Finding Purpose Through Unexpected Turns
Frances Cortez didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur. In fact, she spent years climbing the corporate ladder with no intention of leaving it. But when she was laid off in 2009 during the real estate crash, everything changed. With no job offers and little hope, she was encouraged to “do her own thing.” With guidance from CPA MOMS, that’s exactly what she did.
Her journey started with simple bookkeeping and evolved into a thriving firm with a team of eight. What’s more inspiring? Frances built her business not just for herself, but to help other women in her life reenter the workforce with confidence.
Embracing Mindset Shifts
One of the hardest parts of Frances’ transition from employee to entrepreneur was shifting her mindset. She had to stop thinking of herself as someone who worked for others and start viewing herself as someone who worked with them. She learned to see her clients as partners, not bosses, and that shift made all the difference.
She also had to let go of the pressure to “do it all.” Like many working moms, Frances carried the belief that being strong meant handling everything alone. It wasn’t until she embraced support, both from mentors and her growing team, that she was able to thrive.
Leading with Service and Family Values
Frances attributes much of her business success to one key principle: service. She’s never paid for advertising and has grown her client base entirely through referrals. Her clients trust her because she treats them like family, not just professionally, but personally.
That level of trust and care extends beyond clients. By creating flexible, remote roles for women in her own community, Frances is helping others reclaim their careers without sacrificing their families.
A Final Message for Women in Accounting
If Frances could offer one piece of advice, it’s this: You’re not alone. Seek out mentors, ask for help, and remember that your path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. The future is yours to shape.
Ready to build your practice on your terms? Join our supportive network: https://cpamoms.com/start
Frances Cortez is a seasoned accounting professional with over 30 years of experience and a trailblazing entrepreneur. In 2009, after 16 years in the industry, she founded Cortez Business Solutions and partnered with CPA MOMS to help redefine what success can look like for working mothers in accounting.
Over the past 15 years, Frances has supported more than 100 clients in achieving financial clarity—34% of them women-owned businesses. What began as a solo venture has grown into a thriving team of eight, all personally trained by Frances. She’s not only built a business, but a legacy of mentorship, equipping others—especially women and members of her own Latina family—with the tools and flexibility to thrive professionally without sacrificing family.
Her firm is rooted in trust, personalized service, and an innovative work-from-home model that empowers both mothers and fathers to balance career and caregiving. With a deep commitment to breaking barriers and building community, Frances continues to be a transformative force in the accounting industry.