Mark Hartley is a principal with Loy Hartley and Co., an Ann Arbor, Mich-based accounting firm that he co-founded 18 years ago.

Q. Why did you choose your profession?

A. I have an aptitude for math and enjoy problem solving. It was an obvious fit.


Q. Did you set out to focus on small business?

A. Not really. After graduating from college, I joined a CPA firm with offices in several cities in Michigan. But, small business is the driving force behind many CPA firms. So, I spent a lot of time working on the audit staff, auditing small businesses. That evolved into a specialty.


Q. What did you do next?

A. I applied to an ad in an Ann Arbor paper from a firm looking for an experienced CPA. Soon after I joined, it dissolved, and my partner and I decided to start our own firm, focusing on small businesses and individuals.


Q. What have been the biggest challenges?

A. The number one challenge is finding, retaining and motivating quality staff. Our accountants need accounting, auditing, tax, and computer skills and it's always tough to find people with skills in all those areas.


Q. What are your favorite resources?

A. We use Practitioner's Publishing Co., which provides publications, information, and checklists to CPA firms. We have on-line access to that material, and we have the information loaded on our network. We also try to keep in touch with what's happening in the business community through different business magazines.


Q. What is your most useful gadget?

A. We use the computer, e-mail, cell phones, on a daily basis. They're great for keeping in contact with the office when you're out, and with clients. We also use the Internet for resource information.


Q. What advice would you give someone starting out in your profession?

A. Most important is looking for a position that will provide you with assistance in developing the necessary tax, accounting, auditing, and computer skills to be successful. I recommend a larger employer, because you'll probably have a more hands-on manager. In smaller firms, people don't have the time to train staff.


Q. What's the best and worst part of your job?

A. The best part is working with clients and dealing with business problem-solving -- cash flow, employment, taxes. The worst is the deadline pressure, especially in tax season.


Q. What are the most significant cash flow problems facing small business?

A. One is getting an understanding of their cash flow. New-business owners often haven't done any planning for when money will be coming in, seasonal trends, cycles. Another problem is customers' stretching out payment time as credit becomes tighter. Another is credit lines. Many small-business owners don't anticipate the need for one until it's too late.