Hidden Gems: Meet Monisha Johnson of MM Johnson CPA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monisha Johnson.

Monisha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got my start in the accounting industry working as a Night Auditor for a major hotel chain in Savannah, while I was attending Savannah State University to earn my Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree.

Upon graduation, I was promoted with the same company to the position of Staff Accountant in St. Louis, MO. I was exposed to a deeper level of private accounting during my two-and-a-half-year tenure. I moved back to Savannah in 2015 and delved into the world of accounting for small businesses.

I also got my start in government accounting during the same time. As I worked in my field, I went back to school to obtain a Master’s in Accountancy and sit for the Certified Public Accountant exam. I obtained my licensure in 2018, during the same time I was promoted to the Assistant Budget Director for a local municipality. After two and a half years in that position, I felt it best to use my talents to serve my clients on a full-time basis. I target small to medium-sized, especially Black, businesses to strengthen their financial condition, leading to expanding their business impact.

I grew up in my grandparent’s hair salon on Martin Luther King Blvd and have always been exposed to entrepreneurship. With their guidance and support, I am able to thrive in my business and watch for the pitfalls. With the connections, I established during my collegiate career and years of employment in the public and private sector, I have gained a strong client base and solid reputation.

Last, but certainly not least, with God leading my steps, I am able to conquer my dreams without fear and all my provisions have been met exceedingly and abundantly. My journey has been full of highs and lows, and I don’t regret one moment of it.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
If any entrepreneur told you their journey was easy, they’ve either suffered from amnesia or are not being truthful. I wouldn’t categorize any alterations from my plans as struggles though; more like opportunities. During my time in St. Louis, I suffered a severe injury due to a car accident that resulted in long-term effects on my health and my career.

However, it allowed me to understand my worth to my company when I was allowed to be one of the first employees to work from home and how to stand up for myself when others took advantage of my kindness. From that experience, I came back home to Savannah a more competent accountant and firmer in my boundaries. Even when the accident caused me to delay my plans for enrolling in my Master’s classes, I used that time to develop a plan for my career.

When the time came for me to re-enroll, I was more focused and dedicated to obtaining my degree and subsequently my CPA licensure. Now as I work to structure my business, in a post-pandemic employee market, I am using this time to fine-tune policies, processes, and compensation to compete with the established CPA firms in the area. Any “struggle” can be overcome if you have what it takes to breakthrough.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about MM Johnson CPA?
I am a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Georgia.

My firm is also licensed, allowing my company to engage in a variety of accounting services. I offer tax preparation, bookkeeping, and virtual CFO services as top-requested services. I love process management! Automation and integration of technological systems are key in process management, however helping people get from point A to point B and understanding the who, what, when, where, and why of it all is my niche.

Most of my business is from client referrals. The one thing I hear during initial consultations is that they (potential clients) heard that I was thorough and smart. I love to learn and share my knowledge with clients to enhance their businesses. I really appreciate their sentiment about being thorough though. Call me a typical accountant but I need to account for every cent for my clients.

I go to bat for my clients to make sure they are able to achieve their dreams. I guess that’s the answer to the question about what sets me apart from other CPA firms. I take my clients’ businesses personally. They stepped out on faith to fulfill their dreams and entrusted me to help make them happen. I don’t take that task lightly.

What do you think about luck?
Everything I have in my life and everything I am is because of God.

Even in the lowest moments of my life and my career when I couldn’t see any signs of hope, God found a way to not only get me out of the dark but make me shine. There was a point in my life when I lost control of everything. I threw my hands in the air and said “God, you got it.” And He showed up and showed out.

From that moment on, I don’t question His direction for my life. God has never failed me and has always covered me and my family. Through it all, I’m grateful.

Pricing:

• 30-Minute Consultation to discuss your financial needs – $125
• 45-Minute Consultation to discuss your financial needs – $187.50
• 60-Minute Consultation to discuss your financial needs – $250

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: MMJohnsonCPA.com
• Instagram: @mmjohnsoncpa
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MMJohnsonCPA

Image Credits
Mark Sanders with Legacy Studio