AccuCountants
For Elroy Johnson, president of AccuCountants, running a successful firm isn’t just about balancing the books, it’s about building systems and teams that allow small businesses and nonprofits to thrive. Based in Duluth, MN, AccuCountants provides accounting, payroll, and bookkeeping services with a focus on helping clients build confidence and clarity in their financials.
After four years of steady growth, Elroy encountered a challenge that many small firms face – hiring the right person for a key role. Despite multiple hiring attempts for a front desk position, the results were consistently disappointing. Candidates were unqualified or simply ghosted the interview process altogether. That changed when Elroy connected with Rovena Claxton, Northland SBDC’s human resources expert.
Rovena helped me get the best response I’ve ever had in seeking job candidates.
—Elroy Johnson
Together, they revised the job description, developed customized interview questions for both phone and in-person interviews, and implemented a better process for screening applicants. The results were immediate: 18 qualified applications came in within the first week, far exceeding past efforts.
Elroy first learned about Northland SBDC several years ago and has since worked with multiple consultants including Mary Lundeen (financing), Molly Solberg (marketing), and most recently, Rovena Claxton (human resources). “I’ve been very pleased with all of their services,” Elroy shared. “Northland SBDC professionals provide real and tangible value for small businesses.”
Rovena shared, “What sets Elroy apart is his vision for attracting and selecting candidates who want to grow their careers, not just fill a position. I helped him develop approaches to identify talent that aligns with his goal of building a team environment where new hires can grow from entry-level roles into trusted professionals.”
The support from Northland SBDC has gone beyond filling a position. It helps support Twin Ports community vitality. With a new team member now in place, Elroy is looking ahead to continued growth and is grateful to have a reliable, no-cost resource like Northland SBDC by his side.