When it’s time to think about the number side of your business, you get a pit in your stomach and avoid it as long as possible. You’re constantly in fear that the IRS is going to come knocking on your door and you just feel so overwhelmed with taxes and bookkeeping that you aren’t sure where to start.
That’s Where We Come In
Hi, my name is Amy Northard and my amazing team and I are The Accountants for Creatives®. We help creatives like you all over the US navigate taxes and set up bookkeeping systems so they can get back to the part of the business they love – the creative part.
Ready to Get This Stuff Figured Out?
If you’re tired of constantly feeling stressed out by the money side of things or you need a financial expert for your thriving business, it’s time for us to chat. Contact us and we can set up a free 15-minute phone call to make a game plan for you.
Meet Your Financial Partners
Amy Northard, CPA
I’m not your typical accountant. I spent some time working at a traditional CPA firm and realized it was not for me. I wanted to work with clients and teammates who inspired me on a daily basis and made me feel excited for Mondays. That’s where this business grew from.
Now I get to teach creative business owners all about the tax and accounting side of the business so they don’t feel like it’s some big unknown stressful thing hanging over them all the time. I also love taking taxes and bookkeeping off your plate so you can focus on the fun parts of owning a business.
I’m a Certified Public Accountant with nearly a decade of experience in public accounting. I earned my undergraduate degree from Indiana University (Kelley School of Business) and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity.
When I’m not helping clients with taxes and bookkeeping, you can find me taste-testing craft beers (confession: not much of a wine person), on a run with my Goldendoodle pup Lilly or planning my dream log cabin with my husband.
James Northard, MBA
James is my right hand man, in life and business. Prior to joining us full-time James led a web design and development agency for just over a decade. His experience as a creative agency leader brings a unique and fresh perspective to our team and gives us deep insight into what creatives are looking for when it comes to their financials.
James holds a Master of Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University and completed his undergraduate at Purdue University (Indianapolis). James oversees many of our day to day operations, ensuring our amazing clients are served quickly and with the level of service that our clients have come to expect.
Outside of the office James enjoys watching pitches from the local startup community, hiking through the wooded trails of Indiana, and teaching our son (Jimmy) everything he knows about home improvement projects.
Hannah McCooey, EA
Hannah enjoys making small business owners feel confident when they meet with their accountant, which makes her the perfect fit for the environment we have built for our clientele.
Hannah is an Enrolled Agent and holds a Masters of Science in Accounting from Oklahoma City University. She has a background in audit and tax and works one-on-one with our bookkeeping clients.
Hannah resides in Litchfield Park, AZ with her husband and their two pups, Ralph and Stevie. In her free time, Hannah enjoys hiking and camping out of the back of her Kia Soul.
Anna Smith, EA
Anna is the organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated accountant you've always wanted on your financial team. She has the creative spark that we always look for in team members - someone who is truly passionate about helping our unique clientele.
Anna is an Enrolled Agent with over a decade of experience in public accounting. Anna holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from The University of Southern Mississippi. Anna works one-on-one with our bookkeeping and tax preparation and planning clients.
Anna resides in Bay St. Louis, MS with her husband and two young sons. In her free time, Anna enjoys spending time with her kids outdoors, tending to her many plants, and drinking wine while cooking.
Ashley Dedeaux, CPA
Ashley is the accountant friend you’ve always wished you had. Someone who makes you feel like you are the only one in the room when you need help. She has the deep tax knowledge that makes her teammates smile with joy, and an infectious personality to match.
Ashley is a Certified Public Accountant with a decade of experience in public accounting. Ashley holds a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi. Ashley works one-on-one with our Virtual CFO clients, provides monthly insight to our bookkeeping clients, and prepares and reviews tax returns throughout the year.
Ashley resides in Bay St. Louis, MS with her husband and two children. In her free time, Ashley enjoys boating with her family, exploring new restaurants around town, and all of the simple pleasures that come along with raising two young boys.
Rachel Pollock, CPA
On any given day you can find Rachel crunching numbers with an infectious smile on her face. She has a passion for teaching entrepreneurs that numbers should be associated with valuable insights rather than fear and loves being the trusted advisor our clients need.
Rachel is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in business and personal tax accounting research and preparation. Rachel holds a Master of Business Administration from Midwestern State University. Rachel works one-on-one with our Virtual CFO, bookkeeping and tax preparation, and planning clients.
Rachel resides in Pueblo, CO with her husband. In her free time, Rachel enjoys fly fishing, skiing, and hiking around Colorado.
Sarah Wilson, EA
Sarah understands the toll bookkeeping and taxes can have on creative entrepreneurs, which is why she has dedicated her career to promoting efficient, timely, and accurate financial reporting.
Sarah is an Enrolled Agent and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Arkansas Tech University. Sarah works one-on-one with our tax and bookkeeping clients, ensuring our clients' books are organized and accurate.
Sarah resides in Hot Springs, AR with her husband and their young son. In her free time, Sarah enjoys taking in all of the beauty and adventures that Hot Springs National Park has to offer.
Jamie Yungen, CPA
As a creative herself, Jamie was overjoyed to join an accounting firm who focuses on taking the stress out of small business financials. Jamie thrives on talking with clients and working with others to help clients achieve their goals.
Jamie is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in complex multistate and high net-worth business owner tax returns. Jamie holds a Bachelors of Arts in Accounting from the Vanguard University of Southern California. Jamie works one-on-one with our bookkeeping and tax preparation and planning clients.
Jamie resides in Queen Creek, AZ with her husband, daughter, and dog. In her free time, Jamie enjoys watching her daughter explore new things, tackling projects in her craft room, and spending time with family and friends.
