Your Cents’ Worth is a monthly series that explores inspiring stories of accounting and bookkeeping firm owners who are building their dream firms and a life they love.

Alyssa’s story is an example of how life’s unexpected turns can lead to new beginnings. 

If you had asked her five years ago, she could not have dreamed of this life she has built.

From the heights of corporate success to the challenges of motherhood to building a $324k accounting firm in one year, her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the courage to redefine one’s path in the face of unforeseen challenges.

Alyssa J Dillon is the CEO and Financial Consultant of AD Finance Manager. As a proud mom of two, she has held many positions in leadership during her career in corporate America, including a position as CFO of a major corporation. As a dreamer, she envisioned running her own business for years.

photo of Alyssa J. Dillon

Financial Cents spoke to her about how she was able to grow her firm to six figures in one year while balancing motherhood.

Alyssa shares how “a perfect storm” that occurred at her last corporate position, pushed her to follow her instincts and quit.

Additionally, she highlights how her new phase has given her the freedom and flexibility to be the mom she has always wanted while helping over 227 female accountants and former CFOs successfully scale beyond six figures without hating their lives.

Early Career and Aspirations

Alyssa’s journey began in the high-stakes world of corporate finance, where her growth to the role of CFO by age 26 marked her as a standout talent.

“I was young and ambitious, ready to take on the world, thinking this was the path I would always be on,” Alyssa recalled.

Despite her rapid rise, Alyssa’s career was not just a tale of ambition and success. It was also a story of personal growth and evolving perspectives.

Being young and thrust into such a critical role, I learned not just about finance but also about leadership and managing pressures not just from the job but from the expectations you set for yourself,"

Alyssa

Turning Point: Motherhood Meets Career

However, life had other plans.

The birth of her sons within a year of each other, both of whom faced significant health issues, introduced a level of complexity to her life that the corporate world couldn’t accommodate.

The reality of having two young children so close in age, both needing medical attention frequently, was nothing short of chaotic. My oldest son had a lot of issues with his ears and was constantly getting ear infections, so I was taking care of him. And then my youngest son was getting sick all the time because he had allergies and asthma. I had a house of sick boys all the time."

This relentless cycle of hospital visits, sleepless nights, and critical meetings at work took a toll on her mental and physical well-being.

It became increasingly difficult to juggle the demands of her high-stakes job with the needs of her family. Her decision to quit wasn’t just about leaving a job; it was a desperate measure for mental and physical preservation.

I walked into work one day with a fever, just overwhelmed. My boss piled more on my plate, and that was it. I quit, walked to my car, and just broke down. I called my husband, crying, and told him, ‘I just quit my job.’"

This moment was about Alyssa taking a drastic step toward reclaiming her life and well-being. It marked the end of her corporate career but also the beginning of a new chapter—one that promised not just challenges but also a greater sense of control and fulfillment.

The Leap into Entrepreneurship

After Alyssa left her corporate CFO position, her future seemed uncertain.

She was without a job, without a plan, and filled with the anxiety that comes from stepping into the unknown. “I didn’t start with a business plan. It was all about survival at first,” Alyssa recounted. The safety net of a structured corporate job was gone, leaving her to navigate the choppy waters of freelance work. But necessity, as they say, is the mother of invention.

Alyssa in a speaking engagement

Alyssa leaned into the only certainty she had—her skills. “I knew I had the skills, so I started reaching out to friends, family, and professional connections, telling them I was available for bookkeeping and accounting work,” she shared.

It wasn’t an easy process. Her initial efforts didn’t meet with the success she’d hoped for. People who had informally sought her advice or assistance in the past were suddenly hesitant or unable to commit to using her services professionally.

Despite these setbacks, Alyssa persisted. She realized that to build a client base, she needed to be where potential clients could see her. This meant establishing a visible, engaging presence online—a task easier said than done. Alyssa’s strategy involved sharing her knowledge and expertise on social media platforms, where potential clients could find her and begin to trust her capability and knowledge.

“If you can understand the value of being seen and present where your potential clients are, half your battle is won,” Alyssa explained. Her approach was not about aggressive sales tactics but about demonstrating her value through visibility and engagement. “I knew I could convince someone of my worth if I could just talk to them, so I replicated that process online,” she adds.

This phase of her career was marked by significant personal and professional growth. Every post she shared, and interaction on social media was a step toward establishing her new identity as an accounting firm owner, not just a freelancer looking for temporary gigs. It was about laying the foundation for a sustainable business.

From 0 – $324,000 in One Year: How She Did It

Alyssa’s approach to growing her accounting firm was rooted in a powerful principle: empowerment. This pertains to her role within the company and how she empowered others to contribute to the firm’s success.

