Travis Zornoza
Meet Travis Zornoza one of our 2023 Top 25 Up-N-Coming ProAdvisors
Born and raised in the “Bluegrass State,” Kentucky. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Financial and Accounting Management and now manages his own accounting company.
Travis and his team over at TZORNOZA, LLC are all about their passion for providing powerful financial integration for small businesses through QuickBooks Online. They also provide instructional video courses on QuickBooks Online, accessible in American Sign Language, and captions to cater to a diverse clientele.
He is a proud Deaf individual and a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and is on the path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant. We sat down with Travis to get his thoughts on being a Top 25 Up-N-Coming ProAdvisor, his journey, path to success, and passion to empower businesses to navigate their way toward profitability through American Sign Language.
TZORNOZA, LLC
Give us a snapshot of your business.
TZORNOZA, LLC, founded by Travis Zornoza, is a firm passionate about providing effective and efficient financial integration for small businesses through QuickBooks Online. Travis, a proud Deaf individual and a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, is on the path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant. The firm specializes in bookkeeping and accounting services, including business formation, payroll services, bank reconciliation, and general ledger preparation. They also offer consulting services, cash flow management, and financial statement preparation. Additionally, TZORNOZA, LLC provides instructional video courses on QuickBooks Online, accessible in American Sign Language and with captions, catering to a diverse clientele.
Share your personal journey in the accounting industry
My journey in the accounting industry began with academic rigor, earning a Bachelor's in Science with a focus on Business Administration and a Master's in Accounting and Financial Management from DeVry University. Despite these qualifications, the job market between 2016 and 2018 posed significant challenges, with over 2,000 applications yielding limited opportunities. This experience steered me towards entrepreneurial pathways, leading to my QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor certification. My affinity for QuickBooks Online and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the accounting field culminated in the establishment of my firm, where I strive to deliver top-notch accounting services with a focus on inclusivity and efficiency.
Why did you become a QuickBooks ProAdvisor?
I became a QuickBooks ProAdvisor out of my appreciation for QuickBooks Online as my preferred accounting software. This decision was driven by my passion for the platform's capabilities and my desire to utilize its full potential in serving my clients effectively. Becoming a ProAdvisor allowed me to deepen my expertise in QuickBooks Online, enhancing my ability to provide specialized accounting services and positioning me to better support small businesses with their financial needs.
Do you have a niche that you focus on or do you have a particular service that is key to your practice?
At TZORNOZA, LLC, our niche focuses on providing comprehensive accounting services primarily through QuickBooks Online.
What are your main goals for yourself or your business for 2024?
My main goals for 2024 are to transition into the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for The ASL shop and to dedicate time to studying for the CPA exams. This transition will allow me to apply my extensive accounting knowledge and skills in a strategic leadership position, furthering my professional growth. Simultaneously, pursuing the CPA qualification is a key step in my commitment to continuous learning and expertise in the field of accounting. These goals are aligned with my vision of expanding my professional scope and enhancing the services offered by my firm.
Discuss any notable trends or changes you've observed in the accounting industry.
A significant trend I've noticed in the accounting industry is the increased reliance on QuickBooks Online by deaf entrepreneurs, often stemming from difficulties in securing traditional employment. This trend highlights a larger issue: the need for greater inclusivity and accessibility in the workforce. As more deaf individuals turn to entrepreneurship, there's a corresponding rise in the use of accessible, digital accounting tools like QuickBooks Online, which better align with their communication needs and business practices.
Share your thoughts on how these trends may impact accounting professionals.
The trend of increased QuickBooks Online adoption among deaf entrepreneurs, driven by challenges in securing traditional employment, could have several impacts on accounting professionals. Firstly, it may lead to a higher demand for accountants proficient in QuickBooks Online and knowledgeable in working with a diverse clientele. Secondly, it highlights the need for greater inclusivity and accessibility in accounting services, potentially pushing professionals to adopt more adaptable communication methods. Lastly, it could inspire more training and awareness programs within the industry to better serve underrepresented groups, leading to a more inclusive accounting environment.
Do you anticipate 2024 to be flat, up, or down for your firm and please share why?
