Exploring Life & Business with Deionna Jackson of Jackson CPA Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deionna Jackson.

Deionna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey into finance began in Warner Robins, Georgia, and eventually led me to the University of Georgia, where I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting.

I’ve been working in taxes for eight years now, and I’ve stayed in this field because I genuinely enjoy the work. However, over the years, I’ve seen the frustration people feel when they struggle to find a tax professional who is consistently dependable and transparent. In an industry where you are sharing your most sensitive information, trust is everything.

I realized that my community didn’t just need more accountants—they needed a professional they could actually rely on and, importantly, someone they could relate to. As a Black female CPA, I’m part of a very small percentage of the profession, and I recognize how much representation matters. I wanted to help bridge that gap and be a genuine, accessible resource for those who may not see themselves reflected in this industry often.

In 2023, I launched my own practice to provide that exact combination of high-level expertise and authentic connection. I currently balance building my firm with my role as a Finance Operations Analyst at Google. While my corporate background provides a sophisticated perspective on finance, my private practice allows me to offer the integrity and personal touch that I’m passionate about.

I enjoy the balance of working on finance operations while also helping individuals and small business owners in my community navigate their own financial journeys.

When I’m not working, I’m usually staying busy with my energetic Yorkie, piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, or at the gym for a kickboxing session.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth or linear road. The biggest challenge has been the balancing act. Managing a corporate career while building a business from the ground up requires a level of discipline that I’m constantly refining. There is no real ‘off’ switch; it’s a matter of shifting focus from finance operations during the day to the personal, high-impact needs of my own clients in the evenings.

Another obstacle was the initial ‘imposter syndrome’ that comes with being a business owner. Even with two degrees and years of experience, stepping out on your own is a completely different ballgame than working within a large organization. You aren’t just the accountant anymore; you’re the IT department, the marketing manager, and the customer service representative all at once.

However, every time I help a client solve a problem that has been keeping them up at night, it reinforces that the struggle is worth it. Learning to navigate these two different worlds has actually made me more efficient and more empathetic toward my small business clients who are often going through that same grind themselves.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice is built on the foundation of high-level expertise and integrity. I specialize in tax preparation and strategic tax planning for individuals and small business owners who are looking for more than just a data-entry service. I am best known for my transparency and my ability to make the complex, often intimidating world of taxes feel manageable and clear.

What sets me apart is the unique combination of ‘Big Four’ and ‘Big Tech’ operational standards paired with a personal, community-focused approach. Because I spend my days navigating finance operations at Google, I bring a level of analytical precision and data integrity to my private practice that is rare to find. I provide the same level of sophisticated oversight to a local entrepreneur that a major corporation would expect.

Brand-wise, I am most proud of being a relatable, trustworthy resource in an industry that can often feel out of reach or impersonal. As a Black female CPA—representing a very small percentage of the profession—I bring a unique and necessary perspective to the financial space. I am proud to be a professional that clients from all walks of life can identify with and trust.

I want readers to know that my brand is more than just a service; it’s a commitment to professional excellence. Whether you are an established professional or a growing small business, my goal is to ensure you feel seen, heard, and confident that your finances are in good hands.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
As a CPA, my career is built on mitigating risk and ensuring accuracy. Naturally, I’m a calculated thinker. However, I believe there is a significant difference between being reckless and being willing to bet on yourself.

The biggest risk I’ve taken was the decision to launch my own practice. On paper, I already had a successful, stable career path. Staying solely on that path would have been the ‘safe’ choice. The risk wasn’t just financial; it was the risk of stepping out of the comfort zone of a large corporate structure and putting my own name on the door.

My perspective on risk is that the greatest danger isn’t failure—it’s stagnation. I realized that if I wanted to bridge the representation gap in this industry and provide the kind of personal, high-impact service I was passionate about, I had to be willing to embrace the discomfort of the unknown.

I think about risk the same way I think about a complex tax strategy: it’s about doing the due diligence, understanding the variables, and then moving forward with confidence. Taking the leap to start my firm was a calculated risk, but the reward—seeing the direct impact I have on my clients’ lives—has proven that it was the right one to take.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jacksoncpaservices.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deionnajackson