Jessica Knouse, MBA
As a musician and finance fanatic, Jessica understands the toll bookkeeping and taxes can have on creative entrepreneurs. Jessica has a passion for easing that financial stress by educating entrepreneurs to make them feel comfortable and confident in their numbers.
Jessica holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science from Frostburg State University. Jessica works one-on-one with our bookkeeping and Virtual CFO clients.
Jessica resides in Jarrettsville. MD with her husband and their children. In her free time, you'll find Jessica camping, singing, cracking open a new book, or cheering on the Baltimore Orioles.
Sarah Randall
As a former professional photographer, Sarah has a deep and unique understanding of the ins-and-outs of a home-based creative small business. Sarah has a special place in her heart for small business owners and commemorates with our entreprenural clientele when they do that little happy dance for the next client they book.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts and has worked in small business for over 10 years. Sarah works one-on-one with our bookkeeping and Virtual CFO clients.
Sarah resides in McMinnville, TN with her children. In her free time you'll find Sarah exploring the hiking trails around middle Tennessee, enjoying time with friends and cheering her kids on at all of their school and extracurricular activities
Amanda Wright
Amanda is the former owner of an e-commerce manufacturing company where she learned the ins-and-outs of small business ownership, product based bookkeeping, and increasing the bottom line. Amanda is enthusiastic about helping small business owners alleviate financial stress by providing accurate and timely financial reports and insight.
Amanda holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Henderson State University. Amanda works one-on-one with our bookkeeping clients.
Amanda resides in Malvern, AR with her husband, child, and many four-legged friends. In her free time, you'll find Amanda tending to her animals, barrel racing, and enjoying the outdoor with her family.
Brook Anderson, CPA
Brook started her accounting career by volunteering at a local Community Center during college, assisting with basic accounting tasks despite having limited experience. This experience ignited Brook’s passion for filling the numbers gap and supporting others. With years of public accounting experience, a specialization in start-up companies, and a strong connection to small businesses, Brook is ecstatic to have joined The Accountants for Creatives®, bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to serve creatives nationwide.
Brook is a Certified Public Accountant with a background in audit and tax. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Evangel University. Brook works one-on-one with our Virtual CFO and tax preparation and planning clients.
Brook resides in Clayton, NC with her husband. In her free time, Brook enjoys photography and volunteering at Locality, a co-working space for female entrepreneurs.
Delaney Hodnett, CPA
Delaney’s experience and skillset align perfectly with the company’s values of building enduring client relationships and providing comprehensive tax accounting services to creatives. Delaney’s attention to detail, time management skills, and strong communication abilities make her a valuable asset to any team, and we are so excited to have her join The Accountants for Creatives®.
Delany has experience in both entity and individual tax preparation. She holds a Master of Accounting from UNC Greensboro, and is a Certified Public Accountant! Delaney works one-on-one with our our tax preparation and planning clients.
Delaney resides in Winston-Salem, NC with her partner. In her free time, Delaney enjoys learning how to cook (like the pros), solving puzzles, and is currently learning Japanese.
Madeleine Gray, CPA
Madeleine Gray, a Tax Accountant with a detail-oriented mindset and a passion for educating others, is another valued addition to our team. Her experience encompasses a broad range of accounting tasks, including intricate work on individual and business tax returns, trusts, estates, and 990s. She is adept at monthly bookkeeping and skilled in resolving complex IRS issues, showcasing her proactive and thorough approach.
Madeleine holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Clemson University and a Master's in Accountancy from the University of Scranton, crowned by her CPA certification. Her academic journey has not only equipped her with deep technical knowledge but also a commitment to making accounting approachable for clients.
Beyond the realm of numbers, Madeleine leads an active and sociable life. She continues her passion for swimming, participating in races and embracing the discipline of her college swimming days. Her downtime is joyfully spent with her goldendoodle, socializing with friends and family, and enjoying community gatherings. This love for interaction and community is mirrored in her professional role, where she excels in engaging with and supporting our clients.
Stacy Gottlieb, CPA
With a passion for numbers and a heart for client service, Stacy Gottlieb brings over nine years of comprehensive public accounting experience to our team. A Certified Public Accountant since 2014, Stacy has a robust background working with businesses and individuals, many of whom are creative small business owners. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting (Audit) and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of North Texas.
In her previous roles, Stacy demonstrated her prowess in preparing and reviewing Federal and state tax returns, managing franchise tax reports, and performing financial audits for a diverse range of clients. Her detail-oriented and organized nature is evident in her exceptional time management and research skills, making her a valuable asset to our team.
She finds joy in helping clients minimize the stress of business management, allowing them to focus on their creative pursuits. Whether driving past a client's billboard or hearing about their latest creative project, Stacy is motivated by the success stories of those she assists.
Stacy resides in Fort Worth, TX with her husband and two daughters. In her free time, Stacy enjoys renovating her 100 year old bungalow, watching her oldest daughter dance competitively, and spending time with her family and 3 rescue pups.
Ann Castillo
Ann Castillo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team, making her a valuable asset to our clients. With degrees in both Management Accounting and Accountancy, Ann has a strong educational foundation that supports her practical skills.
She is a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, showcasing her proficiency in utilizing advanced accounting software to streamline financial processes. Ann’s ability to set up and maintain efficient accounting systems ensures that clients always have accurate and up-to-date financial records. Her training as a Tax Preparer from Bedrock University further enhances her ability to navigate complex tax laws and regulations, helping clients maximize deductions and minimize liabilities.
Before joining our firm, Ann worked in various roles where she honed her skills in financial reporting, budgeting, cost management, and tax preparation. Her collaborative approach and excellent communication skills make her a strong team player and a trusted advisor to her clients.
Outside of work, Ann enjoys hiking, traveling, and volunteering in her community. She is passionate about giving back and participates in initiatives that positively impact society.