Trust is an integral part of any relationship – especially one that involves financial matters. We understand relationships develop over time and we take a deep dive into learning about your individual situation so we can provide the best outcome for your financial picture.
THROUGH OUR PROCESS, WE FOCUS ON THE THREE R’S – RESULTS, RELATIONSHIPS, AND RELIEF.
Results
We collaborate with you to determine the best solution for your unique needs, then rely on our seasoned expertise to deliver the best results.
Relationships
You can trust us to help you succeed. The size of our firm allows us to offer a full range of professional services at an affordable price, yet small enough to provide you with the individualized attention that you deserve
Relief
You can rest assured that when the need arises, our firm will handle everything for you, so you can focus on what’s important in your day-to-day life.
Mike Carter, CPA
Michael is a Veteran of the United States Air Force. Upon completion of his enlistment, he moved his family back to Murfreesboro to attend Middle Tennessee State University. Michael completed his undergraduate in two and a half years. Upon graduation, Michael went to work for a large firm in Nashville to further define what it was he wanted to do in the field. This is where he developed an interest in taxation and business advisory.
Michael moved from the Nashville job market to a local firm to help develop his interaction with clients and to learn what it takes to offer more specialized services to small and medium business owners.
Michael first had the idea of Carter Financial Consulting after researching the current state of the profession and developing a feel for where it would be headed. He began creating the idea behind the firm in early 2016, based on interactions with clients and upon completion of several special projects. He began to merge skills he gained from both the military and the firms he worked in over time. In early 2019 he made the switch to full-time firm management.
Michael and his family reside in Murfreesboro, TN. They attend River Oaks Community Church where they serve in several capacities. They enjoy spending time outdoors and spend much of the spring, summer, and fall traveling throughout Middle and East Tennessee to campgrounds.
Stephanie Rutledge, Bookkeeper
Stephanie currently serves on the bookkeeping team and she also handles sales and use tax accounts at the firm. She believes her role at Carter FC is to walk alongside business owners to create, build, and achieve their business dreams. Having up-to-date books and financial reports frees business owners to make the best decisions for their business and plan for future success. Her vision is to provide CREATIVE service to our clients: commitment, respect, efficiency, accuracy, teachability, integrity, value, and enjoyment.
Before Carter FC, she owned & operated a bookkeeping service in the Murfreesboro area. From 2011 to 2020, Stephanie was the Camp Services Manager at The Salvation Army’s Camp Paradise Valley in Burkesville, KY, where she was responsible for the operation’s administrative and service divisions. Her work history includes many years of administrative work as well as years to raise her family.
Stephanie has been married for over 20 years to her husband, Victor Rutledge, and together they have four children ranging from 19 to 5. Their family moved to Murfreesboro in 2020 for her husband to start a new business venture, and along the way, Stephanie found her niche in the bookkeeping world. Along with her family, she attends World Outreach Church, where you will find them in small groups & youth groups. They enjoy spending time outdoors boating, swimming, and anything else involving water. Being newer to the Murfreesboro area, they enjoy finding new places to explore and taking advantage of their house’s access to the Greenway & Barfield Park.
Jordan Miller, Bookkeeper
Jordan Miller joined Carter Financial Consulting in 2022 as a Bookkeeper.
Before joining the firm, Jordan worked at a boat dealership/marina where he started as a detailer and worked his way up to customer service representative. Jordan enjoyed building rapport with customers and making sure they were always taken care of. Jordan saw where the company had a deficiency in its warranty system and its relationship with manufacturers outside of sales. Jordan began rebuilding relationships with manufacturers and learning the warranty process for each manufacturer, also laying it out simply so the job could be filled with ease. Jordan started doing simple bookkeeping for the dealership before joining the firm.
Jordan feels he finds success in having a full understanding of your business so that the books can be most accurately recorded. Jordan actively works on strengthening his relationship with his clients as well as expanding his knowledge so that he has more to offer. Jordan enjoys exploring Tennessee’s nature and wildlife, spending time with friends and family, and trying new hobbies. Jordan grew up in West Tennessee but relocated to Murfreesboro, TN at the beginning of 2022.
Helen Miller, Executive Assistant
Helen joined Carter Financial Consulting in 2022, to fill the Executive Assistant role.
She relocated to Murfreesboro after living in West TN for more than 30 years.
Helen served in the administrative field during her time in the United States National Guard and the United States Army Reserves, at Tennessee Technology Center, and spent time as secretary and treasurer at First Christian Church in Adamsville, TN. Additionally, Helen spent 8 years as an Architectural Drafter in West Tennessee and 11 years in the clothing industry prior to switching roles in the administrative field.
Helen enjoys crafting and craft fairs, outdoor activities and camping, and spending time with family. She is a mother of three sons and a grandmother of 5. She enjoys exploring her surroundings and meeting new people along the way.
Earl Carter, Tax Preparer
Earl graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2013 with his B.S. in Finance. He is an 8yr Army veteran serving as a Military Police Officer. Before becoming a Tax Preparer with Carter Financial Consulting, he worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a medical biller, and Veteran Service Representative. He is working towards earning his Enrolled Agent designation and hopes to accomplish that in 2024. Earl enjoys outdoor activities such as kayaking and visiting state parks to hike with his wife and 2 children.
Kate Cornett, Tax Preparer
Kate is a December 2023 graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and has a bachelors degree in accounting and a concentration in international business.
She has 5 years of experience in the customer service industry and is entering the world of taxation. She enjoys spending free time with family and friends. She is a member of Temple Baptist Church in White House Tennessee.
She is currently working toward her CPA license.
Jim Connolly, Bookkeeper
Jim is from the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA and now resides in Alexandria, VA with his wife Marissa. He grew up playing basketball and played at Philadelphia University, where he studied accounting and finance. He has 6 years of accounting and finance experience, where he worked in public accounting, fund accounting, and have also worked as a budget analyst. For the last 4 years, he worked full-time as a college basketball coach at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, PA.