LILIANA GONZALEZ
Co-Founder
ACCOUNTING AND INDUSTRY EXPERT
Hello! I’m Lili. I’m the heart behind our accounting operations here at Salt & Ledger, and my passion is making sure your business's finances are handled with care, clarity, and total accuracy.
With over 10 years of hands-on experience and my Certified Accounting Analyst (CAA) credentials, I’ve worked deeply across sectors that make California thrive, including construction, agriculture, non-profits, publishing, and local service businesses. I love being a detail detective, whether that means untangling complex reconciliations, keeping your team on track with payroll, or navigating tax prep so you never miss a deadline.
As a bilingual accountant fluent in both English and Spanish, I’m proud to serve as a bridge for our diverse Central Coast community. To me, keeping your books in order isn't just about crunching numbers. It is about giving you the solid foundation you need so your business can truly flourish.
When I’m not diving into QuickBooks, NetSuite, or tax compliance, my absolute favorite thing to do is spend quality time with my daughter. I’m also a passionate reader and love escaping outdoors for beach trips, hiking, camping, and soaking in local hot springs!
MIKAEL VELLONEN
Co-Founder
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AND STRATEGY
Hi, I’m Miki! My goal is simple: to help you move past the spreadsheets and get back into the driver’s seat of your business.
Throughout my career, I have operated across every tier of leadership, working alongside C-suite executives, enterprise leaders, and startup founders to scale businesses and streamline complex operations. In 2025, I co-founded Salt & Ledger to bring that executive rigor and financial clarity straight to business owners across Santa Cruz & Monterey Counties, as well as throughout California.
I stay directly involved in the day-to-day engine room of your business, handling core bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation. At the same time, I am always open for consulting and strategic guidance through our Fractional CFO and Advisory services.
Whether you need monthly KPI dashboards, precision budgeting, or proactive cash flow management, I help you transform raw data into smart, actionable decisions. Through on-demand CFO sessions and long-term tax strategy, my goal is to help you optimize liquidity and navigate your business's future with total confidence.
WHY WE FOUNDED SALT & LEDGER
BORN OVER BEACHSIDE COFFEE
Salt & Ledger was born right here on the Central Coast over a simple beachside coffee chat. Looking out at the ocean, we realized how many hardworking entrepreneurs, solo professionals, and local families were feeling bogged down by financial stress. Balancing the books, staying tax-ready, and managing payroll were taking away the joy of running their businesses.
We knew there had to be a better, more supportive way.
BEHIND THE NAME: SALT & LEDGER
BRINGING COASTAL CLARITY TO BUSINESS FINANCES
By combining Liliana's 10+ years of hands-on accounting experience across industries like construction, agriculture, service, and non-profits with Miki’s background in tech-forward operations, global leadership, and strategic CFO-level guidance, we created a firm that operates differently.
Think of us as trusted friends who happen to be really, really good with numbers and business strategy. Just like navigating the waves off Santa Cruz and Monterey requires steady timing and clear vision, we bring that same coastal-inspired clarity to your finances.
Whether you are a local neighbor down the street or anchored anywhere across California, we are here to transform financial anxiety into clear, steady order so you can get back to doing what you love!
local know-how
DIVERSE INDUSTRIES
At Salt & Ledger, we specialize in serving diverse industries throughout California, in addition to our deep focus on Santa Cruz and Monterey. We support the sectors that make our communities thrive. From robust construction and agricultural operations to innovative manufacturing firms, professional law practices, cozy coffee shops, local bakeries, and creative independent contractors like hairstylists, coaches, personal trainers, and tattoo artists. We also support non-profits, tech startups, and individuals managing personal finances, understanding the unique financial challenges and opportunities in our vibrant coastal home and across the Golden State. By tailoring our services to these sectors, we help businesses grow sustainably, ensuring California remains an exceptional place to live, work, and innovate.
strategic
IMPROVE YOUR ROI
We’re equipped to handle your operational needs, including bookkeeping, payroll and tax deposits, employee onboarding, financial reporting, and financial/business analysis. Choose from our ready-made plans or meet with one of our team members if you need a well-tailored plan for all your business requirements. As a small local company, we offer affordable pricing compared to larger competitors in the industry. Having real-life experience in starting and running businesses ourselves, we understand the challenges you face. That’s why we’ve designed service packages to suit every budget, ensuring you only pay for what you need. Based on our research, our costs are at least 50% lower than the typical expense of in-house accounting staff working 30-40 hours a week.
PARTNERSHIP BASED
HERE’S WHAT SALT & LEDGER PARTNERSHIP MEANS FOR YOU
Strategic Insights That Actually Help: We don’t just track your money; we analyze patterns, spot opportunities, and give you recommendations that move your business forward.
Real Cost Savings: Get the combined expertise of a business analyst and senior accountant for about half what you’d pay to hire them separately.
Local Knowledge: We understand Santa Cruz and Monterey County businesses because we live here, work here, and are invested in our community’s success.
Personal Service: You’re not just another client—you’re a neighbor, and we treat you like family.
COASTAL VIBES
OUR COASTAL PHILOSOPHY (IT’S MORE THAN JUST PRETTY SCENERY)
Living and working on the Central Coast imparts lessons you won't find anywhere else. Just like observing the tides and currents to understand the ocean's rhythm, successful business demands insight into current conditions and future shifts.
We help you:
- Navigate financial challenges with steady guidance, minimizing risks and stabilizing cash flow during tough times. This ensures your business stays resilient even in volatile markets.
- Identify untapped opportunities, uncovering tax savings, new revenue streams, and efficiencies to boost your bottom line. We dig deep to reveal strategies that can significantly enhance your profitability.
- Build sustainable businesses through long-term financial planning that drives consistent growth and profitability. By aligning your strategies with enduring principles, we help create a foundation for lasting success.
- Maintain clarity during uncertain periods, providing crystal-clear insights to avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions that protect your assets. Our expertise cuts through complexity to keep you focused and secure.
Personable
READY TO HARNESS THE SWELL OF FINANCIAL SUCCESS?
Just like every great surf session starts with reading the conditions and timing your entry perfectly,every successful business needs partners who can read the financial landscape and help you make the right moves at the right time.
Let’s grab coffee (or tea, or kombucha, or beer—we’re flexible) and talk about your business. Schedule your free consultation and discover how our coastal-inspired approach to business intelligence and accounting can help your business ride the perfect wave of growth and profitability. We promise it’ll feel more like coffee with friends than a stuffy business meeting.
