This week Missouri Society of Accountants would like to recognize a New Up and coming member, Marquita Miller Joshua.  Marquita is the owner of Five Star Tax and Business Solutions located in the heart of Downtown Kansas City.  While Marquita has only been with MSA for 3 years she has 20 years’ experience as an accountant and tax preparer.

Marquita’s firm works with organizations ranging from startup ventures, small business and franchise entities to multimillion-dollar for profits and non-profits.  They are frequently called upon to speak at faith-based conferences to help churches with the “Business Side of the Ministry.”  Marquita and her firm have been featured on various cosmetology and small business platforms and programs as well.

Marquita has a Bachelor of Science in Management and Accounting and a Master of Business Administration.  The Bachelor of Science Management and accounting provided her with a foundation for accounting while the MBA provided me with educational knowledge to provide business consultant services.  20 years of continuing education, IRS courses and business experience has shaped her firm.  She has recently passed the Enrolled Agent Exams.

Marquita says her most important skill is that they have a unique ability to help business owners and decision makers understand the “business side” of their businesses.  This equates to performing payroll, budgeting, accounting and other services to help the clients know their financial picture.  Marquita feels her greatest accomplishment has been helping people turn their passion into profitable business that provide employment and resources in the community.

Finding additional staff that understands accounting and are people persons is the biggest challenge to the industry according to Marquita.  She feels the one thing she can not live without is clients.  She stated “Our clients are the reason we are open.  We have clients in more than 24 states.”  Her favorite tip is “Watch the bottom Line!  It all comes down to your bottom line.  Your bottom line is not always profit.  Remember your WHY and allow that to guide your business decision.”