World Renowned Accountant Raises The Bar for Success

By Vincent Willams

Ayton L. Taylor was not born in the United States, yet, when he emigrated from Jamaica to Chicago, Illinois, USA, he brought with him the determination and character to not only have a positive influence on the community, but to also use whatever platform his talents and education has provided him to uplift others as well.

This commitment was informed by his parents, both teachers, who inculcated into their seven children the belief that though money is important, education and a disciplined approach is the passport to achieving your goals. After first entering the teaching profession, Ayton switched his focus to the study of economics and then to the practice of accounting.

He founded and is President of A. L. Taylor and Associates, a highly reputable accounting and consulting firm based in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. With a strong commitment to providing exceptional financial services, A. L. Taylor and Associates has built a solid reputation for delivering reliable expertise and tailored solutions to individuals, businesses, and organizations.

The firm offers a comprehensive range of accounting services, including financial statement preparation, bookkeeping, tax planning and preparation (including representing clients before the IRS), and compliance services focused on the small to medium sized business.

However, what sets A. L. Taylor and Associates apart is not just a commitment to personalized service, but also a commitment to proactively prepare minority and women-led businesses to expand the vision they may have for their businesses; this includes potentially expanding their client base internationally through working on joint projects, trading internationally or exploring investment opportunities.
Over a ten-year period, Ayton Taylor has led trade missions to expose and educate small and medium sized businesses to opportunities on the African continent as well as in South America. Through the careful cultivation of relationships with key decision makers, including some heads of government, businesses have been able to take advantage of the opportunities which exist internationally.
A.L. Taylor & Associates, has for over twenty-five years, actively worked with the Chicago Public Schools to hire local students in high school, college and graduate school to work in the firm and receive paid internships. A recent study conducted by The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) is reporting that
minority students are at a disadvantage when it comes to internships. The problem particularly impacts black students.
NACE research of the graduating class of 2019 shows black students accounted for 6.6% of graduating seniors, but just 6% of paid internships. At the same time, black students accounted for 7.3% of unpaid internships, meaning they are underrepresented as paid interns and overrepresented as unpaid interns. NACE further reports exactly the opposite for white students; overrepresented in paid internships and underrepresented in unpaid positions.
Ayton Taylor through his firm, A.L. Taylor & Associates, has continued to stand by his commitment to use the platform that his business provides, to not only have an unwavering commitment to client success, but to continue to use the platform his business provides to make a difference in the community he serves.