Community Highlights: Meet Lynsey Sheely of Otto Finance LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynsey Sheely.

Hi Lynsey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up on a small farm in Paola, Kansas where hard work and discipline were part of everyday life. I was active in both sports and academics, and after graduating high school in 2007, I went on to Washburn University. It was during my time there that I joined the Air National Guard, an experience that shaped my resilience and sense of duty. After completing bootcamp and technical school, I returned home and finished my Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2010. Life moved quickly after that. I got married and became a mom to my son, Lincoln. Being a mother had always been a dream of mine, and I knew I wanted to stay home with him as long as I could.

There came a time that it was necessary for me to re-enter the workforce, keeping in mind that my number one priority was my son. Traditional jobs weren’t a fit. Long hours and a rigid schedules didn’t allow for the kind of presence I wanted as a parent. It was at this crossroads that an unexpected opportunity arose: an accounting position at my family’s trucking company. I knew absolutely nothing about bookkeeping. But if learning these things meant I could have more time with my son, I was all in. As I implemented upgraded financial systems at the trucking company, I saw something that surprised me: I enjoyed the work. More than that, I had a natural talent for it. I didn’t know it then, but this step would change my life.

I dove in headfirst, learning everything from payroll to software systems, expense management, tax filings, bookkeeping, and insurance. I sought out professionals, spent countless hours troubleshooting reconciliation errors, and even called state and federal offices to be clear on compliance procedures. I wasn’t just solving problems; I was transforming how our company managed its finances.

That’s when the idea for Otto Finance took root. I went from dreaming of working in criminal justice to loving the intricacies of forensic accounting. But life has a funny way of directing you where you’re meant to be. There’s something about cleaning up messy books or tracking down inconsistencies that clicked for me. It felt investigative and that connected to my background in criminal justice and the military.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The first major challenge I faced was reconciling the need for consistent income with the desire to prioritize raising my son. Leaving a traditional job and the security of a steady paycheck was a leap of faith. However, I already had a strong foundation from managing finances at our family’s trucking company. The financial reporting I encountered was messy, and I developed a successful pattern I hoped to replicate with future clients. It required intense front-end work to resolve discrepancies, but once those were addressed, the ongoing maintenance required far less time. I saw the potential for rapid growth, and I had a plan.

Today, balancing risk and reward remains a key challenge. As a business owner, I strive for sustainable growth. Fortunately, client referrals continue to happen organically, and I’m proud to say I’ve never been short on work. These referrals have led to my ability to hire support staff, deepen client relationships, and expand my financial expertise to better serve small and mid-sized businesses. What began as a side hustle quickly became a full-fledged business, growing rapidly through referrals and word of mouth.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I founded Otto Finance LLC to provide full-service bookkeeping and administrative solutions for small and mid-sized businesses. What we provide extends beyond basic bookkeeping, to include:

• Accounts payable and receivable
• Payroll
• Bank and loan reconciliation
• Tax filings
• Expense management
• Financial statement preparation
• Insurance audit support
• Licensing and permits
• Administrative support

Whether a client needs their already-clean books maintained or finds themselves in a financial mess, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and help. We’re known for being available, responsive, and incredibly thorough. Accurate financial reporting is essential to business success, and we make sure our clients have that clarity.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My favorite part of this work is helping new clients who are overwhelmed by financial disorganization. Many rely solely on their bank balance to make business decisions, without understanding where their money is truly going. I help them comb through every transaction to ensure accurate, meaningful reporting.

I’m a perfectionist and a problem-solver. I take pride in being efficient, timely, and trustworthy. Effective accounting practices can empower businesses. There’s something deeply satisfying about bringing order to chaos and giving a business owner the tools to grow. At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: when my clients succeed, I succeed. We work together to ensure your business grows with confidence and control.

I’m proud of what Otto Finance has become and even more excited about where we’re going.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/UQe6AjS