Deborah and Jason Williams bring diverse backgrounds and a wealth of accounting and tax experience to Mirror Accounting Services in sectors that include nonprofits, IT, and government contracting. Today, they cater to businesses and individuals, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to meet diverse financial needs.

Deborah Williams started Mirror Accounting Services in 2018, driven by a desire to balance her professional aspirations with her responsibilities as a mother. Originally from Jamaica, she worked as a librarian before becoming a stay-at-home mom when she moved to the U.S. Her initial return to school was for nursing. But, after working briefly as a nurse's aide, Deborah realized that the healthcare industry wasn't her passion. Transitioning to accounting, she began her studies at Montgomery College and completed a bachelor's degree at the University of Maryland - Robert H. Smith School of Business.

While at the accounting firm, Deborah noted the demanding hours and travel required in traditional accounting roles. She knew she wanted a career path that would allow her to spend more time with their three children.

"There are multiple factors that inspired me to start my own business," Deborah shared. "Watching my husband work long hours and travel frequently made me realize I wanted a different path, especially as a mother of three children."

A pivotal moment came during a career day at UMD when a guest speaker from the SEC highlighted the various demanding fields within accounting. This, combined with her volunteer work as a tax preparer with the Montgomery County VITA program, solidified her decision to venture into business on her own. While working the part-time job, she observed that many business owners struggle with proper financial management, often waiting until tax season to get their books in order. 

"I noticed quite a few business owners lacked proper financial information, which was causing them to miss out on tax deductions and credits. That’s when I decided to start an accounting company to help them with their bookkeeping and understand the importance of proper financial management," Deborah explained.

As Mirror Accounting Services grew, Deborah left her job at a non-profit organization to focus entirely on her business. Today, she and her husband, Jason, combine their extensive experience in accounting, advisory, and consulting to assist business owners in understanding their financials and making informed decisions that drive growth and profitability.

Jason's Story: A Journey Across Continents

Jason's path to the accounting firm also took several turns. He came to the U.S. to pursue an MBA at the University of Connecticut. After graduating, he faced the requirement of securing a job within a year to obtain an H1B visa. His first job offer came from Broomfield, Colorado, where the couple lived for four and a half years. 

During the economic downturn of 2008, when the U.S. was losing 500,000 jobs a month, Jason was laid off. Fortunately, within a few months, he secured a new position in Washington, D.C., prompting their move to Montgomery County. The couple chose this area for its excellent schools and suburban lifestyle, settling in Silver Spring and Jason commuted into D.C. via the Red Line.

Building the Business Together: Leveraging Expertise to Build Trust

For the past four years, Deborah and Jason have worked together. Mirror Accounting Services offers virtual accounting, bookkeeping, advisory, and tax services to individuals and businesses. They help clients interpret and apply accounting rules and regulations, prepare financial statements and analyses, and provide top-notch CFO services, including cash flow management. Their mission is to guide clients toward business success and financial freedom.

Jason Williams joined Mirror Accounting Services a few years ago and brings a wealth of experience. His diverse background as a CPA in accounting and tax services and his experience in various sectors, including nonprofits, IT, and government contracting, play crucial roles in the firm's success.

"I'm a CPA licensed in Colorado and Maryland," Jason explains. "When talking to clients, they might be a little skeptical because we're still considered a young company. But we emphasize our extensive experience and dedication to providing top-notch services. We use our combined experiences to help clients understand the depth of our knowledge and how it can benefit them."

By leveraging their professional backgrounds and emphasizing their commitment to client success, Deborah and Jason have built a firm that not only meets but exceeds their clients' expectations. Their combined expertise assures clients that Mirror Accounting Services, despite being a newer company, has the knowledge and capability to deliver exceptional accounting and financial management services.

Mirror Accounting Services: Tailored Solutions for Individuals and Businesses

Mirror Accounting Services caters to both individuals and businesses, offering a comprehensive range of services designed to meet diverse financial needs.

For Individuals

Mirror Accounting Services provides expert tax preparation and planning services, ensuring that clients maximize their deductions and credits while staying compliant with tax regulations. Their goal is to help individuals achieve financial stability and optimize their tax situations.

For Businesses

The firm offers a variety of services for businesses, including bookkeeping, accounting, tax return preparation, and tax planning. Additionally, they provide advisory services to guide clients on cash flow management, financial management, and interpreting financial statements. These services help business owners make informed decisions and drive growth.

Serving Diverse Industries

While Mirror Accounting Services primarily serves small to mid-sized businesses, they are equipped to handle larger companies as well. Their marketing and networking efforts have helped build a strong client base across numerous industries, including:

- Government contracting

- Nonprofits

- Automotive and auto repair

- Technology companies

Most of their current clients are in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) area. However, Mirror Accounting Services wants to expand nationwide, bringing its expertise and personalized service to a broader audience.

By understanding the unique needs of both individuals and businesses, Mirror Accounting Services aims to be a trusted partner in achieving financial success.

Leveraging County Resources: A Mixed Experience

While Deborah and Jason Williams have tried to tap into county resources to help grow Mirror Accounting Services, their experience has been mixed. 

"We tried a few resources, but the services provided weren't tailored to accounting," Deborah explains. "I sought help from the Montgomery Women’s Business Center, hoping to get assistance with marketing and business growth, but the information available wasn't particularly helpful."

Jason adds, "We've had some dialogue with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, but it didn't lead to much traction. We also registered with the county's procurement office. However, most of the contracts seem to be geared towards physical services like cleaning or equipment provision, not accounting or financial services. We do receive emails about procurement opportunities, but they rarely align with what we offer."

Despite the challenges, Deborah and Jason remain proactive. They have engaged with WorkSource Montgomery, exploring potential support for hiring as their business grows. "We haven't taken advantage of that opportunity yet, but we know there's potential help available when we're ready to expand our team," says Jason.

Deborah continues to keep an open mind about county resources. "Even though we haven't had much success so far, we continue to register for programs like the Small Business Reserve Program (LSBRP). There's nothing to lose, and we might find something useful down the line."

Their experience underscores the importance of tailored support for diverse business needs. They are committed to exploring all avenues for growth and success.

The Story Behind the Name: Mirror Accounting Services

The name "Mirror Accounting Services" holds a special significance for Deborah. It stems from her belief that accounting is a vital reflection of a business’s health and performance.

"Accounting is a reflection of your business," Deborah explains. "When you look in the mirror, you see a reflection of yourself. Similarly, accounting provides a clear picture of a business’s financial status. This understanding is crucial for small business owners who might not fully grasp the importance of accounting."

Deborah chose the name "Mirror" to emphasize this concept. "I wanted a name that would convey how essential accounting is for business success. Understanding this can help business owners make informed decisions and drive their growth."

This philosophy is at the core of Mirror Accounting Services. Deborah and Jason are dedicated to helping their clients see the true financial reflection of their businesses, enabling them to achieve their goals and thrive.