THE SIMPLE FINANCIALS STORY


I grew up in a very poor and chaotic family where the electricity or gas was turned off because my parents couldn’t pay the utility bill. I began working minimum wage jobs to make something more of myself, everything from a dishwasher, to mowing lawns, to being a busboy at IHOP. I almost dropped out of highschool so I joined the Army when I was 17 to add some stability and structure to my life. After just over 3 years on active duty as a Military Police officer with a year and a half in Iraq, I decided to get a college degree. I started at STLCC, then got a full tuition scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis, where I studied Environmental Studies & Biology, and stayed on to get a Master’s Degree in Engineering. After a couple years in the corporate world, I realized that my true passion was entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, I’ve launched a handful of companies while also building a healthy family with my wife and three kids. I’ve always felt the pressure of balancing working enough to put food on the table and keep some money in reserves while always worrying that my company could fail and I’d disappoint so many people along the way. In fact, all but two of the companies I launched did fail, but those two became quite successful making over $2M a year in revenue. In 2019 I acquired another business adding to my portfolio of companies.


One hard lesson I learned along the way was that I was continually disappointed by the lack of quality and reasonably priced financial advice and help I could find. I hired and fired almost a dozen bookkeepers, accounts, and CPA firms. I finally had enough when I realized my books were still a disaster, I had no real financial clarity about how my company was doing, and couldn’t find anyone to help me. So I decided to jump in and learn everything I could about bookkeeping and accounting, analyzing financial statements, using key financial metrics to make strategic decisions, etc. Along the way I became a Quickbooks Online Certified ProAdvisor.

All that to say, I understand at a deeper level how being a small business owner feels. I understand the pressure, the worry, the fear and the joys when things are going well. And I built this company to make sure that every business has a resource with answers, so they can focus on the job they have in front of them, and the relationships that matter to them, instead of being overwhelmed by the financial stress that comes with lack of financial clarity.

At simple Financials we have a simple and clear goal. That is to deliver…
Simple Financial Clarity to Grow Your Business

OUR TEAM


Bette has over 30 years of public accounting experience delivering accounting and tax services to individuals, entrepreneurial businesses, and nonprofit organizations. She specializes in cash flow management, profit improvement, and maximizing tax savings. 

In addition, Bette volunteers her time as the accounting and tax mentor to high school students in the Thrive entrepreneurial business program at Webster Groves High School.

Bette is also a musician, graduating college with a Music Education degree. When not being involved with client work or volunteering, you can find Bette rehearsing and performing with community concert bands as a percussionist.

Principal Senior Accountant

John is an Enrolled Agent, federally licensed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the IRS in audits, collections, and appeals, as well as prepare and file tax returns, provide tax planning advice, and negotiate resolutions. With over ten years of experience in bookkeeping, accounting, and tax, John brings deep expertise to his work.

John’s military background, including time as a Military Police officer with a deployment to Iraq, instilled in him the discipline and resilience he brings to his professional endeavors. As an entrepreneur himself, John has built multiple successful companies, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges business owners face.

A long-time member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), John has served on the board, chaired the EO Accelerator program, and volunteers as a coach for EO Accelerators. He’s also active in F3, a fitness and leadership group. Outside of his professional commitments, John enjoys spending time with his four children and caring for over 15 animals on his hobby farm.

Founder & CEO

Shayne brings nearly a decade of experience in bookkeeping, auditing, and tax preparation, working with diverse clients. As a business owner herself, she understands firsthand the importance of clear and accurate financial reports for achieving success.

When she’s not deep into the details of accounting, Shayne enjoys sharpening her strategic skills with a game of chess, tackling challenging board games, solving Sudoku puzzles, or simply relaxing with family and friends. She loves and heavily involved with works that would improve the community.

Director Of Operations

Before joining Simple Financials, Jessa gained experience across various industries, including a role as a consultant at a software company and a stint as a college instructor.

Outside of work, Jessa is a passionate learner with a boundless curiosity for the world. She has explored diverse interests, from earning a yellow belt in karate to studying German in her free time. While she dreams of learning farming, boxing, and even Mandarin and Spanish, these passions are on pause as she focuses on being a devoted mom to two beautiful babies.

In her downtime, Jessa enjoys losing herself in a good book and singing her favorite songs.

