about us

about nipipani

Our name means “water” in both Peewaaliataweenki (the language of the Peoria Tribe) and Bengali. Our name reflects our belief that like water, finances should flow smoothly to nourish growth and sustain mission.

Our integrated approach transforms financial complexity into clarity, helping you navigate compliance, maximize funding, and make confident decisions. Whether you’re managing multiple grants, building sustainable operations, or need strategic financial guidance, we’re your trusted partners in financial flow. Virtual services available nationwide. Let’s navigate your finances together.

water flows just like finances in your business

nipi

the word for water in Peewaaliataweenki – carries the meaning of sustenance, healing, and the origin of everything – life.

pani (পানি)

the word for water in Bengali – meaning clarity, life, and a reminder of the sacredness within each of us.

Rocky in the Yakima River

sherry steele

Sherry Steele is a nonprofit, tribal, and small business accountant with deep expertise in fund accounting, bookkeeping, grant compliance, and strategic financial leadership. She brings a full suite of financial services to mission-driven organizations, including bookkeeping, form 990 and individual tax preparation, fractional CFO advisory, and  grant management.

Sherry holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Governors University and has spent years helping organizations navigate complex financial landscapes, from startups finding their footing to established nonprofits preparing for audit season. Her ability to translate complex financial concepts into clear, actionable guidance has earned her the trust of clients who value both technical precision and genuine partnership.

As an enrolled member of the Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma, Sherry brings rare cultural insight to her work with tribal organizations and Indigenous communities. She understands the intersection of federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, and grant compliance. She approaches every client relationship with the cultural humility and specialized knowledge that Indigenous nations deserve.

Sherry’s philosophy is simple: strong numbers tell compelling stories. Whether helping a small business scale sustainably, guiding a nonprofit through its annual audit, empowering tribal programs to maximize federal funding recovery, or supporting leadership teams in making confident, data-driven decisions, she is committed to delivering both excellence and clarity.

Raised in Oklahoma and based in the Pacific Northwest, Sherry has a great love for Indian Country, its People, and music. She is a proud supporter of the Arts, the Seattle Kraken, and the Seattle Storm. She also loves being in the mountains and at the ocean. 

Goldie Chelsea Jamison

chelsea jamison

Chelsea Jamison brings a powerful combination of executive-level nonprofit leadership and hands-on small business expertise. With a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Seattle Pacific University, Chelsea has built an impressive career serving as Chief Financial Officer for a large nonprofit organization. She has also supported numerous small businesses with comprehensive accounting services. Her experience spans the full spectrum of nonprofit financial management, from fund accounting to strategic planning to board-level financial leadership, giving her unique insight into both the operational details and big-picture strategy that organizations need to thrive.

Chelsea’s specialized expertise in NICRA indirect cost rate applications and financial management has helped organizations unlock hundreds of thousands of dollars in previously unrecovered overhead costs. She excels at navigating the technical complexities of federal cost principles, developing cost allocation methodologies, and negotiating with federal agencies that maximize funding recovery while maintaining full compliance. Her deep understanding of restricted vs. unrestricted revenue makes her an invaluable resource for organizations managing complex funding portfolios and demanding funder reporting requirements.

As a South Asian woman, Bengali, Chelsea brings an important perspective to diversity, equity, and inclusion in financial leadership. She understands firsthand the barriers that women of color face in professional services. She is committed to creating accessible, welcoming financial guidance for organizations. Her cultural competency and lived experience strengthen her ability to serve clients from varied backgrounds with sensitivity, respect, and understanding of how systemic inequities impact organizations.

Outside of work, Chelsea is a devoted mother to two energetic boys who fill her life with joy, laughter, and endless questions about how the world works. Family adventures are a priority, whether exploring Seattle’s incredible museums and discovering new exhibits, spending afternoons at Woodland Park Zoo, enjoying live music at family-friendly venues, or finding new parks where the boys can run, climb, and play. These experiences remind her that behind every nonprofit client’s mission are real children, families, and communities whose lives are touched by the programs her financial work helps sustain. She also loves a good book.

pelicans in Gulf of Mexico

james oestreich

James Oestreich brings seven years of specialized nonprofit and arts organization bookkeeping experience. Combining meticulous attention to detail with a genuine passion for making clients’ lives easier, he is an invaluable asset to the team. As co-founder of Noveltease Theatre, James understands firsthand the unique financial challenges that arts organizations face. Juggling ticket revenue, donor contributions, grant writing, production expenses, and shoestring budgets gives him insight into the real-world needs of creative organizations trying to sustain their missions.

James has built a reputation for exceptional customer service and an almost detective-like ability to track down missing transactions, reconcile stubborn accounts, and bring order to financial chaos. His clients appreciate his patient, approachable style and his talent for explaining financial concepts without jargon or judgment. Whether it’s finding that elusive $47 discrepancy, assisting a program director in understanding a piece of software, or helping an organization transition to cloud-based accounting systems, James approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and a problem-solver’s mindset.

Outside the office, James is deeply embedded in the performing arts community. He’s a passionate supporter of theatre and ballet, frequently attending performances and celebrating the artists who bring stories to life on stage. His love for the arts fuels his commitment to helping creative organizations thrive financially so they can focus on what they do best, creating transformative experiences for audiences.

When he’s not reconciling bank statements or cheering on local theatre companies, you’ll find James spending quality time with his beloved partners and friends, who keep him grounded, laughing, and reminded that life’s best moments happen off the spreadsheet. He also loves time to read, walk, and sip on a bubbly beverage.

WOMAN OWNED BUSINESS
Intuit Proadvisor QuickBooks Certified
2SLGBTQIA Safe Space rainbow

nipipani staff maintain certifications and attend trainings on financial software, accounting updates, GAAP rules, tax changes, and payroll services