Meet Michelle Boncel of AMB Consulting Services in North Scottsdale

Michelle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started AMB Consulting Services in 2013. I am a CPA, and at the time I decided to go out on my own, I had two little ones ages 4 and 2. My schedule was crazy, and I felt like I was missing them grow up! After working in corporate America for almost 15 years, I decided to quit full-time and be at home. That only lasted about a month (ha!) and told myself maybe I can do accounting and taxes on my own. My neighbor down the street needed someone to do her taxes, and she became my first client! Six years later, my business continues to grow through referrals and makes me so happy that I decided to go out on my own!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Getting my name out there was definitely a challenge, along with trying to figure out who my client was, which industries I wanted to specialize in, etc. I have been able to use social media (Facebook mom groups!) as my platform to advertise my business, and it has been amazing!! I didn’t spend a dime on advertising and am very proud of that, and am truly grateful for the referrals I get from existing clients.

I realized there were other moms who had their own businesses but needed help with the accounting side of things – and that’s where I stepped in! I have been fortunate to work with clients ranging from glass jewelry artists, custom motorcycle bike owners, candle makers, bakeries, and dermatologists! I have learned so much from them as a business owner, and I hope that I’ve been able to make their lives a little easier by crunching their numbers, so they don’t have to stress over it 🙂

Please tell us about AMB Consulting Services.
I have been a CPA for the past 16 years. I see myself as a business partner for small businesses. One thing I’ve observed is that small business owners want to focus on building their brand, their business, but the accounting is an afterthought (or maybe one might say a nuisance!) I help keep business owners financially organized, and show them how to get the reports they need without feeling overwhelmed by doing so.

I handle monthly bookkeeping duties, provide payroll services, and prepare quarterly and annual tax returns. I would consider myself as a one-stop resource for all things accounting!

Is there a quality or characteristic that has played an outsized role in your success?
I believe what sets me apart from others and is most important to my success is that I am able to connect with my clients. Having a solid foundation of trust and communication is important to any business relationship. My clients are at ease when they come to me, and I don’t ever want to come off as being intimidating just because I am an accountant. I want my clients always to consider me a business partner to help them succeed in their endeavors.