Amanda’s journey into finance began unexpectedly back in high school. After finishing her core courses early, her counselor placed her in an extracurricular class, Accounting 101. Something clicked.
“I loved numbers, papers, and the business world,” Amanda shared. “It just made sense, so I stuck with it and grew it into what it is today.”
Like many of us, she didn’t plan on this career path, but it quickly became her passion.
What Does a Virtual CFO Do?
Amanda works as a fractional CFO, giving small businesses access to high-level financial expertise without the cost of a full-time hire.
“Instead of paying six figures plus benefits for a full-time CFO, I provide services at a lower cost,” she explained. “I set up bookkeeping systems, build financial strategies, implement tax planning, and ultimately help businesses grow and scale while keeping more money in their pockets.”
Common Questions from Small Business Owners
One of the first questions Amanda hears is: “How do I plan and prepare for taxes?”
Her advice always starts with building a bookkeeping system:
• Track income and expenses in one organized place (she recommends QuickBooks Online, but notes that Wave, Excel, or even a simple ledger can work).
• Keep a separate bank account for business finances to make bookkeeping and audits easier.
She also stresses the importance of dedicating 15 minutes a week to bookkeeping. “It saves you from that dreaded shoebox of receipts at the end of the year,” Amanda laughed.
Should You Form an LLC?
Amanda explained that an LLC is primarily a legal structure for protecting personal assets.
“In the eyes of the IRS, you’re still taxed like a sole proprietor unless you make a special election,” she said. For businesses consistently earning around $80,000+ per year, Amanda recommends considering an S-Corp election for tax benefits.
Paying Yourself as a Business Owner
For many entrepreneurs, one of the toughest questions is: “How do I pay myself?”
Amanda’s answer: start with bookkeeping.
• Sole proprietors or single-member LLCs can simply transfer money from their business to their personal account.
• S-Corps or C-Corps require payroll with taxes withheld, though owners may also take distributions.
What matters most, Amanda says, is avoiding personal transactions from the business account and making sure you’re paying yourself the right way.
Supporting Community Beyond Finance
In addition to running Stickle Financial Services, Amanda is deeply involved in the local community:
• Executive Director of Watertown First, a nonprofit supporting local businesses and educating the community on shopping local.
• Organizer of events like Watertown Block Parties and the Shop Local Saturday Holiday Market at the Paddock Arcade.
• Board member for Family Counseling Services and the Resolution Center Board, helping provide therapeutic services and supervised visitation for families in need.
“I think it’s important to create a community that my family and others feel safe in,” Amanda said. “Supporting people all around makes life better.”
Connect with Amanda
Amanda is always happy to connect with small business owners and share financial tips. You can find her here:
• Instagram: @amanda.stickle.ea
• Website: www.stickletax.com
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
