About Us
We’d love to work with you. Get to know the Build Your Books Team!
Meet Our Team
We’re committed to fostering a culture of growth and collaboration. Everything we do within Build Your Books is with that in mind.
SARAH PHILABAUM
Founder
Sarah is a tech-savvy numbers nerd who thrives in the sunshine, stays active, and works on perfecting her baking skills. With a background as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and over a decade as an insurance auditor, she brings a rare mix of financial expertise and analytical wizardry to everything she does. When she’s not knee-deep in spreadsheets or geeking out over the latest tech, she’s experimenting in the kitchen or enjoying time with family and friends—because life’s too short for bad food or bad financial data.
KATE BERNIER
Account Manager
Kate’s career began in public accounting, where she spent over six years before transitioning into internal auditing. Those experiences gave her a deep understanding of financial systems and ultimately led her to work with Build Your Books and their amazing clients. Outside of work, Kate loves nature and enjoys hiking, biking, and boating—or sometimes just relaxing outdoors. A big animal lover, she shares her home with 2 dogs and a cat but will happily pet anything with fur (and even some critters without!).
LIZ EVANS
Bookkeeper
Liz is a powerhouse bookkeeper, a top-tier dog mom to two adorable fur babies, and a partner-in-crime to her husband. Over the years, she has resided in six different states, eventually finding a sense of belonging and stability in the serene landscapes of the low-country following her graduation with a degree in education. Outside of Liz’s professional life, she finds joy in indulging in hobbies such as reading, knitting, and crocheting.
We love working with people that share our values
Honest
We tell the truth and lead with transparency.
Consistent
You don’t have to be perfect. Imperfect actions applied consistently will get you to where you want to go.
Encouraging
We believe everyone deserves to go through life with a smile on their face. Life is about always leaving people better than you found them.
Tenacious
We don’t give up when things are difficult.
MEGAN REIF
Operations Manager
Megan has been working in financial management, data analysis, and reporting for over ten years. She’s held various analyst roles with the world’s largest flexible packaging manufacturer. Her Bachelor’s degree is in Supply Chain and Operations Management and she is working on her Master’s Degree in Business. Megan specializes in operations management, Excel wizardry, data management, and report creation. She enjoys reading non-fiction, traveling with her family, board games, and cross-stitch. Most recently, she went on a RV trip for over a year and a half traveling throughout the US with her husband and son.
KATE LEITER
Senior Bookkeeper
Kate has been working in the tax and bookkeeping arena for 25 years. She focuses on tax preparation for individuals and small businesses. She has also been a long time QuickBooks user. Now, Kate assists with complex bookkeeping situations, helping clients navigate the transition from desktop bookkeeping to modern online solutions. She enjoys helping clients succeed in building their business on a firm foundation. Now that her kids are grown, Kate has time for her hobbies; knitting, crochet and reading.
JOSS HUBBACH
Executive Assistant
Joss is a former ER nurse who swapped the chaos of the emergency room for the (slightly less life-or-death) world of virtual assistance. Now, she helps bookkeepers and accountants stay organized, efficient, and stress-free. While she sometimes misses the fast pace and tight-knit teamwork of the ER, she’s found a new kind of thrill in keeping financial pros on top of their game.
When she’s not managing admin tasks like a pro, you’ll find her curled up with a good book, preserving memories in digital scrapbooks, or indulging in some reality TV—always with a stash of gas station snacks close by.