Executive Administrator

Sheila’s love for numbers started in childhood when she eagerly imagined herself as a cashier, delighting in the simple joy of ringing up totals. Although she explored various art classes, she couldn’t resist the thrill of balancing figures and solving numerical puzzles. This deep-seated passion now fuels her dedication as a meticulous and dedicated accountant.

Outside of work, Sheila likes to spend time alone at cafes or the cinema and cherishes quality time with her family and friends.

Lead Senior Accountant /
QBO Specialist

I’m a Certified Public Accountant with seven years of experience across various industries and I bring a fresh perspective to every challenge.

When I’m not crunching numbers, you’ll find me cooking delicious meals for my wife or having fun with my nieces and nephew, blending my passion for family with a love for precision and creativity.

Senior Accountant /
Financial Advisory Services

Ryan, a self-proclaimed book lover who relishes the feel of real pages (and the smell—don’t forget the smell!), is also a proud furparent to Yoshi, a beagle who’s had one too many treats. Despite holding an Accountancy degree he never really used (yes, he’s the odd one out here), Ryan once thought club strobe lights were perfect for studying for major exams. Now, he’s swapped dance floors for cozy evenings with his beagle, a good book, and the intoxicating scent of rain-soaked earth.

Though some might call him “old,” Ryan begs to differ—there’s still too much life to live and plenty to marvel at, including his knack for ignoring Yoshi’s non-stop snack requests.

Ryan hopes to spend his remaining days with his brother, his favorite human, who tolerates his quirks and shares his love for the quiet—mostly because Yoshi hogs all the excitement.

Executive Assistant

Andrea is a Certified Public Accountant who loves dealing with numbers. Her passion for accounting drives her to excel in her profession and motivates her to deliver her best every day.

With years of experience as an Auditor, Accountant, and Bookkeeper, she is dedicated to providing the best service to clients. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, creating art, and traveling, which bring joy and balance to her life.

Senior Accountant / QBO Specialist

Rain has over five years of experience as an accountant, handling a variety of sectors. She loves cleaning up messy books for the clients.

When Rain is not at work, she is the furmom of Oatmeal and Sausage, two Shihtzu dogs. She likes to travel with friends and go for walks and playtimes with her dogs. She likes to read fiction, particularly thrillers and romance. She intends to read 30 books by the end of the year.

Senior Accountant / QBO Specialist

Originally from Ghana, Unique Ekua Mensah now calls Ontario, Canada, home. With a bachelor’s degree in commerce, Accounting from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, she anticipates advancing her expertise through a master’s in Financial Innovation & Technology.

Fascinated by numbers, Unique jokes that she’d rather be stuck with numbers for hours than with words for minutes.

As a Senior Accountant, she brings a blend of precision, passion, and a relentless commitment to client success.

Outside of work, Unique loves to spend time with loved ones and spread love through community service.

Senior Accountant / QBO Specialist

Jay has over a decade of experience as an accountant across various industries. Beyond numbers, Jay is known for his love of solving mind-boggling puzzles and enjoying online games with his friends and nephews or watching anime movies and series during his downtime.

Some of Jay’s personal goals are to have a separate gaming/entertainment room in his place and to solo travel Asia and Europe and experience different authentic food and culture.

Senior Accountant / QBO Specialist

Meet Ivy, an accountant whose passion for numbers is only rivaled by her love for cats and books. She balances spreadsheets with the same precision she uses to unravel the mysteries of her favorite true crime books.

When not solving financial puzzles or diving into the latest page-turner, you’ll find her snuggled up with her cats, who are probably plotting their next snack heist. Ivy is always on the lookout for the next great mystery—whether it’s on paper or purring at their feet!

Senior Accountant / QBO Specialist

With seven years of experience in the accounting industry, Aly brings a deep passion for reconciling accounts and mastering the art of balancing spreadsheets. Her expertise in payroll and her analytical mindset ensure accuracy and efficiency in every project.

Outside of work, Aly enjoys channeling her creativity through baking homemade bread and pastries, and she loves exploring new cultures and destinations whenever she can. Whether she’s crafting financial reports or crafting in the kitchen, Aly’s dedication to detail shines through.

Senior Accountant / QBO Specialist