Interview with Shelley Johnson, CPA

Today, we have a special interview with Shelley Johnson, CPA! As owner of the Indianapolis based accounting firm of Allman Johnson Company, she is focused on business owners and complicated individuals seeking sophisticated, often lesser known, yet logical tax planning solutions. Integrated traditional services (many available in app format) include virtual reconciliations, bill paying, accounts receivable collections, cash forecasting, data analytics, budgeting, payroll processing, annual compliance reporting as well as complied or reviewed financial statements.

So, now that we know about what you do, tell us a little more about yourself!

I volunteer for Siamese Rescue.  Married to Dan for 31 years now, daughter Deanna a recent college graduate, son Drew at college and the baby Dana is a senior in high school this fall.  I was a yearbook photographer in high school!  Back in the “dark room days” and I scrapbook both traditional and digital.

How did you get started as a CPA? How long have you been in the business? 

My “bosses” in my first real job out of college were CPAs and I thought, I can do that!  Went back to school to get the classes I needed to sit for the CPA exam.

Do you have a type of business that you work with most primarily or have a specific focus?

Service based business, real estate/construction related and law firms with 1-5 partners

What is your favorite thing about owning a small business? 

The variety, every day is different, always more to learn.

What is your favorite thing about working with other small business owners?

Seeing the “light go on” when we explain an accounting or tax point, or seeing the relief when we are able to handle something for them so that they can go do what they do best.

What’s the number one struggle that you see small businesses deal with?

Time – prioritizing what needs done and having good information to make informed decisions on growth.

What’s your top tip for small business owners?

Don’t try to do it all, find others to handle tasks that keep you from doing what you do best and delegate or outsource.

What’s the best way for a photographer to find a CPA to work with?

Find a CPA that is receptive to your questions and willing to answer in terms you can understand.  You may need to interview several.  As your business grows you may find yourself out growing your CPA, change if it isn’t a good fit.  And like most other services, you get what you pay for.

When we work with clients we start with strategy, are they overpaying taxes, are they using the right entity format, etc.  Then we focus on helping them manage the data transactions in a collaborative environment using either Quickbooks Online or Xero.  That allows for timely interactive planning discussions throughout the year, not just when taxes are due.  As their business grows we can help identify key items to track, such as knowing which line of business puts the most cash in their pocket.

Thanks Shelley! Stay tuned as Shelley will be back to give more small business advice.

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