Meet the Mistress
Hi, I'm Holly
Some people are born into business; I was born into its chaos. By the time I was twelve, I was doing my entrepreneur father’s tax returns—a crash course in the stress, risk, and headaches that come from running a business without solid financial systems. I saw how disorganization could eat away at the rewards of entrepreneurship, and for years I hesitated to start my own company, afraid history might repeat itself.
Originally, I thought I’d become an English teacher—until I realized that working with high school students every day might test my sanity. So, I threw myself into a kaleidoscope of jobs and industries: teaching horseback riding, working retail, running a cash office, doing visual merchandising, pouring coffee as a barista, coaching gymnastics, managing a liquid nitrogen ice cream shop, and working in catering.
My first real step into this world came in 2011, when I used a 1990s version of QuickBooks as a point-of-sale and inventory tool for a gymnastics pro shop. Fast forward to 2016—a friend of a friend called to ask if I knew QuickBooks. I said “yes,” because I knew I could learn whatever I didn’t know on the job (I’m an autodidact by nature). Once I got the rhythm of the office, I dug into the software’s back end, took accounting classes, and fell in love with making the numbers make sense.
From there, I joined a midsize accounting firm, built out their bookkeeping department, briefly stepped back into internal accounting, and finally took the leap into business ownership. I founded Accrual Mistress in December 2020—my first official client was the firm I had just left. Since then, I’ve helped dozens of companies get their systems in order, guided countless new software users, and started teaching for my local SBA partner to ensure that practical financial knowledge is accessible to any business owner who wants it.
When I’m not wrangling books, I’m usually geeking out over my own personal finances—tracking investments, planning for retirement, and making my poor step-kids undergo constant reminders of the power of starting early. That means helping them open high-yield savings accounts, teaching them how to read their pay stubs for accuracy, and showing them why putting even small amounts into retirement accounts before 20 can make a huge difference later in life. Outside of the numbers, you’ll find me reading (I’m on an ongoing quest to hit 100 books a year), hiking, biking, knitting, puzzling, or spending time with my husband and our dog.
My Mission
What I Stand For
At Accrual Mistress Bookkeeping & Consulting, my mission is simple: To empower business owners with the clarity, confidence, and control they need to thrive — without getting lost in the numbers.
I believe bookkeeping isn’t just a back-office chore; it’s the heartbeat of a business. Done right, it transforms decision-making from reactive guesswork into strategic action. I’m here to make that transformation happen — so my clients can spend less time worrying about their books and more time building the business (and life) they want.
📊 Clarity in the Chaos
Numbers should tell a story, not cause confusion. I cut through the clutter, simplify the process, and make sure your financial data actually works for you.
⚡ Empowerment Through Knowledge
Whether you want me to handle your books entirely or guide you in doing them yourself, you’ll always know what’s happening and why. I’m here to make financial literacy accessible, actionable, and yes — even enjoyable.
💡 Systems that Work
Messy books aren’t a personality trait. I help business owners create streamlined, repeatable systems so the work gets done right, every time — no scrambling, no guesswork, no year-end panic.
🤝 Partnership, Not Pretense
I work with clients who are ready to grow, improve, and take control of their business. My role is to be a trusted partner, not just a vendor — someone who gets your goals and helps you get there faster.
📈 The Long Game
Good bookkeeping isn’t just about today’s transactions — it’s about setting you up for sustainable growth, fewer surprises, and a healthier business for years to come.
Why It Matters
I’ve seen firsthand how poor financial management can sink a good idea. I’ve also seen the confidence and freedom that comes from knowing exactly where you stand and what steps to take next. My goal is to give my clients that same confidence, so they can stop playing catch-up and start making empowered, strategic decisions.
When you work with me, you’re not just checking a box on your to-do list — you’re bringing in the expertise and systems that make running your business easier, smarter, and less stressful.