Stroud Company — Consulting for Small Business

Accounting, bookkeeping, and business systems that actually work.

From bookkeeping and accounting software to new business setup and artist finances — Stroud Company brings decades of real, hands-on experience to small businesses that need a partner, not a proposal.

Who we work with

Real help for three kinds of businesses.

Whether you're just starting out, outgrowing your current setup, or running a creative business — we've been there and we know what actually works.

New & Growing Businesses

Start clean. Stay in control.

Most new businesses get sold tools and systems they don't need yet — or skip the setup entirely and pay for it later. We help you build the right foundation from day one.

  • QuickBooks, Sage, or whatever fits your budget
  • Chart of accounts built for your business
  • Invoicing, AP/AR, and month-end basics
  • Simple reporting you'll actually use
  • Costing & pricing structure
  • LLC setup guidance & new business basics

Established Businesses

Get visibility. Build toward systems that scale.

You don't think you need ERP — you just know your margins look wrong and your inventory doesn't match reality. We start by understanding your data and cleaning up what's broken. Good reporting follows good data.

  • Data cleanup & business analysis
  • Inventory that actually makes sense
  • Custom reporting & data views
  • Month-end close & reconciliations
  • Audit preparation & support
  • ERP when you're genuinely ready for it

Artists & Creatives

Your art is the business. Let's treat it that way.

Artists get hit with expenses, platforms, and advice that often isn't right for them. We work directly in the art world — we understand the real costs, the right tools, and how to build something sustainable.

  • Business setup for artists & makers
  • Etsy, product, and inventory basics
  • Expenses that make sense vs. ones that don't
  • Simple books that don't get in your way
  • Costing & pricing for products
  • Web & digital presence basics

Monthly bookkeeping services

Keep your books current without hiring full-time staff.

Whether you're a startup, a growing company, an artist, or a family business, we can help keep your accounting organized, your reports current, and your month-end under control.

Need a few hours of support each month or help getting caught up? We'll build a plan that fits your business and budget.

Talk to us

Monthly accounting support

  • Bank and credit card reconciliations
  • Accounts payable and receivable support
  • Monthly financial statements
  • General ledger review
  • Month-end close assistance
  • Budget and cash flow reporting

Beyond basic bookkeeping

  • QuickBooks and Sage support
  • Inventory and costing assistance
  • Data cleanup and account corrections
  • Management reporting
  • Controller-level review available
  • Business process improvements

Why work with Stroud Company?

You don't need a giant firm — you need someone who's actually done this.

Nancy Stroud brings more than 30 years of experience spanning bookkeeping, accounting, software development, ERP implementation, manufacturing, logistics, and business operations. She has worked with startups, manufacturers, artists, exporters, and growing businesses that need practical solutions rather than generic advice.

Stroud Company is backed by a small, intentional team. Joshua, an accounting graduate, supports day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting functions, bringing experience across entertainment, non-profit, and small business clients. You work with people who know your business — not whoever happens to be available that week.

Hands-On

We build and implement — not just advise.

Plain Language

You'll always understand what we're doing and why.

Right-Sized

Scoped around your real budget and team.

Built to Grow

Systems that scale when you're ready.

No Lock-In

Clear start and end points — no long-term commitments.

Real Experience

Decades of actual work — not just advisory opinions.

Stroud Creative Studio

Art that says what you're actually thinking.

Stroud Creative Studio is where art meets business — featuring original work by Syd Stroud and supported products from artists we work with. First up: the Helen & Farfel greeting card line — hand-drawn, witty, and refreshingly honest. A2 and A7 cards in Papyrus-style packaging, plus wine totes perfect for bachelorette parties and girls' nights.

Also coming soon: Banana Barrel puzzles inspired by the sculptures of Paul B. Lotz.

Visit the studio

How we work

No surprises. No lock-in.

1

Short intro call

We learn about your business, what's working, what isn't, and what you actually need. No pitch, no pressure.

2

Clear written outline

A plain-language description of what we'd do, what it costs, and how long it takes. You decide if it makes sense.

3

Hands-on work

We do the actual work — not hand it off to someone junior. Clear start and end points, with check-ins along the way.

Practical help for real small businesses

Ready to talk through what you need?

Whether you're launching something new, untangling existing systems, or building a creative business — a short conversation usually makes the path forward much clearer.