more than accounting.
a better way to do business.
At Motivate Accounting, we believe business owners should be focused on building their businesses, not buried in the paperwork behind them.
We provide comprehensive accounting, tax, payroll, human resources, and operational support tailored to the needs of your business. From maintaining accurate financial records and navigating tax obligations to streamlining payroll and managing the details that keep your office running, we bring the pieces together so you can move forward with confidence.
Our approach is personal, proactive, and built around understanding how your business actually operates. Rather than offering one size fits all solutions, we take the time to understand your needs and provide thoughtful, practical support that makes a meaningful difference.
One trusted partner. A more organized business. Greater clarity to move forward.
meet kelsey
Founder of Motivate Accounting | EA, LTC
A business owner at heart. An accountant by profession. A partner in your success.
My path to accounting began long before I opened Motivate Accounting. Growing up around my parents' small business, I gained an early appreciation for the work that goes into running a business and the importance of understanding its finances. I've always been a numbers person, and after high school, I knew I wanted to build a career around that strength.
I began my professional career in banking, gaining valuable experience while working full time, holding a second job, and putting myself through college one step at a time. In 2013, I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Managerial Accounting and a minor in Criminology. I paid my own way through college without student loans, an accomplishment that reflects the determination and resourcefulness I bring to my work today.
From there, I built a career that went well beyond the numbers. I began as a part time bookkeeper for a regional shopping mall while finishing college and advanced to Operations Manager. Spending over ten years with the organization, I was involved in virtually every aspect of the business. Along the way, I also launched and operated retail businesses of my own and managed the accounting for my family's businesses, including my husband's commercial fishing operation.
These experiences shaped the accountant I am today. I understand that successful business ownership requires more than accurate books and timely tax returns. It takes sound financial management, attention to detail, practical problem solving, and someone who can see how all the pieces fit together.
In late 2023, I founded Motivate Accounting to bring that combination of accounting expertise and real world business experience to other business owners. In 2025, I earned my Enrolled Agent (EA) credential and Oregon Licensed Tax Consultant (LTC) license, further strengthening my ability to serve clients through accounting and tax services.
My Approach
I believe in doing things right, being honest, and taking ownership of my work. I don't pretend to know everything, but I know how to find answers, work through challenges, and see a problem through to a solution. I value transparency, including acknowledging when something needs correcting, because trust is built through accountability.
My clients are more than a list of accounts or a deadline on a calendar. I take pride in maintaining accurate financial records, identifying the deductions and write-offs clients are entitled to, and helping business owners understand their numbers so they can make informed decisions. I want to see the businesses I work with succeed, and I approach every engagement with that responsibility in mind.
Motivate Accounting is intentionally built around quality, personalized service, and lasting professional relationships. I work best with business owners who value expertise, appreciate attention to detail, and want a knowledgeable professional in their corner, not simply someone to check a box.
Beyond the Office
Outside of work, I'm a wife and mom of two, married since 2013 to a commercial fisherman. Our life on the Oregon coast reflects many of the things I value most: family, hard work, and a connection to the outdoors. I enjoy gardening, caring for our chickens and mules, hunting, and playing slowpitch softball. I'm also proud to serve as treasurer on the board of Washed Ashore, an organization whose work I value.
For me, building Motivate Accounting is about more than running a business. It's about building something meaningful, serving clients well, and helping other business owners create businesses they can be proud of.