About Shannon
Owner & Founder, Salt & Sand Bookkeeping
A Different Path to Bookkeeping
Before founding Salt & Sand, Shannon Gemberling spent over 25 years in information technology consulting — working with organizations to untangle complex systems, build efficient operations, and fix problems that had been quietly compounding for years.
That background might seem like an unusual starting point for a bookkeeping business. But in practice, it's exactly what sets Salt & Sand apart. Managing chaotic books isn't just a numbers problem — it's a systems problem. Transactions get miscategorized, processes break down, nothing connects the way it should. Shannon approaches bookkeeping the same way she approached IT: methodically, with a clear process, and with an eye toward making sure it stays clean once it's fixed.
She launched Salt & Sand because she kept seeing the same pattern: business owners who were good at what they did, but whose finances were a source of constant stress because no one had ever set them up properly in the first place. She started this business to fix that.
Certifications & Credentials
Shannon holds active certifications across QuickBooks Online, Xero, Payroll, and Client Advisory Services — and maintains Intuit ProAdvisor and Xero Partner status, which means clients can also access preferred pricing on their software subscriptions.
CERTIFIED & TRUSTED
What to Expect Working With Salt & Sand Bookkeeping
Salt & Sand Bookkeeping is a solo practice, which means when you work with Salt & Sand, you're working with Shannon — not a rotating team of junior staff. Every client gets direct communication, consistent attention, and a bookkeeper who actually knows your account.
Most engagements start with a free consultation to understand where your books currently stand and what you actually need. From there, onboarding is straightforward — Shannon handles the setup in QBO or Xero, establishes the workflow, and keeps you informed without overwhelming you with detail.
The goal is simple: you should be able to look at your financials at any point and understand exactly where your business stands. If that's not the case right now, that's where we start.
Outside the Office
Shannon is based in San Diego, which means she's equally comfortable working with a company in California or a client she's never met in person halfway across the country. Salt & Sand is fully virtual by design — not as a workaround, but because it works better that way.
When she's not working, you'll find her stand-up paddleboarding with her rescue dog Rooney along the San Diego coast, watching Formula 1 or football, or tracking down the next city where Hamilton is playing — three shows in and still counting.
Want to See if it’s a Good Fit?
A free consultation is the easiest way to find out. No pressure — just a straightforward conversation about your books and what you need.