Celebrating Hispanic Professionals Year Round

Elation Communications continues the celebration of Hispanic heritage by recognizing the contributions of Hispanic professionals in various fields, including accounting. This feature spotlights Hilario Rios, a successful bookkeeper and accountant, and a Hispanic businessman who exemplifies the values and strengths derived from his heritage.

At Elation Communications, celebrating diversity isn’t just a monthlong initiative—it’s an ongoing commitment that enriches our workplace culture and strengthens our community. As we recognize the invaluable contributions of Hispanic professionals, we believe in fostering an inclusive environment that honors their achievements year round.

Hilario Rios, founder of Rivers Bookkeeping, manages accounting and bookkeeping for Elation Communications. As a trusted partner and Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor, Hilario has over 15 years of experience working with small businesses. He shared his career path to becoming a successful entrepreneur in a short interview with Elation Communications.

What inspired you to pursue a career in bookkeeping/accounting?
“I’ve always had a passion for numbers and have been good at math since I was a kid. Two of my older brothers, who are 12 and 14 years older than me, are accountants, and I’ve always looked up to them. Their influence and guidance inspired me to pursue a career in bookkeeping and accounting. It felt like a natural path, combining my personal strengths with a field that plays a crucial role in helping businesses succeed.”

What has been your proudest professional achievement?
“My proudest professional achievement has been starting my own business in 2010 and having the opportunity to help hundreds of businesses since then. Many business owners don’t fully realize how crucial it is to understand the financial health of their companies. By providing them with detailed financial reports, I help them make informed decisions that can drive their business success. Being a part of that process is incredibly rewarding.”

How has your Hispanic heritage influenced your professional path or approach to work?
“My Hispanic heritage has deeply influenced my professional path, especially in my desire to help other Hispanic businesses and businesses in general. We Hispanics take pride in having a strong work ethic, and I strive to embody that in everything I do. I see my work as an opportunity to represent the Hispanic community positively and am committed to delivering quality service and building trust with my clients.”

How important do you think representation is for Hispanic professionals in bookkeeping/accounting and finance?
“I think representation is incredibly important for Hispanic professionals in bookkeeping, accounting, and finance. Many Hispanic business owners may not speak English fluently, and having an accountant who can communicate with them in Spanish makes a huge difference in their ability to understand and manage their finances effectively. Additionally, there are often stereotypes about the types of jobs Hispanics typically hold, but the reality is that many Hispanics are thriving in professional careers like accounting. It’s important for us to break those stereotypes and show that we belong in these spaces.”

How do you celebrate your Hispanic heritage in your workplace or professional life?
“In my workplace, I celebrate my Hispanic heritage by focusing on the clients I serve, many of whom are Hispanic. For example, one of my customers is a Hispanic nonprofit whose mission is to increase Hispanic representation in television and the film industry. Supporting their work allows me to contribute to a larger effort to elevate the visibility and contributions of the Hispanic community. I also make it a point to support Hispanic businesses, whether through referrals or collaborations. Beyond that, I take pride in the hard work, resilience, and community-focused values that are central to Hispanic culture, and I strive to reflect those values in my professional life every day.”

How do you hope to inspire or mentor the next generation of Hispanic bookkeepers/accountants?
“I believe in the power of education and always emphasize the importance of attending college to obtain a college or advanced degree. My oldest son is currently studying accounting in college with the goal of becoming a CPA. In the future, he hopes to work in my business, adding new services like tax preparation and ultimately keeping the business in the family when I retire. By encouraging the next generation to pursue their education and careers in accounting, I hope to inspire them to carry on the legacy of hard work and dedication within our community.”

Elation Communications remains committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired to contribute their unique perspectives. By recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Hispanic professionals year round, we not only enrich our organization but also enhance the communities we serve. tion but also enhance the communities we serve.