Hello! I'm Abby Janzing, a dedicated CPA with a passion for simplifying governmental accounting.
I build resources to make governmental accounting more approachable.
About Me
My journey began when, at the age of 24, I took a role as a staff accountant at a regional CPA firm. I'd be working in a small town and expected to jump in on all different kinds of tax work and a dozen governmental audits. I'd worked in an accounting department for a company for two years leading up to this and had grown confident in my accounting knowledge and ability to learn quickly. With a track record of making the dean's list throughout college and successfully navigating the challenging CPA exam, I was ready to take on whatever the accounting world threw my way.
The Challenge
Yet, governmental accounting swiftly emerged as a challenge. Suddenly, I found myself surrounded by jargon like "single audit", "proprietary funds", and "other financing sources and uses" that had never come up in my industry experience. That single chapter on governmental accounting from my advanced accounting course in college? Barely scratched the surface of the knowledge that was needed to navigate the real world of governmental accounting.
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As if grappling with the complexities of governmental accounting wasn't enough, the pace at which work was flooding in added another layer of pressure. New governmental audit clients in the region were calling regularly. It was a testament to our reputation and expertise, but it also meant that we found ourselves in the same position as many public accounting firms: stretched thin, with deadlines looming and mountains of work piling up faster than we could tackle them.
The Turning Point
Years of relentless studying and hands-on experience transformed me from a novice to a seasoned pro. As I found myself guiding fresh-faced recruits through the maze of governmental accounting, a newfound passion for teaching ignited within me. I realized that investing a few moments to educate a client on an accounting principle today could save them countless headaches down the road.
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But it wasn't just about teaching; it was about revolutionizing the way we approach our audit practice. Drawing on my experience and expertise, I began to identify areas where we could streamline our workpapers and processes, eliminating unnecessary steps and minimizing duplication of effort. By distilling the audit process down to a recurring process, we were able to significantly increase efficiency, even when faced with the most challenging accounting problems. The audit practice began to grow.
Forward CPA, LLC
After nine years of honing my skills and navigating the tumultuous waters of governmental accounting at the regional firm, I decided it was time for a new chapter. Armed with a wealth of experience and a burning passion for innovation, I took the leap and founded Forward CPA, LLC. Specializing in providing audit services to Nebraska school districts, Forward CPA, LLC represents not just a career pivot, but a commitment to excellence in governmental auditing.
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But that's not all. As I embark on this new venture, I'm also in the research phase of creating a groundbreaking software program. This program aims to automate and streamline the audit process, as well as the drafting of financial statements for governmental entities. It's an ambitious undertaking, to be sure, but one that holds the potential to revolutionize the way we approach governmental auditing.
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Here's to the journey ahead - may it be filled with innovation, growth, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
Join Me
Are you facing the same challenges in streamlining audit processes for governmental clients? Your perspective is invaluable as we work towards simplifying and enhancing the audit experience. If you have a couple of minutes to spare, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Click the link below to share your thoughts and join me in shaping the future of governmental auditing. Together, we can make a difference.
Professional Certifications and Affiliations
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Licensed as a CPA in Nebraska and Iowa
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Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
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Member of the Nebraska Society of CPAs
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Google Data Analytics Certificate