About Me

Hi, I’m Leilah Shabazaz, CPA — founder of Gateway Bookkeeping.

I help small business owners gain clarity, confidence, and control over their finances through clean books, accurate reporting, and proactive financial insight.

With more than a decade of experience in public accounting and financial leadership in the St. Louis area, I’ve worked with businesses ranging from startups to companies generating over $100M in revenue. Earlier in my career, I served as:

• Director of Finance for a New Market Tax Credit consulting firm, overseeing $101M in transactions
• Senior CPA preparing complex multi-state tax returns and financial statements

But my experience isn’t just corporate.

I’ve also built and operated my own successful e-commerce and real estate businesses. I understand firsthand what it feels like to:

• Worry about cash flow
• Wonder if your numbers are accurate
• Need timely reports to make smart decisions
• Want a financial partner — not just a data entry service

That’s why I created Gateway Bookkeeping.

What Makes Gateway Bookkeeping Different

Many bookkeeping services focus on recording transactions.

At Gateway Bookkeeping, we focus on:

✔ Accurate, audit-ready books
✔ Clear monthly financial statements
✔ Cash flow insight
✔ Strong internal systems
✔ CPA-level oversight
✔ Proactive communication

My goal is simple: deliver clean books on time — with insight that helps you grow.

Who I Work With

I specialize in supporting growing small businesses that:

• Want reliable, organized financials
• Value professional communication
• Need better reporting to guide decisions
• Are ready to operate with structure and confidence

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start leading your business with clarity, you’re in the right place.

A Little More About Me

Outside of work, I enjoy reading, cooking, hiking, exercise, and knitting (usually while binge-watching a great show). I love systems, organization, and yes — I genuinely enjoy building spreadsheets.

But more than anything, I enjoy helping business owners feel confident about their numbers.

Let’s Build Strong Financial Foundations

Poor financial visibility is one of the biggest risks small businesses face. Clean books and clear reporting aren’t just administrative tasks — they are the foundation for smart growth, tax efficiency, and long-term stability.

If you’re looking for more than just bookkeeping — and want a CPA-level partner invested in your success — I’d love to connect.