Welcome to the Partner Spotlight Series, where we sit down with experienced bookkeepers and accountants to learn about their firms and explore how OnPay helps them provide exceptional payroll services to their clients.
Tell us your name and a little bit about your firm.
My name is Sherry Nelson, and I’m the owner of Nelson Accounting, which I started in 1992. I have a passion for working with new and small business owners, helping them understand the financial impact of their decisions and why it’s important to build a strong foundation for success. I’m naturally curious, which makes this work especially rewarding.
I work with a wide variety of clients across industries, from automotive shops to therapists to farmers, and I enjoy learning about each one’s unique characteristics. Even within the same industry, there is always something new and interesting.
What made you want to work in the accounting industry?
I was working as a secretary when I first got a glimpse of bookkeeping, and something just clicked. The day flew by, and I realized I actually enjoyed what I was doing. That’s when I decided to go back to school for accounting, and I haven’t looked back since.
My “why” is helping small business owners make better decisions. I love bringing clarity to chaos — whether it’s cleaning up their books, moving them to better systems, or showing them smarter ways to run their operations.
Guiding them toward solutions that actually move their business forward is what keeps me doing this every day.
Fill in the blank: I never start my workday without _.
Caffeine and a list. I always start with a fresh to-do list each day — it helps me stay focused and intentional. Lately, I’ve been trying to reflect on that list and ask myself, “What’s on here that someone else could be doing?” It’s a small – but very effective technique – that helps me delegate more effectively and rethink the way we work.
How do you view your role as an accountant in your clients’ businesses and where do you provide the most value?
Partnership is at the heart of how I work with clients, specifically helping them think through their financial decisions. When they’re unsure about something, like whether to buy or lease, I’m there to help them talk it out. Often, just having a conversation helps them figure things out on their own.
I try to make sure my clients understand the full picture — the costs, the benefits, and the long-term effects. For example, a tax break might seem like a good deal, but I help them consider what it really means financially.
When you are not helping clients, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy?
When I’m not working with clients, I enjoy going to the beach. Living in Alabama means it’s never too far away, which makes it a perfect getaway. I also love to read and spend time with my cats and grandkids.
Whether it’s a quiet afternoon with a good book or a fun day with family, I really value that time to recharge.
If you weren’t in the accounting industry, what job would you most like to have?
That’s a tough one, because I really can’t see myself in any other field. If I had to choose, it would need to be something dynamic and always evolving. I enjoy work that challenges me and keeps me engaged, which is exactly what I’ve found in this industry.
Why do you recommend OnPay to your clients?
I recommend OnPay because it’s easy to use, affordable, and straightforward. My clients really like that it takes the headaches out of quarterly reports and year-end processing. Most of them can handle it themselves without trouble, but if they have questions, they know I’m just a call away. OnPay’s support team is always ready to help if anyone gets stuck.
The QuickBooks integration is a big plus because it keeps everything connected and saves time.
Overall, OnPay makes payroll simple and stress-free for both me and my clients, which helps strengthen our relationships.
What is one piece of advice you would give to a small business owner who is just starting out?
My advice to small business owners is to make decisions today with next year in mind. Planning ahead is key — even though we can’t predict the future, looking at past trends can help you prepare.
Also, try not to rely too heavily on employees, since that can change quickly. Staying flexible and thinking long-term will help your business in the long run.
What are you excited about for the future of the accounting industry? What trends do you see impacting you and your clients?
I’m really excited about the opportunities around AI and what it can do for our industry. It’s already making a huge difference by handling routine tasks, like drafting LLC agreements or running Excel formulas, which saves a lot of time. That frees me up to focus on higher-level work and offer better guidance to my clients.
What feedback do you receive from your clients about OnPay?
The feedback I get from clients about OnPay is always positive. They really appreciate that direct deposit doesn’t come with extra fees, which isn’t the case with many other payroll systems.
They also love how easy it is to onboard new employees — just send a link, and the employee fills out their own info. No back-and-forth emails with sensitive documents.
Do you have any advice for bookkeepers and accountants who are just looking to get into payroll?
My advice is simple: don’t try to handle payroll on your own. It’s too important, and if you get it wrong, it can cause real problems for your clients. To avoid penalties and extra stress, partner with one of the top payroll programs for accountants that offer strong support and communication.
That’s why I recommend OnPay. If something ever comes up, I know their team will actually work on it and get it resolved quickly. That peace of mind makes a big difference, for both me and my clients.
If you could describe OnPay in 3 words, what would they be?
Easy, affordable, accessible.
Take your practice to the next level
Thanks for exploring our Partner Spotlight series! If you have questions about how OnPay helps accountants streamline payroll services, our team would love to hear from you. Learn how OnPay’s Partner program can help you expand your practice’s service offerings.
