Rachel Marshall
Rachel Marshall is an accomplished Accounting Manager at Lee & Sakai LLC with over a decade of specialized experience in nonprofit accounting. She is a highly driven and detail-oriented finance professional known for her analytical strength, critical thinking, and ability to manage complex accounting operations with accuracy and efficiency. Rachel has built her career supporting mission-driven organizations, where she has developed deep expertise in financial reporting, compliance, grant management, accounts payable and receivable, and overall fund accounting practices.
Nonprofit accounting is not only Rachel’s area of expertise but also her professional passion. Over the past 10+ years in the field, she has developed a strong reputation for her ability to streamline processes and strengthen financial systems in organizations where every dollar directly supports impact. Her depth of experience is such that she is frequently recognized for her high demand within the field, reflecting the specialized nature of her work. What drives her most, however, is not only performing the work herself, but also training and mentoring others especially women entering the field so they can build confidence and capability in nonprofit finance. She finds fulfillment in “translating” complex accounting processes into practical knowledge that others can apply and grow from.
Throughout her career, Rachel has been influenced by meaningful mentorship and is now committed to paying that guidance forward. Early in her journey, she was supported by a mentor, Heidi Stauffer, who helped shape her growth in nonprofit accounting and leadership. Today, Rachel continues that legacy by mentoring colleagues and colleagues-in-training, helping them understand both the technical and human side of nonprofit work. She has seen firsthand how involvement in nonprofit organizations deepens appreciation for their challenges, particularly around fundraising and sustainability. Colleagues often credit her for her patience, insight, and generosity in sharing knowledge qualities that define her as both a financial professional and a leader in her field.
• California State University-Sacramento - B.FDM
• Health Facilities Rehab Svc
• Saint John's Program for Real Change
What do you attribute your success to?
I would say my authenticity of myself and how I genuinely want to leave this planet, and just being authentic with myself. I'm also curious to learn new things, and I have empathy for people. I believe in being flexible, generous, and definitely honest with people. Those are the qualities that have really driven my success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say know your worth and really push yourself to just be who you are authentically and honestly, and just always make sure that you have integrity. Check yourself and see where your motives are. It's so important to stay true to yourself and maintain that integrity in everything you do.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges are trying to find ways to adapt to AI and how it can help me. With AI, there's so many things out there that I feel like I could be doing, and it's just learning and growing with it and how I can use it as an asset. Right now, there's so many nonprofits out there that just need help and need more people. I think downloading the software in my brain to other human beings and training other women how to do what I do will benefit nonprofits. If I was to change my thing on LinkedIn right now to looking for a job, I would probably have 15 recruiters calling me, just because it's such a defined field of nonprofit accounting. I just want to teach more people, more women and men if they wanted to, how to do nonprofit accounting so that there are more people that are aware of it and how much goes into it. Every time I get someone involved in a nonprofit, whether it's volunteering or working for one, they really see the challenges that come with being in a nonprofit and how raising money and fundraising for nonprofits is so important.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Marshall and Crystal discussed featuring Marshall as one of the influential women for Sacramento, California for 2026. Marshall shared her background and mentioned Heidi Stauffer as a mentor who helped her in the nonprofit world. Crystal explained the benefits of being featured, including expanding the network, strengthening personal brand, and gaining credibility. At the end of the conversation, Crystal confirmed that Marshall would be featured in the influential women series.
Locations
Lee & Sakai LLC
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670