We’re passionate about process.
Accounting probably isn’t your favorite part of running a business. Lucky for you, it’s ours. We plug in a bespoke virtual accounting team so seamless it feels in-house, minus the awkward birthday parties.
Services
Our Blueprint for Sustainable Growth
Custom finance solutions that evolve with your business.
We’re not just accountants—we’re your finance team, built to scale with your business. Whether you need a fully outsourced accounting department, strategic advisory, or help untangling a specific challenge, we plug in where you need us most. From day-to-day workflows to high-level planning, we bring clarity, structure, and momentum.
Outsourced Accounting Operations
Your full-stack finance team—without the overhead.
We handle the daily flow of your business finances with precision and care. From invoicing to reporting, we keep your financial engine running smoothly so you can focus on what you do best. This can include:
- Accounts payable & receivable
- Full-cycle accounting
- Month-end close
- Payroll
- Financial reporting
Advisory & Strategic Finance
Big-picture thinking, grounded in real-time data.
We offer fractional CFO support and strategic guidance to help you plan, grow, and adapt. Whether you’re navigating a pivot, preparing for funding, or just want better visibility, we’re here to help you make smarter decisions. This can include:
- Forecasting, budgeting & cash flows
- Financial modeling
- Board & investor reporting
- KPI development & tracking
- Strategic planning sessions
Project-Based Work
When you need a fresh set of eyes—or extra hands.
We step in for one-time or short-term projects that need focus and follow-through. From staff and process assessments to system cleanups, we help you get unstuck and move forward. This can include:
- Staff & workflow assessments
- Accounting system cleanups
- Process redesign
- Internal controls reviews
- Audit prep & support
Data Management & Custom Solutions
We make your data work harder (and smarter).
Our team builds tools and workflows that bring clarity to your numbers and efficiency to your operations. Whether it’s a custom application or a better way to track what matters, we’ll help you get there. This can include:
- Custom dashboards & reporting tools
- Data cleanup & migration
- Workflow automation
- Systems integration
- Tool selection & implementation support
Our Philosophy
Built on Process. Driven by Access. Based in Sonoma.
At Gate, we come from the world of operational finance consulting, so we know how to get under the hood of a business. Today, we focus on long-term partnerships—plugging in a fully-loaded accounting team without the overhead.
We believe your financial data is yours—always. We manage it, organize it, and turn it into real-time insights, but you never lose sight or control. With smart tools and even smarter humans, we keep things running efficiently and transparently. You get access, ownership, and visibility at every step—because better decisions come from better information. And we make sure it’s always ready when you are.
We promote a culture of transparency, ethics, and service—and by nature, we drive efficiency and value through our work.
We’re obsessed with process. We thrive on tech. But at the end of the day, it’s about delivering real value through real partnership.
This is what happens when process meets purpose—and numbers start working for you.
Why we do it
We believe that financial clarity is a superpower. It empowers founders, fuels growth, and builds sustainable businesses. We’re here to make that clarity accessible—through systems, service, and a team that truly cares.
Our Team
Dawn Williams
Founder & Chief Problem Solver
Runs on insight, integrity, and the occasional square of dark chocolate.
Dawn is not your average CFO—and that’s exactly the point. Raised on a farm in Northern California, she was living sustainably before it had a name. A competitive swimmer turned global adventurer, she once ran a dairy farm in New Zealand while earning her business degree.
After cutting her teeth at PriceWaterhouse in audit and accounting, she pivoted to operational finance and never looked back—leading turnarounds and growth strategies from the Caribbean to New Jersey to California.
With over 25 years of experience in financial management, systems, and controls, Dawn doesn’t just balance books—she builds businesses. She’s relentlessly curious, deeply focused, and passionate about helping organizations thrive. A gifted storyteller and a fierce listener, she brings clarity, creativity, and calm to every engagement.
When she’s not architecting financial sustainability, you’ll find her hiking with her family, playing piano, devouring books, or perfecting her chocolate tasting notes.
Charlotte Hunter
Data Analyst
Powered by data, dashboards, and double espressos.
Charlotte joined Gate as an intern in 2022 and quickly proved herself indispensable. With a Master’s degree in Business Analytics from the Rady School of Management—earned while rowing varsity crew and graduating with honors—she brings both brains and grit to the table.
Charlotte thrives at the intersection of data and decision-making. Whether she’s building dashboards, streamlining workflows, or uncovering insights that drive smarter strategy, she brings precision, curiosity, and a calm confidence to every project.
She’s passionate about using data to solve real-world problems and is always looking for ways to make systems smarter and teams stronger.
Pricing & FAQs
Custom-fit pricing. Fixed-fee. No surprises.
Our pricing is tailored to your business and scales based on transaction volume and complexity. We offer service level options within each engagement, so you can choose the type of support that fits your needs—and adjust as you grow.
