Jennifer Barnes MBA

Jennifer graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing. Earned her MBA from San Diego State University and completed the Becker CPA courses. She has sat on many boards in her career and currently sits on the non-profit boards of The Better Business Bureau, Tech Coast Angels, and Junior Achievement. She also sits on a publicly traded board- Presidio's Property Trust and is on the audit committee. She is also a partner of Social Venture Partners, which supports nonprofit organizations. Jennifer actively volunteers as a mentor at SDSU and REC at Miramar College and enjoys being a speaker and judge in various student competitions. Jennifer is currently a member of Rotary (club 33), Vistage International, Young Entrepreneurs Council, Collective 54, Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), Connected Women of Influence (CWI), National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and the San Diego Chamber of Commerce. Jennifer is a tenacious, kind, and genuine business executive. Work-life balance is very important to her, so she is adamant about her team having a flexible, friendly, and awesome workplace. Providing opportunities to superstar employees and helping small businesses grow is what keeps her motivated. Jennifer is married, has 7 nieces and nephews, loves spending time with friends and family, and enjoys being outside, especially jogging on the beach or speeding down the mountain on a snowboard.

I am no longer involved with Pro Back Office, LLC now doing business as PBO and have sold my 45% interest in the company. Details of the sale are confidential, but we have successfully parted ways.

Jennifer Barnes co-founded the company Pro Back Office in 2012 along with Mike Ford. From 2012-2017 Jennifer was the CEO of the company. In 2017, Jennifer and Mike became Co-Presidents of the company. Jennifer left PBO in September of 2018 to start Optima. Mike and Jennifer were 50/50 partners until Scott Palka was granted 10% equity in 2015. The company became the 5th fastest growing company in San Diego County in 2016, #40 in 2017 and #62 in 2018. PBO made the prestigious Inc 5000 fastest growing companies list in both 2017 and 2018 and also won best place to work for three years in a row. Jennifer's focus on culture and relationship building, along with her people over profits mentality, has kept her retention incredibly high over the years. She is a fast paced, growth oriented CEO who cares greatly for her team and about making an impact. She is often quoted with saying 'happy staff, happy clients".

Jennifer left TGG in 2012. Jennifer wishes the company well and welcomes competitors to the outsourced accounting space. TGG has thorough processes, well-trained employees and was a pioneer in the outsourced accounting space.

Provided interim Controller services for a dozen different companies and non profits

Directed and managed all aspects of accounting and finance with timely production of monthly financial reporting and presentation to various committees and board of directors.

Created processes, implemented controls, managed Intern program, reported to CEO and Board of Directors, prepared all financials statements and trained current Accounting Manager..

Reconciled balance sheet accounts and provided framework for monthly updates. Completed various projects on an as-needed basis, directed by the Controller.

Implemented QuickBooks, designed chart of accounts and prepared financial statements.