We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Niki Stehlik. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Niki below.

Niki, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started you own firm sooner?

When I started my career in accounting, I wasn’t entirely sure which direction I wanted to take. I had always considered starting my own bookkeeping business, but I never fully pursued it. Instead, I decided to earn my CPA license and began working in public accounting as an auditor, auditing financial statements. Over the next 10 years, I moved up the ladder, gaining valuable experience. During that time, the idea of running my own business remained in the back of my mind, but I never took the leap.

Eventually, I realized that public accounting wasn’t where I wanted to spend the rest of my career. About a year and a half ago, I was presented with an opportunity that gave me the confidence to finally start my own business. While entrepreneurship has its challenges, I have no regrets about making the switch.

Looking back, part of me wishes I had started my firm sooner. At times, I feel like I’m behind in my entrepreneurial journey. However, I recognize that the years I spent working in public accounting gave me invaluable experience. If I could change anything, I would have been more intentional about learning the business side of running a firm rather than focusing solely on mastering the technical work. I learned both, but had I taken on more of an “intrapreneurial” mindset—acting as if I were running a business even while being an employee—I could have gained even more insights to prepare me for entrepreneurship.

That said, I believe things happen for a reason and at the right time. While I can’t change the past, I can control how I move forward. I’m focused on making the most of my future and building a business that I’m proud of.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

It may sound funny, but my journey into accounting started with a red Corvette. When I was young, my parents owned a bar and café, and one of their regular customers occasionally showed up in a sleek red Corvette. I remember thinking, I want to do what he does so I can afford one too! As it turned out, he was a CPA.

That early curiosity stuck with me, leading me to take my first accounting class in high school. While my desire for a Corvette has long faded, my passion for accounting has only grown. I love organizing information and solving complex problems, and accounting allows me to do both.

Today, I help business owners build and grow successful businesses through my bookkeeping and advisory services. My goal is to provide financial clarity so entrepreneurs can focus on what they do best—running and expanding their businesses. By taking the stress and burden of accounting off their plates, I give them the confidence and insights they need to make informed financial decisions.

What sets me apart is my commitment to being more than just a bookkeeper—I strive to be a trusted advisor. I take pride in building strong relationships with my clients and helping them navigate the financial side of their business with ease. Seeing my clients succeed is what drives me, and I’m passionate about making accounting feel less like a burden and more like a tool for growth.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Over the past five years, I’ve gotten into podcasts and reading more, and they’ve had a big impact on my approach to management and entrepreneurship. Podcasts have introduced me to so many great books and ideas that have shaped my mindset.

One influential voice for me has been Andy Frisella. His focus on self-discipline, personal excellence, and taking full ownership of your success has had a huge impact on how I run my business and approach leadership. His MFCEO Project podcast has also introduced me to many books that have shaped my thinking.

One is Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin. One lesson that stuck with me is Jocko’s emphasis on discipline—starting with something as simple as waking up at the first sound of your alarm. He explains that this small act of discipline sets the tone for the rest of the day and can translate into greater success in other areas of life. As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that discipline is essential, and this perspective reinforced that belief.

Another book is Wooden by Coach John Wooden and Steve Jamison. The key takeaway for me was the importance of focusing on what I can control. In business and life, there will always be external challenges, but success comes from focusing on my own actions, attitude, and effort.

Frisella’s podcast, these books, and many other books and podcasts have influenced my approach to management and entrepreneurship. I believe that success is built on consistent effort, high standards, and personal responsibility. These lessons—practicing discipline, focusing on what I can control, and constantly pushing myself to improve—have become guiding principles in my entrepreneurial journey.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

When managing a team, it’s important to remember that you weren’t always as knowledgeable or experienced as you are now. Your team members are learning and growing, just like you did. One of the best things you can do as a leader is to create an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. Let your team know that you’ve failed before, but each failure was a chance to learn and improve.

At the same time, honesty is key. If someone isn’t meeting expectations, it’s important to have direct but constructive conversations. These discussions can be difficult, but they are necessary for both individual and team growth. Clear communication helps ensure that everyone understands what’s expected of them and how they can improve.

Finally, transparency about team goals is essential. When everyone understands the bigger picture and why certain decisions are being made, they feel more invested in the team’s success. People want to know that their work has meaning and contributes to something greater. By fostering open communication, setting clear expectations, and supporting growth, you can build a motivated, high-performing team.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.legacyaccountant.com

Image Credits

Jicha Photography