We charge a fixed monthly fee that covers everything: your accounting workflows, software subscriptions, transaction fees, and a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team. No hourly billing. No surprise invoices. Just clarity and consistency.
We believe that reduced uncertainty leads to increased creativity. When you’re not worried about the meter running, you can focus on building your business.
Lower the friction. Raise the bar.
How do we determine price?
- Number of transactions per month
- Complexity of the business reporting needs
- Your goals and ambitions for what our service can provide
Next we crunch some numbers and come back to you with a service proposal and fixed fee quote.
What kinds of businesses do you work with?
All of them. Our multi-disciplinary team speaks business in all its dialects—tech, nonprofit, creative, agriculture, professional services, and beyond. If you have financial operations, we can help you run them better.
Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
Nope. We believe in earning your trust, not locking you in. Our clients stay because they want to—not because they have to.
Can I change my service level later?
Absolutely. As your business evolves, so can our engagement. We’ll work with you to scale up, scale back, or shift focus as needed.
What if I just need help with a one-time project?
We do that too. Whether it’s a system cleanup, a process redesign, or a strategic assessment, we’re happy to jump in and get it done.
What does onboarding look like?
We start by getting to know your business—your systems, your goals, and your pain points. Then we build a roadmap, set up your tech stack, and plug in our team. Most clients are up and running with us in just a few weeks.
What tools do you use?
We’re tech-agnostic but efficiency-obsessed. We work with platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Gusto, Bill.com, and more. If you already have tools you love, we’ll work with them. If not, we’ll help you choose the right ones.
Will I have a dedicated point of contact?
Yes. You’ll have a lead who knows your business inside and out, plus access to a broader team of specialists. We’re structured to be responsive, proactive, and collaborative.
Do you work with nonprofits?
Absolutely. Many of our team members have deep experience in the nonprofit space, and we understand the unique reporting, compliance, and funding challenges that come with it.
What if I outgrow your services?
That’s the goal! We’re here to help you grow—and we’ll scale with you. Whether that means expanding your service level or helping you build an in-house team down the road, we’ll support your next chapter.
Pricing
Custom-fit. Fixed-fee. No surprises.
Our pricing is tailored to your business and scales based on transaction volume and complexity. We offer service level options within each engagement, so you can choose the type of support that fits your needs—and adjust as you grow.
We charge a fixed monthly fee that covers everything: your accounting workflows, software subscriptions, transaction fees, and a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team. No hourly billing. No surprise invoices. Just clarity and consistency.
We believe that reduced uncertainty leads to increased creativity. When you’re not worried about the meter running, you can focus on building your business.
Lower the friction. Raise the bar.
It starts with a conversation. We learn about your business—where you are now, and where you want to go.
- Number of transactions per month
- Complexity of the business reporting needs
- Your goals and ambitions for what our service can provide
Next we crunch some numbers and come back to you with a service proposal and fixed fee quote.
FAQ
What kinds of businesses do you work with?
All of them. Our multi-disciplinary team speaks business in all its dialects—tech, nonprofit, creative, agriculture, professional services, and beyond. If you have financial operations, we can help you run them better.
Do I have to sign a long-term contract?
Nope. We believe in earning your trust, not locking you in. Our clients stay because they want to—not because they have to.
How is pricing determined?
We offer fixed-fee pricing based on the complexity, volume, and goals of your business. No surprise invoices. No hourly billing. Just clarity and consistency.
Can I change my service level later?
Absolutely. As your business evolves, so can our engagement. We’ll work with you to scale up, scale back, or shift focus as needed. 5. What if I just need help with a one-time project? We do that too. Whether it’s a system cleanup, a process redesign, or a strategic assessment, we’re happy to jump in and get it done.
What if I just need help with a one-time project?
We do that too. Whether it’s a system cleanup, a process redesign, or a strategic assessment, we’re happy to jump in and get it done.
What does onboarding look like?
We start by getting to know your business—your systems, your goals, and your pain points. Then we build a roadmap, set up your tech stack, and plug in our team. Most clients are up and running with us in just a few weeks.
What tools do you use?
We’re tech-agnostic but efficiency-obsessed. We work with platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Gusto, Bill.com, and more. If you already have tools you love, we’ll work with them. If not, we’ll help you choose the right ones.
Will I have a dedicated point of contact?
Yes. You’ll have a lead who knows your business inside and out, plus access to a broader team of specialists. We’re structured to be responsive, proactive, and collaborative.
Do you work with nonprofits?
Absolutely. Many of our team members have deep experience in the nonprofit space, and we understand the unique reporting, compliance, and funding challenges that come with it.
What if I outgrow your services?
That’s the goal! We’re here to help you grow—and we’ll scale with you. Whether that means expanding your service level or helping you build an in-house team down the road, we’ll support your next chapter.
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