Heidy Sykes Brings Accounting Experience to a Family-Owned Venture

For Heidy Sykes, accounting is not simply a matter of recording transactions. It is a way to create clarity, strengthen accountability, and help people make informed decisions. After more than 26 years in accounting and finance, she is bringing that perspective to two complementary roles: Chief Accountant at Bronx Veterans Medical Research Foundation, Inc. and co-founder of H & J Bookkeeping, LLC.

The second role marks an important expansion of her professional journey. Founded with her sister, H & J Bookkeeping is a woman-owned, family-operated business created to make reliable bookkeeping support more accessible to small business owners. The venture allows Heidy to apply decades of practical knowledge while building something grounded in family, perseverance, and financial independence.

Building a Career Around Accuracy

Heidy’s experience encompasses accounting operations, financial reporting, reconciliations, and financial management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from The College of New Rochelle and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. Together, her education and professional experience have shaped an approach centered on accurate records, dependable processes, and continuous improvement.

In her current position at Bronx Veterans Medical Research Foundation, Inc., Heidy oversees accounting activities and supports financial reporting for research investigators. She also coordinates with outside accountants and assists with audit preparation. These responsibilities require careful attention to documentation as well as the ability to keep multiple accounting needs organized.

One of her notable process-improvement efforts was leading a transition to paperless reconciliation procedures. The initiative modernized the accounting workflow and improved the way financial documentation was maintained. It also reflected a principle that has guided her career: established processes can be strengthened when professionals are willing to examine how work is completed and identify more effective methods.

Turning Experience Into Entrepreneurship

Over time, Heidy saw an opportunity to use her accounting background beyond her organizational role. Many small business owners need consistent financial support but may not have access to an in-house accounting department. H & J Bookkeeping was established to help address that need with practical, accessible services.

The company provides monthly bookkeeping, account reconciliations, financial reporting, cleanup services, and QuickBooks Online support. Its purpose is to help entrepreneurs organize their records and better understand their financial position. With clearer information, business owners can devote more attention to operating and growing their companies while approaching decisions with greater context.

Building the company with her sister gives the work added meaning. Their partnership combines professional strengths with shared values, connecting the practical demands of business ownership to a longer-term vision for their family. It also demonstrates how experience gained across a career can become the foundation for a new entrepreneurial direction.

Sharing Knowledge and Creating Opportunity

Mentorship is another consistent part of Heidy’s work. She trains and guides staff, sharing lessons developed through years of hands-on accounting responsibility. Her emphasis is not limited to completing a task correctly; it includes helping others build the skills and confidence to take greater ownership of their work.

That commitment carries into her interest in supporting women in business. Heidy views professional success not only through individual accomplishments, but also through the opportunities people create for others. Her path from experienced accounting professional to business co-founder shows how established expertise can be redirected toward service, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.

A Practical Mission With a Personal Foundation

H & J Bookkeeping brings together several threads of Heidy’s career: financial accuracy, process improvement, education, and support for others. Its mission is practical—helping entrepreneurs understand their finances—but the foundation is also personal. The business represents a partnership between sisters and an effort to create long-term opportunities rooted in their shared priorities.

As she continues balancing accounting leadership, mentorship, and business ownership, Heidy is focused on making financial information more understandable and useful. Her journey offers a grounded reminder for experienced professionals considering entrepreneurship: knowledge accumulated over many years can become more than a personal asset. It can form the basis of a business designed to help others move forward with greater organization, clarity, and confidence.