilient business infrastructures that empower owners to make informed decisions. Working virtually, she serves clients throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area as well as Florida, Virginia, Maryland, California, and Iowa.
A firm believer that bookkeeping is far more than balancing numbers, Brown views financial management as a strategic advantage that enables businesses to thrive in changing environments. She is recognized for remaining calm under pressure, solving complex operational challenges, and helping organizations replace uncertainty with financial confidence. Beyond her professional work, Brown is committed to giving back to her community through weekly volunteer service at the Humane Society of Broward County, where she assists families in adopting dogs. Whether helping entrepreneurs future-proof their businesses or supporting animal welfare, she brings the same dedication, compassion, and commitment to making a meaningful difference.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Susan (Michelle)
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to genuinely caring about the people I serve and becoming more than just a bookkeeper. I strive to be a trusted financial partner by understanding my clients' goals and helping them build financially healthy businesses, not simply maintain their financial records. Years of experience, a commitment to continuous learning, and a passion for educating clients have allowed me to empower business owners to understand their finances and make informed decisions with confidence.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of learning from experienced professionals while also mentoring others entering the bookkeeping profession. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been helping newer bookkeepers grow their careers, including mentoring a young professional who went on to build a thriving bookkeeping business of her own. Those experiences have reinforced my belief that sharing knowledge and helping others succeed is an essential part of professional leadership.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice is to seek the support of a bookkeeper early when starting a business so you can establish strong financial systems from the beginning. Doing so allows you to focus on growing your business and doing what you love instead of trying to fix bookkeeping issues later. Budgeting for professional financial guidance is an investment that pays dividends as your business grows.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges I see is that many small business owners don't fully understand their financial information well enough to make strategic decisions. It's common to focus on increasing revenue while overlooking inefficiencies that reduce profitability. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunity for financial professionals to move beyond traditional bookkeeping by providing advisory services that help business owners improve operations, reduce expenses, increase profitability, and make confident decisions that support long-term success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty, integrity, education, and service are the values that guide both my professional and personal life. I believe every business owner deserves a trusted financial partner who provides practical guidance, not just financial reports. I'm especially passionate about helping women entrepreneurs build confidence, gain financial knowledge, and make informed decisions that position their businesses for lasting success.
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