Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Ellis.
Hi Rachel, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Thank you for having me on Voyage Maryland! Its truly an honor. I’m a CPA and Political Finance consultant based in Maryland. My career has really been built at the intersection of finance, operations, and public service. I started out with a strong foundation in accounting and over time found myself drawn to work where details matter, deadlines matter, and the work has a real impact.
Today, I run my own firm, Ellis CPA, LLC, where I provide assurance, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax-related support for clients. I also serve as a financial consultant, where I handle FEC reporting, financial oversight, and compliance for a congressional and state senate campaign. That combination has taught me how to stay organized under pressure, communicate clearly, and manage complex responsibilities with precision.
What I think has shaped me most is that I’ve always liked work that requires both structure and strategy. Whether I’m helping a client stay on top of their books or making sure campaign reporting is accurate and timely, I enjoy being the person who brings order, accountability, and follow-through.
At this point in my career, I’m especially focused on continuing to grow in ways that let me use my financial expertise, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills to support organizations and people in a meaningful way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not exactly a smooth road, but it’s been a really rewarding one.
Early on, I had to balance building my reputation with the community as a trusted partner while also learning how to run my own firm. There were moments when I was juggling multiple clients, trying to figure out the right systems, and figuring out how to position myself as a go- to expert in the field. That part took time and patience.
Transitioning into political finance work added another layer of complexity. FEC compliance is detail-heavy, and the deadlines are strict. There were definitely times when I felt the weight of that responsibility, especially when I was still learning the nuances of campaign finance reporting. One mistake can have real consequences, so I had to focus on my mindset of extreme precision and accountability.
Another challenge has been managing everything while also staying committed to my own well-being. I’m someone who values fitness, nutrition, journaling, and having a balanced routine, but early in my career, I sometimes let work take over. Learning to protect time for health, rest, and personal growth was a struggle I had to work through intentionally.
I’ve also had to grow in how I communicate professionally; whether it’s writing clearer emails, being more confident in my messaging, or presenting myself in networking and political settings. That’s been a learning process, but it’s made a big difference.
Overall, there were bumps, but each struggle taught me something that helped me get stronger, more organized, and more confident in where I’m going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in detail-heavy financial work that requires accuracy, timing, and a clear understanding of regulations; whether that’s for small business clients or my local citizens associations. I’m known for being highly organized, reliable under pressure, and the person who brings clarity to complicated financial situations.
I’m a two-time Forbes Best in State CPA, recognized in 2025 and 2026, which is something I’m incredibly proud of. I also audit passed peer review, which reflects the quality and integrity of my firm’s work. These recognitions matter to me because they validate the standards I’ve built my practice around.
What sets me apart is that I combine technical accounting expertise with real-world operational experience. I’m not just someone who understands the numbers—I understand how those numbers connect to business goals, campaign strategy, and compliance requirements. I bring a level of accountability, precision, and follow-through that clients can trust, especially when deadlines are tight and the stakes are high.
Most of all, I’m proud of building a firm that reflects my values: accuracy, professionalism, and service. I enjoy being the person people rely on when they need financial work done right.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes! I rely on a mix of books, apps, and tools that support systems, development and day-to-day efficiency.
The book that really shaped how I run my business is The E-Myth by Michael Gerber. It taught me how to build systems so my firm can operate smoothly without me having to be in every detail. That mindset has been essential as I’ve grown Ellis CPA, LLC.
I also loved $100M Leads by Alex Hormozi. It gave me practical methods for winning business and scaling my client base. For relationship-building and communication, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie has been a constant reference; it’s helped me in networking, client conversations, and even campaign settings.
For apps and tools, Calendly has been a game-changer. It’s an app that has improved my efficiency in ways I cannot even explain. It streamlines scheduling, eliminates back-and-forth messages, and lets clients book time with me automatically; which saves me hours every week.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elliscpallc.com
- Instagram: Ellis CPA, LLC
- Facebook: Ellis CPA, LLC
- Youtube: Ellis CPA, LLC
