Josh Yelen has flipped the script on how businesses view finance, transforming from traditional CPA to a financial storyteller who makes taxes enjoyable and numbers meaningful. Through his leadership at ClearBooks, he's helping companies decode their financial puzzles while proving that even the most complex fiscal challenges can become opportunities for growth.
If you'd told Josh Yelen twenty years ago that he'd become known for making finance and taxes "fun," he probably would have laughed. Yet here we are, with clients raving about exactly that. "I'm not sure how one makes taxes 'fun,'" says John Gwin of The Auctus Group, "but somehow Josh does it."
"Most people see numbers as just figures on a spreadsheet," Josh says, leaning back in his chair at ClearBooks' office. "I see stories." It's this perspective that's transformed him from a traditional CPA into something of a financial detective, problem-solver, and growth strategist all rolled into one.
Take the time he untangled what he calls "The Great Payroll Puzzle" - a nightmare scenario involving 15+ states, the IRS, two vendors, and what he diplomatically refers to as "some pretty poor record-keeping." While two major HRIT platforms spent nine months scratching their heads, Josh cracked it in a week. "Sometimes you just need to roll up your sleeves and dive into the mess," he grins.
Josh's path hasn't exactly been linear. Before founding ClearBooks, he wore more hats than a haberdashery - COO, VP of Sales, CFO, and even co-founder of a biotech startup. "That sales experience? Completely changed how I view finance," he admits. Under his leadership, one company's sales pipeline grew by over 3000%. "People don't usually expect their CFO to geek out about sales metrics, but here we are."
This diverse background gives him a unique perspective. "I've been on pretty much every side of the table," he reflects. "When a founder tells me they're struggling with cash flow while trying to scale, I get it. I've been there, done that, probably have the spreadsheet somewhere."
For Josh, success isn't just about the impressive numbers - though they're certainly there. ($50M+ in capital raised, $100M+ in receivables recovered, and $75M+ in revenue growth, if you're counting.) It's about translating those numbers into real impact.
"Anyone can tell you your profit margins increased by 15%," he says. "I want to tell you how we got there, what it means for your business, and most importantly, what we can do next." This approach has earned him a reputation as more than just a financial advisor - he's become a trusted partner for businesses ranging from scrappy startups to established enterprises.
When new business owners Tara Kochis and her team at Collective Minds, LLC came to Josh feeling like financial management was "a guessing game," he didn't respond with a lecture on accounting principles. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work demystifying the numbers. "Now we're making more informed choices and feel much more confident," Tara shares. "It's been an eye-opening and truly educational experience."
Despite his impressive credentials - CPA, CEPA®, Six Sigma Green Belt, MBA, and enough letters after his name to make an alphabet soup - Josh's approach remains refreshingly down-to-earth. He's just as likely to discuss strategy over a slice of cake (he admits to having a major sweet tooth) as he is in a boardroom.
Mike Schatzman, Founder and CEO of Union Hospitality Group, puts it best: "ClearBooks has set the bar even higher." Whether he's helping startups navigate their first funding round or guiding established companies through complex financial transformations, Josh brings the same mix of expertise, enthusiasm, and clarity to every challenge.
As both CEO of ClearBooks and Managing Partner at Venture Forward Capital, Josh continues to push the boundaries of what financial leadership can be. His vision? To transform how businesses view finance - from a necessary evil to a powerful tool for growth.
"Every business has a story to tell," Josh says. "Sometimes it's hidden in the numbers, sometimes it's sitting in plain sight in an overlooked process. My job is to help tell that story - and then make it even better."
Ready to make your numbers tell a better story? Josh can be reached at Josh@ClearBooksHQ.com or (305) 322-4561. Warning: Finance discussions may actually be enjoyable.