Hiring the right people

Early in her journey, Alyssa realized that she couldn’t manage all the operational aspects of her business alone, especially given her primary skills and passion lay in networking and client acquisition, not the nitty-gritty of day-to-day accounting. This led to a decision that significantly contributed to her firm’s rapid growth.

“I quickly realized I didn’t want to do the accounting and bookkeeping. That stuff is awful. I’m a great advisor, but I cannot do this,” Alyssa admitted candidly. Recognizing her strengths and weaknesses was a crucial step. Instead of trying to do it all herself, she decided to hire someone who could handle these tasks effectively.

The first major hire within the first three months of bringing on clients was Lindsay, a CPA who was also a stay-at-home mom looking for flexible work. Lindsay not only brought her accounting expertise but also shared Alyssa’s vision of balancing professional growth with personal responsibilities.

This partnership allowed Alyssa to focus on what she did best—expanding the firm’s client base and visibility. “Having her to take care of these clients and communicate back and forth with them allowed me to focus on growth,” Alyssa explained. Lindsay’s involvement meant that operational tasks were in capable hands, which freed up Alyssa to deploy her strengths in service of the firm’s expansion.

Leveraging Networks for Team Expansion

As the client base grew, the need for additional support became evident. Alyssa and Lindsay used a simple yet effective strategy for expansion: leveraging their personal networks. This method ensured that new hires were technically proficient and fit well with the firm’s culture and values. “Lindsay, do you know anybody?” became a common question as they looked to expand the team. This approach facilitated trust and teamwork, which was important for maintaining the quality of service as the firm expanded.

Lindsay was probably working with them consistently every day to make sure that the bookkeeping was getting done and the reports were getting out. It was almost like they knew that I was the revenue generator. It’s our job to make sure that we take care of these clients and keep the reputation,"

Alyssa noted, emphasizing how Lindsay’s operational leadership supported the firm’s scaling efforts. This approach maximized her effectiveness and created an environment where her team members could excel and take ownership of their roles.

Building a Business on Relationships

A major part of Alyssa’s success was her interest in fostering genuine relationships.

Unlike traditional business strategies that often prioritize immediate transactions, Alyssa approached her interactions with potential clients from a place of understanding and support, which she believed would lead to lasting partnerships.

Alyssa J. Dillon speaking at an event

“It’s never just business; it’s about people,” Alyssa said. Whether or not these interactions resulted in a new client, her primary focus was on understanding their needs and providing meaningful guidance. “You meet someone, learn what they need, and help them find a solution, even if it’s not with you,” she shared. This approach helped her build trust and often led to referrals, which were important for the organic growth of her accounting firm.

“If you show up to truly serve people in a totally selfless way, then building relationships will be the foundation of your growth,” Alyssa stated. She firmly believed that genuine intent, coupled with a willingness to assist without immediate returns, resonated with potential clients. This approach not only set her apart in the accounting space but also enabled her to build a network based on trust and mutual respect.

If you show up to truly serve people in a totally selfless way, then building relationships will be the foundation of your growth"

Alyssa J. Dillon

Moreover, Alyssa highlighted the long-term benefits of her approach: “They might not need your help right now. But if you leave a lasting impression, they might need you six months from now, or they will recommend you to someone else.” Her strategy was about planting seeds for future opportunities that could sprout from the goodwill she fostered initially.

The Outcome: A Flourishing Firm

Alyssa’s journey from a resigned CFO to the founder of a successful accounting firm highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability.

Today, Alyssa’s firm is more than just a business. It’s a place that empowers women, particularly those in the accounting field, to achieve financial independence without sacrificing their family life. “What started out of necessity has now become a platform for empowerment,” Alyssa proudly shared. This empowerment comes from a firm that supports not just her own family but also encourages other women to strive for their professional and personal goals.

Reflecting on her firm’s development, Alyssa discusses the importance of looking beyond personal gain. “If you’re just thinking, ‘How do I make more money? How do I make my life better?’ you’re missing out on how to make an impact truly,” she explains. Her business strategy shows that focusing on helping others rather than just making profits can lead to greater, more meaningful success.

If you're just thinking, 'How do I make more money? How do I make my life better?' you're missing out on how to make an impact truly"

Alyssa J. Dillon

Initially, Alyssa started her firm out of the need to support her family while facing personal challenges. Over time, this motivation grew into a desire to significantly impact her clients’ lives and businesses. “That’s such a powerful thing,” Alyssa remarks, recognizing how her goals have evolved from merely surviving to truly serving others.

Final Advice: Use What You Know

On a final note of advice, Alyssa stresses the importance of using existing skills and knowledge rather than worrying about what you don’t know yet. “We always want to be better, and as high achievers, we’re all about learning more, getting another license, collecting more education,” she said.

She advises, “Lean into what you know, and show up with that.” This means embracing your current abilities and allowing them to guide and enhance your work. Focusing on what you’re already good at builds confidence and shows others that you are competent and reliable.