Today we’d like to introduce you to AZ Moyer.
Hi AZ, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The name that I go by, A.Z., comes from the third grade when I was one of three Alex’s in my homeroom. A classmate helped me come up with A.Z. for nickname day, and it has stuck with me ever since!
I was a physics major when I first started college (which is nothing like high school physics by the way) and then I quickly switched my major to Accounting. After graduating, I started working in public accounting as an audit associate while simultaneously studying and working towards becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Since then, I worked as head of finance at a consulting firm and tech startup, started my side hustle AZ Does Taxes, and I currently work in sales at my full-time job.
Jumping from accounting to sales probably seems random or maybe even a little unheard-of, but I’m extremely outgoing and just truly enjoy trying new things, talking to new people, and being vulnerable. I’m often called the ‘extroverted accountant’, which I think has helped differentiate my small tax business from others.
When I’m not working you can find me either hanging out with my beautiful wife of five years and our pup Winnie, on the golf course, planning our next trip to Greece, or training for a triathlon. I am also an avid supporter of St. Jude and leading up to the 2021 Tulsa Ironman I was able to fundraise nearly $10k for the kids and families at St. Jude. The work that foundation is doing for these families is incredible, and I’ve learned valuable lessons in appreciation and perseverance from these kids.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely been a roller coaster. Lots of ups and downs, a little bit scary at times, but fun nonetheless!
AZ Does Taxes has always been a side hustle for me, so balancing that passion of mine to help others grow their businesses while also trying to grow my own and work a full-time job has been no easy task. Valuing my time, setting boundaries, and streamlining processes has definitely been the most challenging part. As my business grew from just doing a handful of tax returns each year to doing 90+ tax returns and monthly financial consulting for eight clients, I found myself committing more and more of my time to my clients and less time to the most important things in my life: family and friends.
I have to constantly remind myself of my worth and make sure I’m not only charging for that time appropriately but also setting clear boundaries with my clients. When I heard the phrase “those who take up most of your time are probably paying you the least” for the first time, it really got me thinking and I knew I needed to increase my rates. I was nervous but found that those who value my time and contribution will continue to pay increased rates. Feeling good about my pricing ensures that my clients and I have a mutually beneficial relationship and I am providing the very best service I can to them.
The challenges that come with owning my business are exactly the type of discomfort I try to seek out in my life. Growing my side hustle has opened many doors to full-time job opportunities, investment opportunities, and friendships that have even taken me to Greece for a wedding.
The big thing is – know your worth! There are people out there who will pay for quality!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At AZ Does Taxes, I focus on making accounting and taxes easy for growing businesses and individuals because I feel that the tax code is just way too complicated. For most of us, taxes will be the largest expense we incur in our lifetime, yet we spend little time and resources taking advantage of what the top 1% of people are doing through their highly paid accounting, tax, and legal teams.
My sweet spot is working with small business owners who are trying to figure out what can be a deductible expense, how to take advantage of the tax strategies available to them, and helping them find comfort in knowing that the proper systems are in place to remain compliant with all taxing agencies. Some companies will completely outsource tasks to me like bookkeeping and payroll, and other times I’m just needed for an hour here and there to consult.
And for companies that may not have a CPA in their budget, I publish everything I share with my clients. This includes consolidating new laws or changes to the tax code in an easy to digest format, resources on tax implications based on business or investment types, and tips on maximizing deductions. Most accountants on the internet are only scratching the surface on important tax topics because they want your business, but I think anyone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and invest in their own tax knowledge should have the resources and a good starting point to do so. A lot of tax strategies that can help you save money are not that confusing, it just takes a little bit of leaning in and learning the rules.
Like I say in all my blog posts, here’s to making money and keeping that money!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
“Done is better than perfect” and “See the ball go in”. These are two lines I live by.
In most cases, “Done is better than perfect.” This one line relates to all parts of life whether it’s creating content for your business, getting in shape, asking that person on a date, or sending that sales email. People tend to focus on the little things that most people overlook, and if you keep waiting for things to be perfect you’ll never get anything done. Now, I say sometimes because when it comes to things like tax returns, those do need to be perfect 😉
“See the ball go in” refers to the lesson my dad gave me while practicing basketball growing up. While it had a big impact on my shooting confidence, I’ve applied this manifestation technique to my personal life and career. If you can’t see the ball go in, it’ll never go in. If you can’t see yourself in that role, or dating that person, or writing that book, it’ll never happen! See yourself doing these things, manifest it, and the world will give you what you desire. I was able to get a sales role with 0 experience that asked for 3-5 years of selling experience because I manifested it, I asked my friends and family to manifest it for me, and now I am one of the top performers at my company.
Pricing:
- $250 hourly rate
- $450 minimum tax preparation fee
- $1,000/month outsourced CFO
Contact Info:
- Email: az@azdoestaxes.com
- Website: azdoestaxes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azizzle918/
Image Credits
The Austin Photo Truck
