Behind the Numbers Carrie Glass on Supporting Nonprofits and Strengthening Communities

Behind every successful nonprofit is someone making sure the numbers tell the right story. In this episode of Women in the Driver Seat, we sit down with Carrie Glass, owner of Carrie Glass Accounting Services, to discuss a career built on service, problem solving, and helping organizations throughout the Findlay area thrive behind the scenes.

Carrie's journey began after earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Indiana University. At just 21 years old, she moved to Findlay to begin her career with Marathon Oil Company, later taking accounting and financial leadership positions in Texas, Maryland, and Virginia before returning to Findlay in 1990. Over the years, she served as a controller and chief financial officer, helping companies overcome financial challenges and improve operations.

After more than a decade in corporate accounting, Carrie found herself ready for a different kind of challenge. An unexpected phone call changed everything. The Findlay Area Arts Council suddenly found itself without a bookkeeper the day before payroll, and a local CPA asked if Carrie could step in temporarily. What started as a short term favor soon became the beginning of a business that has now supported nonprofits and small businesses for more than 30 years.

Since then, Carrie has become a trusted financial partner for countless organizations across the region. Her work goes far beyond bookkeeping. She helps nonprofit leaders navigate grants, budgeting, payroll, financial reporting, QuickBooks implementation, board education, and the unique accounting requirements that nonprofit organizations face every day.

Throughout the conversation, Carrie explains that nonprofit accounting is very different from traditional business accounting. Every grant has its own requirements, reporting expectations, and compliance standards. Learning those systems became one of the biggest challenges of her career, but also one of the most rewarding. Today, she helps executive directors and board members better understand financial statements, budgeting, and the financial health of their organizations, giving them the confidence to make informed decisions.

Carrie also shares why she enjoys working with nonprofit organizations so much. While many people only see the programs these organizations provide, she has witnessed firsthand the dedication of the people behind them. She admires leaders who are willing to do whatever is needed, whether that means making major strategic decisions or rolling up their sleeves to handle everyday tasks, all in service of their mission.

As someone who has worked alongside numerous nonprofit boards, Carrie emphasizes the importance of education. Many board members are passionate about the organization's mission but have little experience reading financial statements or understanding nonprofit accounting. Helping those leaders understand the numbers empowers them to make better decisions and strengthen the organizations they serve.

When asked what advice she would give women considering entrepreneurship or leadership, Carrie's answer is simple: do not be afraid to ask for help. She believes the only bad question is the one left unasked. Seeking guidance, learning from others, and being willing to admit what you do not know are qualities that help both leaders and organizations succeed.

While Carrie prefers working behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight, her impact can be seen throughout the Findlay community. Through decades of financial expertise, steady leadership, and a willingness to step in whenever organizations need support, she has helped countless nonprofits continue serving others and making a difference.

👉 Watch now to hear how Carrie Glass has spent more than three decades helping nonprofits and small businesses build stronger financial foundations and stronger communities.