Carrie Novak brings nearly two decades of experience working in and alongside nonprofit organizations. Her work spans both external audit and internal financial leadership roles, giving her a comprehensive understanding of how strong financial systems support resilient, mission-driven organizations.

Carrie’s path to accounting wasn’t linear—she began her studies in film at the University of Washington before earning her accounting degree from Portland State University. Her connection to the arts and storytelling has remained an important part of her life, including serving as Board Treasurer for the International Silent Film Festival.

Carrie began her career in public accounting as an auditor focused on nonprofit organizations, later moved into internal financial leadership roles including serving as CFO at the Oregon Food Bank, and eventually returned to public accounting as an Audit Manager. With experience on both sides of the table, Carrie brings a practical, well-rounded perspective to her work—understanding not only what strong financial reporting and internal controls should look like, but how to build intentional systems that actually work for organizations in practice. 

Her technical expertise spans nonprofit and governmental accounting, financial reporting, audit and assurance services, design, implementation and auditing of  internal controls, Uniform Guidance and single audits, grant management, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow strategy, financial systems implementation, and board financial reporting. Carrie has advised organizations on complex accounting matters including revenue recognition, lease accounting under ASC 842, restricted funding, functional expense allocations, and net asset classifications, while partnering closely with executive leadership teams, finance committees, and boards to strengthen financial operations, organizational resilience, and long-term sustainability.

After years of working both inside nonprofit organizations and as an external auditor, Carrie saw firsthand the gap between what organizations need to operate effectively and the financial support they often receive. Together with her business partner, Maggie Clack, she co-founded The Whole Package, LLC to help bridge that gap—partnering with organizations to build strong, practical financial systems with intention and care, allowing nonprofit leaders to focus more fully on the communities they serve.

Outside of her professional work, Carrie enjoys creating and building things in her free time—an extension of the same mindset she brings to her work: thoughtful, intentional, hands-on, and systems-oriented. She also values time spent in and near the water and with her two kids. These parts of her life shape how she shows up in her work—with care, curiosity, and a belief that strong communities are built through both structure and connection.