Mary A. Barton

About Mary A. Barton

Mary A. Barton, CPA is the President and CEO of Equitable Accounting Solutions, a Detroit-based firm providing full-service accounting and advisory services to small service-based businesses. With over 20 years of experience, Mary brings deep expertise in taxation, assurance, advisory, and financial reporting across a wide range of industries.Known for her strategic, people-centered approach, Mary collaborates closely with business owners, internal teams, vendors, and bankers to provide a comprehensive understanding of financial landscapes. Her proactive guidance helps clients navigate complex financial matters—including wealth management—while building strong foundations for growth and long-term stability.A proud woman of color and small business owner, Mary is especially passionate about supporting women- and minority-owned businesses. She understands the vital role these businesses play in driving economic development and is committed to helping them thrive through education, advocacy, and hands-on financial support.Mary is a dedicated community leader, serving as Treasurer for the NAWBO Greater Detroit Chapter, an organization that propels women entrepreneurs into economic and political spheres of influence. She also serves as PTA Treasurer at her son’s public elementary school and mentors college students through MICPA and Winning Futures. Mary is a board member of MACRS (Minority Accounting Career Resource Society), where she helps create access to accounting careers for high school and college students.Her leadership and commitment have been widely recognized. Mary received the 2022 MICPA Advancing Equity Award, the 2022 NAWBO GDC Top 10 Michigan Business Women Award, and the 2024 Enterprising Women Champion Award. She was awarded a scholarship by General Motors in partnership with NAWBO to attend “Building a Successful Diverse Business” at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth in 2023, and graduated from the Goldman Sachs Small Businesses Program in 2024. Most recently, she was named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State CPAs in 2025.Mary lives in Detroit with her husband and two energetic boys. Outside of work, she enjoys yoga, fine dining, travel, and live music.

Experience

1. President & CEO

   Equitable Accounting Solutions

   Jan 2020 — Present · Detroit, MI, US

   Through Equitable Accounting Solutions, I offer a full range of accounting and advisory services designed to meet businesses where they are, whether you\'re just starting out or preparing to scale. My goal is to help you understand your numbers so you can make informed decisions with confidence.Here’s how I support my clients:Fractional CFO Services – I provide high-level financial guidance, including budgeting, cash flow management, forecasting, and strategic planning, without the cost of a full-time CFO.Bookkeeping & Financial Reporting – I ensure your books are accurate, organized, and up to date, so you always know where your business stands.Tax Planning & Preparation – From annual filings to proactive planning, I help to minimize your tax liabilities while staying compliant.Business Advisory – I work closely with founders to develop financial systems, interpret key metrics, and build strong foundations for sustainable growth.If you\'re a business owner looking to gain control of your finances, reduce overwhelm, and grow with intention, my team and I are here to help. Fill out the form on our website: equitableaccountingsolutions.com.

Education

• University of Windsor

  Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.), Accounting

  2001 — 2005