Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Murphy.
Hi Anita, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story in the financial world really began in 2002. Fresh out of Piedmont Technical College, I stepped into the accounting field with a passion for organization and a drive to understand the ‘language of business.’
I spent the first chunk of my career working within various CPA firms. Those years were my training ground; I wasn’t just doing paperwork—I was observing how different industries operated, how they succeeded, and where their financial vulnerabilities lived. I realized early on that to truly advocate for my clients, I needed to be more than just a generalist.
In 2017, I leveled up my expertise by earning my Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation. Dealing with the complexities of payroll is a common pain point for business owners, and I wanted to be the person who could take that weight off their shoulders.
However, I’ve always been drawn to the ‘why’ behind the numbers. This curiosity led me back to school while working full-time, and in 2022, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Accounting. This gave me a ‘financial detective’ lens—the ability to look past the surface and ensure every dollar is exactly where it’s supposed to be.
After over two decades of helping other firms grow, I reached a turning point in 2025. I realized that my unique blend of deep-rooted experience and specialized forensic knowledge could be best used by starting my own practice. I wanted to offer a level of personalized bookkeeping that you don’t always find at larger firms. I like to build relationships and act more as a partner to my clients.
Now, as we head into 2026, I’m thrilled to be building something of my own. My journey has been about constant growth and preparation, and I’m ready to help my clients do the exact same with their businesses.
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?
I wouldn’t say the road has been smooth, but it has certainly been rewarding. The biggest challenge was undoubtedly the balancing act of professional growth. Earning my CPP in 2017 and finishing my Bachelors in Forensic Accounting in 2022 wasn’t happening in a vacuum—I was working full-time in demanding CPA firms during the day and studying by night, while raising 2 children with my husband. There were many ‘tax seasons’ where the workload felt insurmountable, but those high-pressure environments were exactly what forged my skills.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At its core, MAMA Bookkeeping, LLC provides comprehensive bookkeeping and payroll management, but we do so through a specialized lens. Having spent over two decades in the industry, I have refined my services to focus on where businesses need the most protection:
Forensic-Level Bookkeeping: Because of my degree in Forensic Accounting, I don’t just “input data.” I analyze it. I specialize in deep-clean reconciliations—finding the “missing pieces” that others overlook.
Full-Cycle Payroll Compliance: As a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP), I handle the complexities of payroll taxes, filings, and compliance, ensuring business owners stay on the right side of the law.
Strategic Financial Oversight: We help businesses transition from “surviving” to “scaling” by providing clear, accurate financial reporting that informs better decision-making.
What Sets Us Apart?
The market is full of automated software and entry-level bookkeepers. What sets us apart is the 24-year pedigree behind the work. I bring the rigorous standards, ethics, and workflows of high-level CPA firms to a boutique, accessible setting.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of my commitment to lifelong expertise. I didn’t just start a business because I like numbers; I started it after a 23-year journey of intentional education and professional evolution. I am proud that my brand stands for unshakeable integrity. When a client sees my name or my firm’s logo, I want them to feel a sense of immediate relief. I want them to know that their “financial house” is not just clean—it’s built on a solid foundation. I pride myself on being a partner to my clients giving that personal touch and customer service that sometimes gets lost in the bigger firms.
How do you define success?
Early in my career, I might have defined success by the titles I held or the certifications behind my name. Today, after more than twenty years in this industry, my definition has evolved into something far more personal and impactful.
I define success as that ‘exhale’ I hear from a client when they finally understand their financial story. Many business owners live in a state of ‘financial fog’—they know they’re working hard, but they aren’t sure where the money is going or if they are truly protected. When I can use my forensic and accounting expertise to provide them with total clarity and peace of mind, that is a win. Having been in this field since 2002, I view success as longevity built on trust. In accounting, there are no shortcuts. To me, success is knowing that the work I do today will stand up to scrutiny ten years from now. It’s about building a reputation for unshakeable integrity, where my clients know their business is being handled with the highest level of professional ethics.
Finally, success is the freedom to build a practice that reflects my own values. Stepping out on my own in 2025 was a defining moment. Being able to choose my path, continue my education (like my 2022 Forensic degree), and directly impact the lives of other entrepreneurs is my highest metric of success. If I am helping other businesses thrive while continuing to grow my own expertise, I’ve achieved exactly what I set out to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mamabookkeeping.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MAMABookeeping
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anita-murphy-cpp-02344718
