KIMI ELLEN

Certified Public Accountant, Public Speaker, Author

Meet KImi

Kimi L. Ellen, CPA, is an award-winning CEO, managing partner, and strategic leader dedicated to building generational wealth through her innovative leadership in the accounting and finance sectors. As the co-founder of Benford Brown & Associates, LLC, one of the largest African American women-owned accounting firms in the U.S., Kimi has created lasting impact by developing key strategies that drive both business growth and community prosperity. Through her leadership, the firm has quadrupled revenue in just three years, while expanding its services to include forensic auditing, government compliance, and fiscal agent services, managing over $200 million in funds.

Her career is a testament to her ability to blend financial expertise with community development. Kimi’s influence reaches beyond the walls of her firm as she serves on multiple high-profile boards, including the Access Community Health Network and the American Institute of CPAs Council. These roles allow her to continue fostering wealth-building opportunities for underrepresented communities and ensure the financial health of institutions that serve them.

Kimi’s reputation as a trusted advisor has earned her recognition in Forbes' inaugural Top 200 CPAs in the U.S. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and government entities, using her expertise to uncover financial misappropriations and collaborate with the FBI on high-profile cases. Her work in auditing, risk assessment, and fraud detection has been pivotal in ensuring accountability and trust in the organizations she serves.

In addition to her business accomplishments, Kimi is deeply committed to the professional development of others, particularly women and people of color in accounting. She is a strong advocate for diversifying leadership in corporate spaces, as seen in her role as Chairman of the Diverse Organization of Firms, where she became the first woman to hold this position in its 38-year history. Through her work with the National Association of Black Accountants and other industry organizations, she has not only helped raise the profile of Black professionals in accounting but has also facilitated the creation of generational wealth for future leaders.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Kimi is passionate about her family and her role as a mother and grandmother. Her legacy is defined not just by her business success but by her dedication to uplifting others and creating pathways for wealth-building in both her community and the broader business world.

highlights

Expert Insights on Financial Success

In a recent appearance on WGN's People to People, renowned public speaker and author Kimi Ellen shared invaluable advice on navigating tax season adjustments and enhancing financial well-being. With a wealth of experience in financial guidance, Kimi provided viewers with practical strategies to optimize their tax situation and make informed financial decisions.

Beyond media appearances, Kimi has significantly impacted the non-profit sector by speaking at numerous access-to-capital events. These engagements focus on empowering organizations with the knowledge and resources needed to secure funding and drive their missions forward.

Additionally, Kimi co-authored The Black Woman's Business Bible: Blueprint to Building a Successful Business, a comprehensive guide designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business. This influential work underscores Kimi's commitment to supporting business success and financial literacy.

Navigating Complex Financial Landscapes

As a distinguished financial leader, Kimi brings a wealth of experience in executive roles such as CEO, CFO, and COO. With a strong background in interpreting and managing complex financial statements, Kimi excels in guiding organizations through intricate financial landscapes. This expertise is crucial for companies seeking to optimize their financial health and strategic positioning.

In addition to hands-on leadership, Kimi serves as a Global Finance Leader and Board Director, leveraging a global perspective to drive financial excellence. As Audit Chair, Kimi ensures rigorous oversight and compliance, fostering transparency and accountability within financial practices.

Currently managing partner at Benford Brown and Associates, Kimi continues to lead with a commitment to innovation and strategic financial management. This role underscores Kimi's dedication to steering businesses toward long-term success and sustainable growth in a dynamic global market.

Empowering Financial Freedom Through Education

Kimi Ellen, CPA, is on a mission to bridge the wealth gap by equipping individuals with the financial knowledge they need to create lasting prosperity. As a leader in both accounting and education, she is passionate about breaking down the barriers that keep so many from achieving true financial freedom.

Through Wealth 101, her HillmanTok University course, Ellen teaches students how to build and sustain generational wealth by mastering essential financial principles—starting with calculating their net worth. As a managing partner at Benford Brown & Associates, LLC, the largest Black woman-owned public accounting firm, she brings real-world expertise to the classroom, making complex financial topics accessible and actionable.

Featured in Fallon Brannon’s article, "This Is Bigger Than Us." Meet The Black Women Educators Behind HillmanTok University, Ellen is committed to changing the narrative around wealth, particularly for historically underserved communities. Her work extends beyond numbers—it’s about empowerment, education, and ensuring that financial literacy is within everyone’s reach.

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