From Accountant to Startup Founder
What does it take to go from an accountant, to an entrepreneur, to a CEO? Why is it so rare to see accountants choose this path for their careers? Today, I’ll be sharing some insights about my own journey from accountant to CEO, and some of the best advice I learned along the way.
My Accounting Journey
I fell in love with accounting during several courses I took in college and then pursued an accounting major as my entry point into the world of business. I then started working as a public accountant before moving into the private sector.
The aha moment that sparked my journey into entrepreneurship came relatively early in my career. I began to notice a common problem with a clear solution: many of the more painstaking accounting services I provided could easily be automated.
While most accountants who venture out on their own often do so to provide specialized services, my insight was about transforming the industry as a whole. With that idea, Gappify was born and I became an entrepreneur.
Risks and Challenges
There are many risks and challenges that come along with starting a new business. I’ve found that one of the biggest barriers is the accountant mindset itself. Many accountants possess highly desirable skills and good ideas, but are risk-averse by nature.
I’m no exception to being a risk-averse accountant, but I decided to use my strengths to work through those reservations. By leaning on my professional network and applying my analytical skills, I was able to take small, calculated risks that minimized the odds of failure.
Starting a new venture always entails some risk, but I believe that the skills that make you a successful accountant can make you a successful entrepreneur as well.
Advice for New Entrepreneurs
The best advice I have for new entrepreneurs is to take control of your own narrative. When fundraising, focus on storytelling. Creating a clear narrative about your business and how it will bring value to clients is going to be more persuasive than nice logos or dry facts without context.
When you have a great idea, invest in yourself. Don’t talk yourself out of it. A little risk can lead to a lot of reward.
Jothan Ty (Gappify CEO & Founder)
Interested in learning more?
Listen to the entire podcast (E18: From Accountant to Startup Founder) here:
About Gappify
Gappify, founded in 2016, is a cloud-based provider of accrual automation solutions for mid-market and enterprise accounting teams. The company is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Berkeley, California, Washington DC, and Manila, Philippines.
Its team consists of accountants and CPA’s from Big Four accounting firms and software innovators. Gappify is also supported by strategic advisors from some of the world’s most recognized technology companies and is affiliated with the top companies & accounting organizations.