For 2024, I anticipate growth for my firm. This optimism is based on the increasing trend of deaf entrepreneurs adopting QuickBooks Online, indicating a rising need for specialized accounting services tailored to this demographic. As more individuals in the deaf community turn towards entrepreneurship, the demand for accountants who understand their unique needs and preferences is likely to grow. Additionally, my focus on becoming a CFO and obtaining CPA certification will enhance the firm's capabilities, positioning us to capitalize on these emerging opportunities.
Share some best practices that have contributed to the success of your firm.
One of the key best practices that have significantly contributed to the success of our firm is our strict adherence to managing deadlines through the use of comprehensive checklists, productivity apps, and specifically, the Keeper app. These tools play a crucial role in supporting our workflow, ensuring that tasks are organized and completed efficiently. Additionally, we maintain a proactive approach by consistently updating our clients' books to provide them with the most accurate and up-to-date financial information possible. This commitment to timely and accurate data, facilitated by the Keeper app, empowers our clients to make informed decisions, ultimately enhancing their financial well-being.
Discuss any innovative approaches or strategies that have proven effective.
One innovative approach that has been highly effective for our firm is the use of digital tools such as the Keeper app to streamline workflow and ensure the timely completion of tasks. Additionally, we offer instructional video courses in American Sign Language (ASL) with captions, making financial concepts accessible to the deaf community and fostering stronger client relationships. Embracing digital communication tools and secure online portals, we facilitate transparent and efficient interactions with clients, regardless of their location or communication preferences. Automation solutions further enhance accuracy and enable us to focus on value-added tasks. Finally, our commitment to continuous learning keeps us at the forefront of industry trends, ensuring we provide the most relevant and effective solutions to our clients.
Identify common challenges that accounting firms face, and how does your firm address them?
Common challenges that accounting firms often face include maintaining efficient workflows, ensuring accuracy in financial data, adapting to changing regulations, and fostering strong client relationships. At TZORNOZA, LLC, we address these challenges through a combination of innovative strategies. We maintain strict adherence to managing deadlines using checklists and productivity apps like the Keeper app, ensuring that tasks are organized and completed efficiently. This approach helps us maintain a streamlined workflow. Our commitment to continuous learning allows us to stay updated on changing regulations, ensuring compliance and accuracy in financial data. Additionally, our use of digital communication tools and online portals fosters transparent and efficient client interactions, strengthening client relationships and enhancing our ability to provide tailored solutions to their evolving needs.
What are your insights into overcoming obstacles and adapting to industry changes?
Overcoming obstacles and adapting to industry changes requires a proactive and flexible approach. In my journey, I've learned that staying informed and embracing technology is essential. We continually invest in education and training to keep our skills up-to-date and relevant. Additionally, we actively seek feedback from clients to understand their evolving needs and challenges. This input informs our strategies and allows us to tailor our services accordingly. Embracing automation and digital tools has also been crucial in streamlining our processes, increasing efficiency, and staying ahead of industry shifts. Moreover, we prioritize inclusivity, providing accessible resources to serve a diverse clientele, which positions us to thrive in a changing accounting landscape.
Are there any particularly rewarding client experiences or success stories?
A highlight of our work involved assisting a nonprofit organization transition from an 80K debt to a 100K cash reserve. This success not only stabilized their finances but also ensured their continued provision of social services to deaf survivors.
How does your firm add value to clients beyond traditional accounting services?
Beyond traditional accounting services, our firm adds substantial value to clients in several ways. We take a holistic approach to financial management, offering strategic guidance and insights that extend beyond mere number-crunching. This includes proactive financial analysis, cash flow management, and budgeting assistance to help clients make informed decisions and achieve their financial goals. Our commitment to inclusivity ensures that we provide accessible resources, such as instructional videos in American Sign Language (ASL), to cater to the deaf community, promoting financial literacy and empowerment. Additionally, our use of technology and digital communication tools allows for transparent and real-time collaboration, enabling clients to actively participate in their financial management. We view ourselves as partners in our client's success, offering not just accounting expertise but a comprehensive suite of services aimed at improving their financial well-being.