Tiffany Stark, MBA, AFSP

I attribute my success to determination, resilience, and, at times, a little bit of spitefulness. Since college, I had wanted to own my own accounting firm. After becoming a mother at a young age, I was determined to prove that I could achieve my goals, so I continued my education and earned my degrees. Later, after my daughter was born, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a year of treatment. That experience reminded me that life is too short not to pursue what makes me happy, which motivated me to commit more fully to building my business. I also believe that maintaining work-life balance is essential to long-term success, which is why I deliberately avoid working on weekends.

The best career advice I have received is to never stop learning. Continuing my education is important to me, and I am currently studying toward my Enrolled Agent credential to expand my tax knowledge and professional capabilities. I have also learned that asking for help or seeking another person’s input is a strength, not a weakness. Having a mentor does not mean you lack knowledge or ability; it demonstrates a willingness to learn, grow, and make better-informed decisions.

My advice is to go for it and not let insecurity hold you back. If you have the determination and willpower to pursue something you care about, take the leap. I struggled with insecurity myself, and it held me back from pursuing my goals sooner. Once I took that step and built my own business, I gained greater flexibility and found that I was growing faster than I had anticipated. Do not let fear prevent you from discovering what you are capable of, and do not spend your life wondering what you could have done. Take action and give yourself the opportunity to succeed.

My work in accounting and tax preparation requires balancing technical knowledge, regulatory compliance, and the individual needs of each client. Tax rules can involve gray areas, and it is important to make decisions based on sound justification and professional integrity rather than simply doing what a client requests. I also see opportunities to help business owners better understand their financial information, improve their bookkeeping, plan for taxes, and make more confident business decisions. Continuing education is especially important as tax requirements evolve and clients’ needs change. By expanding my knowledge and offering practical, personalized guidance, I can help clients manage their finances more effectively and focus on growing their businesses.

Integrity is the most important value in both my professional and personal life. As accountants, we have a professional code of conduct, and I believe it is essential to uphold those standards even when clients may prefer a different answer. I will not recommend or carry out something simply to appease a client if there is no legitimate justification for it, particularly when navigating gray areas in tax matters. I also value continued learning, seeking guidance when needed, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I want to build a successful business while preserving time for my family and personal life.