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Joanie Halfaker

President
Clarity for Women, Inc.
Tampa, FL

 

Joanie Halfaker was in college by the time her father earned his CPA and opened a CPA practice.

But even after seeing his accomplishment, she did not immediately plan to follow in her father’s footsteps. “I was going to get a degree in math, but decided I would earn more money in accounting,” Joanie says.

Since graduating from Florida State University, Joanie has worked as a public accountant, as a Controller and CFO for public companies as well as owned a CPA practice (just like her father).

Now Joanie owns a financial planning firm that helps women build solid financial plans and advises business women on strategies for their businesses. “The most important thing about my job today is counseling women who are rebounding from two of the worst experiences in their life – death of their spouse and divorce,” she says.

It’s not just about business in Joanie’s firm—she likes to connect with her clients on a personal level. “My clients are long-term clients who I get to know pretty closely.

So I have to admit I think about them often and find ways to add value to our relationships.”

Although she may have to spend any given day meeting with perspective clients or testifying in a divorce case, Joanie has the freedom to work whatever hours work best for her, her family and her clients. “I think the CPA was the best thing I ever did,” she says. “There is instant credibility when a client sees that I am a CPA. I believe my success as a financial planner is directly related to having the CPA.”

Joanie says being a CPA is integral for creating career freedom, whatever path you choose. Her CPA opened doors at large accounting firms and was essential in her getting the jobs as Controller and CFO of public companies. “I am thrilled that my husband (also a CPA) and I started our own businesses in 1996,” Joanie says. “We are not ‘wealthy’ by any stretch but we live comfortable, happy lives in control of our own destiny. I believe the CPA gave us that freedom.”

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