Certified & Trusted
Verified credentials you can count on
Petaluma Based, Serving All of Sonoma County
Clean books are the starting point. Understanding what they're telling you, that's where the real value begins.
Your books reconciled and up to date every month so you always know where your business stands. Clean categorization, clear reporting, and financials your CPA can work from without the runaround. Month-end reports that actually tell you something about how your business is performing.
Learn More →Payroll processing, tax filings, and quarterly compliance handled through QuickBooks. I make sure your employees and agencies are paid correctly and on time, every cycle. When your bookkeeper handles payroll, everything flows into your books automatically with no gaps.
Learn More →Behind on your books or inheriting a mess from a previous bookkeeper? I get your financials organized, reconciled, and accurate so you can move forward with a clean slate. Whether you are a few months behind or a few years, I will get you current.
Learn More →Tax-ready books year-round so your CPA works from accurate numbers, not a cleanup project. For S-Corps, that includes officer payroll, reasonable compensation, and shareholder health insurance handled correctly.
Learn More →Not ready for a bookkeeper? Set up your books yourself with industry-specific tools built by one.
Every kit includes a QuickBooks Online chart of accounts designed for your specific industry, a step-by-step setup guide, an Excel reference workbook, and a quick reference cheat sheet. Current with the 2025 tax law, including 100% bonus depreciation and the permanent QBI deduction.
Five industries covered: Contractor/Trades, Professional Services, Creative Services, Retail/E-Commerce, and Winery/Brewery/Distillery.
Browse DIY Tools →Verified credentials you can count on
Most bookkeepers record your transactions and hand you a report. I do that, and then I do the part that actually matters: I read the books.
I analyze your cash flow. I track what’s fluctuating and why. I flag problems before they become emergencies. I help you understand what your numbers are telling you, not just what they are.
Classifying and reconciling your transactions is the foundation. That has to be right. But the real value is what comes next: seeing where your money is going, whether your margins are holding, what needs attention. I’m not just a bookkeeper. I’m a problem solver who starts with your books.
Think of it this way: your CPA is the doctor who does your annual physical. I’m the one monitoring your vitals every day.
It's not just about the numbers. It's about how you feel running your business.
From "I think we're okay"
↓To knowing exactly where you stand — every month.
From dreading tax season
↓To handing your CPA everything they need, on time.
From avoiding your finances
↓To actually opening your monthly report.
From cash flow anxiety
↓To seeing what's coming and planning for it.
From doing the books at midnight
↓To focusing on what you actually built this for.
From feeling alone in it
↓To having someone in your corner who knows your business.
"I chose to specialize in small business bookkeeping because these are my people. Sonoma County business owners work incredibly hard and deserve someone equally invested in their success."
— Meta Johnson
Free Resource
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Sonoma, Marin, Napa, and Solano County small business owners — I'm local, I'm credentialed, and I'm genuinely invested in your success.
Let's Talk
Meet Your Bookkeeper
I'm a certified bookkeeper based in Petaluma, serving small businesses across Sonoma County. I don't just record your transactions — I read your books and tell you what they mean. Five Intuit certifications, years of hands-on experience, and a genuine investment in the people behind local businesses.
Learn more about my background →"Meta Johnson is a consummate professional who understands all aspects of bookkeeping services. At the same time, she is a compassionate human being who possesses exemplary listening skills. Meta has supported my small business needs from a reliable, competent framework. More importantly, Meta truly cares about her clients and isn't afraid to think 'outside the box' when it comes to offering the best level of supports. I highly recommend her bookkeeping agency."
"After doing my own bookkeeping for years I finally accepted the message from our tax people that what I was doing was akin to a dumpster fire. My words, not theirs. Meta happily took over and cleaned up all of our bookkeeping to make things not only easier for a tax preparer to use, but also so we can use the info for budgeting. This was no small task, as we have 1099s, W-2s, rental income and expenses, and small business records to deal with. She just made it all happen and took a HUGE load off of my shoulders. Thank you Meta!!"
(707) 835-4414 | meta@balancewisebooks.com
Free 15-minute consultation. No obligation. Pick a time that works for you.
I’ll send you a confirmation with a Google Meet link.
Tell me about your business and I’ll text you back within 24 hours.