Amanda Aguillard, founder of three accounting-related businesses in the New Orleans area, and more importantly a mother of two wonderful children, joined us for this episode of Life In Accounting, the Where Accountants Go podcast.
Paper Paper Everywhere…
Even early in Amanda’s career, she wondered if things could be done differently. She initially became interested in accounting as a profession while in high school, and even competed in the state rally competitions. It was a very early interest for her. However, as she got started in the industry, she realized how paper-oriented accounting work was at the time, and it seems like even at that early age she had a feeling that perhaps the work could be done in a more efficient way. After later getting her Masters degree in Tax, she worked with Deloitte & Touche for a few years before moving on for a job in industry, and then deciding to take a seven-year break from the industry while she worked in an even more important role – being a mom.
Returning On Her Terms
As with everyone, life changes, and it became necessary for Amanda to return to the workforce. However, she didn’t want to sacrifice the time she had enjoyed for so many years with her children, so she decided to take on contract work on her terms and build a business from there. That business became Aguillard Accounting, and has evolved into a remote, niche practice serving primarily real estate brokers and law firms.
Tech, and Two More Businesses!
In starting her own practice, she became very knowledgeable in Xero, Quickbooks Online, and other cloud solutions. This eventually took her into the training space as well, and she formed Elefant (pronounced just like “elephant”) with a partner in order to take this knowledge to the marketplace and help other accountants succeed. In addition, this work has also blossomed into a 3rd business as well, a white-glove tech consulting practice for larger firms called Bluewire Strategies. Near the end of the interview I asked Amanda, “With all these businesses, how do you maintain balance in your life?” She noted that none of it could be done without a tremendous team and partners, both of which she has been blessed with.
Amanda’s story is a very interesting one. Not many people would opt for building a business when faced with the necessity of returning to the workforce after so many years, but that is the option she chose… and it has worked out beautifully for her.
Other episodes on similar topics that may interest you are: Joseph Rugger and Jody Padar
To listen to this interview with Amanda Aguillard, click on the player below:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS
