Discipline, precision, and a genuine love of numbers.
"For some, a complex spreadsheet is a chore; for me, it's a puzzle waiting to be solved."
My lifelong fascination with number puzzles — from Sudoku to logic games — is actually what drew me to the world of finance. I've always found a unique satisfaction in the "click" that happens when every piece of data finds its rightful place. In accounting, just like in a puzzle, there is a definitive logic and a beautiful balance to be found.
I'm an honorably discharged U.S. Army combat veteran, and a graduate of Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business with a BBA in Accountancy. My professional path has taken me through government finance, regional education, and corporate accounting at a Fortune 500 company — each chapter deepening my expertise and broadening my understanding of what businesses actually need.
I founded Fleckenstein Accounting, LLC because I believe small and medium-sized businesses deserve the same quality of financial management that large corporations take for granted — delivered personally, reliably, and with genuine investment in their success.
The U.S. Army taught me leadership, problem-solving, and how to deliver results under pressure. I carry those values into every client relationship — Army Achievement Medal and Army Commendation Medal recipient, for meritorious service in Afghanistan and Iraq respectively.
"I bring that same curiosity and precision to every ledger I touch — ensuring that your financial picture isn't just complete, but perfectly aligned."
— Stephen Fleckenstein, Founder
A decade of diverse financial experience
Fleckenstein Accounting, LLC
Founder & Owner · Remote
Founded and launched an accounting consulting firm serving small to medium-sized businesses and independent contractors. Provides bookkeeping, payroll management, financial reporting, fractional controller services, QuickBooks setup, and consultation — all delivered personally.
Accountant
Charles River Laboratories · Mattawan, MI
Prepared journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations; assisted with general ledger review and flux analysis. Created Sarbanes-Oxley process controls. Collaborated internationally across North America and Europe to streamline Blackline effectiveness across all accounting teams.
Payroll Bookkeeper
Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency · Portage, MI
Managed payroll and accounts receivable. Maintained A/R ledgers and bank reconciliations. Processed timesheets, deductions, garnishments, benefit and retirement payments, and weekly cash receipts.
Accounts Coordinator
Central County Transportation Authority · Kalamazoo, MI
Managed accounts payable, vendor relationships, and procurement. Provided budget analysis and expenditure recommendations. Assisted with payroll review, performed audits, and reconciled transit fare revenue.
Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting
Western Michigan University · Haworth College of Business
Accounting Principles I & II, Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting, Government/Non-Profit Accounting, Tax Accounting, Auditing. Related coursework in Business Computing, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, and Global Business.