Behind the Numbers,
There is a Story

Our Founder, Cat Lane

Numbers tell the story of where you have been and where you have the potential to go. Cat excels at diving deep into the data to help business owners understand what the numbers truly mean, empowering them to make informed decisions and achieve their business goals.

Meet the Founder

Catherine Lane, MBA, EA

IRS Enrolled Agent | 19+ Years Experience | Small Business Advocate

Education

BS, MBA

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.

Experience

19+ years

Has over 19 years of experience in corporate and small business accounting, specializing in financial reporting and analysis, cost accounting, project accounting, and tax preparation across various industries, including legal, manufacturing, banking, healthcare, and more.

Now

& Future Vision

Began working with small business accounting in 2017 and founded Lane Accountants and Bookkeepers in 2018. In 2020, Cat rebranded the firm as Beyond the Books to better reflect its vision and future goals.

Meet the Founder

Catherine Lane, MBA, EA

Founder of Beyond the Books

IRS Enrolled Agent | 19+ Years Experience | Small Business Advocate

Cat Lane believes bookkeeping and tax prep shouldn’t feel like a mystery. With nearly two decades in accounting across industries like legal, manufacturing, banking, and healthcare — she brings big-picture clarity to small business finances.

She launched her own firm in 2018, rebranded as Beyond the Books in 2020, and built a team focused on delivering expert support with no jargon, no surprise fees, and no BS.

Her passion is helping business owners understand what their numbers actually mean — and how to use them to grow.

More Than Numbers. Real Support.

Whether you’re just getting started or growing your second business, we’re here to walk with you — not just crunch numbers for you.

Let’s talk about what’s possible when your books stop holding you back.

Our Mission and Values

At Beyond the Books, we offer monthly subscription-based bookkeeping services designed to empower business owners and entrepreneurs with a clear understanding of their financial health, enabling better decision-making for their businesses.

We go beyond routine bookkeeping by providing meaningful insights into what the numbers reveal and how financial decisions can impact the overall success of the business.Strategy should not be seasonal. We support you all year, not just during tax time.

With our subscription model clients can ask questions and seek guidance without worrying about hourly charges. This approach allows us to build stronger partnerships learning and growing alongside our clients.

What We Believe

Beyond bookkeeping, we are your one-stop shop for financial success. In addition to our monthly bookkeeping services, we offer tax preparation and advisory services to meet all your financial needs. Whether it is staying compliant with tax regulations, planning for growth, or navigating complex financial decisions, we provide expert guidance every step.

Our goal is to walk with you through your business journey, offering actionable insights into your financial data to help you achieve your goals. We are passionate about creating and analyzing financial information so that you can focus on the passion that inspired you to start your business in the first place.

What We Believe

Clarity is powerful. We explain your numbers in plain language.

Strategy shouldn’t be seasonal. We support you all year, not just during tax time.

Clean books build strong businesses. No guesswork, no missing pieces.

You should know your numbers — and what to do with them.

What We Believe

Clarity is powerful. We explain your numbers in plain language.

Strategy shouldn’t be seasonal. We support you all year, not just during tax time.

Clean books build strong businesses. No guesswork, no missing pieces.

You should know your numbers — and what to do with them.

Meet the Team

Catherine Lane

Founder

Passionate about small business accounting and making a difference. Enjoys cycling, hiking, and anything else in the great outdoors.

Nikki Masterson

Bookkeeper

Joined the firm in 2019 with a background in accounting and Human Resources. In her spare time, she likes to write books, crochet, and watch Hallmark movies.

This site does not provide legal or financial advice.

Beyond the Books is led by an IRS Enrolled Agent. As an IRS Enrolled Agent, Cat is fully authorized to represent you in audits, ensuring your rights are protected and providing expert guidance every step of the way. If you've received an audit notice, don’t navigate it alone. Contact Beyond the Books for a personalized consultation and quote tailored to your situation. Learn more about what an EA is HERE.

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