Camille Turner, MSCTA, has spent more than 25 years building a distinguished career in accounting. She currently owns and operates Biz Mercado +, a business she founded in 2024. Her journey in accounting began in 2000 when she started as a self-employed professional, and her experience includes serving as the director of accounting at Rhythmic Development and working in the business processing unit at Arthur Andersen LLP.
Laying an educational foundation for her career accomplishments, Ms. Turner holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Rockford University. Committed to her professional development, she earned the Main Street Certified Tax Advisor certification from Mark J. Kohler in 2024. Additionally, she is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Turner is committed to giving back to her community. She volunteers with her children to put on dance performances for the elderly at nursing homes and participates in a dance ministry at her church. As a donor to the Homeschool Annual Charity, she supports dentists and hospitals. She also offers pro bono tax advisory services to underserved communities.
Reflecting on her path, a pivotal moment in Ms. Turner’s career occurred at Rhythmic Development when she successfully brought their accounting function in-house. Her detailed budget impressed the chief executive officer so much that he requested a personal meeting to commend her work, making this experience a cherished memory. Ms. Turner attributes her professional growth to the lesson of adapting and embracing change. Her ability to combat and overcome a chronic illness has taught her the importance of flexibility. When her previous approach no longer suffices, she shifts her mindset to stay present and adaptable.
Ms. Turner’s career is marked by numerous internal recognitions for her contributions, particularly her work with lower-income individuals through her tax practice. Her dedication to service extends to her personal life, where she takes pride in having homeschooled her children for 15 years, guiding them through their transition to college and independence. She also credits her achievements to her family’s support, meticulous planning, and unwavering determination to exceed expectations.
Ms. Turner believes that surpassing expectations, both for herself and her clients, is key to building lasting relationships and sustaining achievement. Whether working independently or for a company, she understands the importance of going the extra mile to create meaningful experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys a rich personal life filled with music and dance. Ms. Turner has played the violin for over a decade, and her hobbies include listening to music and exploring genealogy. She also cherishes time with her husband and two sons.
Looking to the future, Ms. Turner is pursuing further education, working toward becoming a certified public accountant and attending law school with the goal of becoming a tax attorney. She also plans to support her husband’s retirement from military service and aims to spend three months each year living abroad. She advises aspiring professionals to trust themselves, emphasizing that even when feeling insecure, one’s skills and knowledge remain valuable.