Arlene is a seasoned bookkeeping professional with decades of experience supporting small businesses. Her career began in her father’s construction business, where she learned bookkeeping through manual ledgers and payroll calculations. She later combined her background in teaching school with her passion for bookkeeping, becoming a freelance bookkeeper and QuickBooks educator founding Asset Bookkeeping in 2001.

Over the years, Arlene expanded her services to include payroll and income tax services, earning her Professional Bookkeeper designation from Universal Accounting Academy in 2008. In 2023, Asset Bookkeeping evolved into Upward Financial when Lavon joined the business. Today, Arlene continues to specialize in payroll and tax compliance while helping guide the team and upholding the values that keep Upward Financial Inc. moving forward.

Outside of work, Arlene enjoys travelling, sewing, crafting, event planning, and creating with food. She is also growing in her involvement with women’s ministry all the while supporting the next generation of leadership at Upward Financial.

Lavon Eby is the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Bookkeeper at Upward Financial Inc., where he blends strategic leadership with deep financial expertise. In his COO role, he oversees daily operations, optimizes workflows, and drives organizational growth. As a Senior Bookkeeper, he manages complex client accounts, ensures accurate record-keeping, and delivers insightful financial reporting. In addition, Lavon provides fractional CFO services, offering high-level financial strategy, forecasting, and guidance to help businesses scale with confidence.

With a career spanning bookkeeping, operational management, and executive financial leadership, Lavon has worked with a wide range of clients—from small businesses to growing enterprises—implementing efficient systems and ensuring compliance with industry standards. He has worked in the financial industry for several years, building a strong track record in delivering results. His career is also shaped by hands-on experience in farming, manufacturing, construction, and retail, giving him a unique understanding of the operational and financial needs across diverse industries. He studied at Conestoga College and is known for his precision, approachable leadership style, and dedication to client success.

Outside of work, Lavon is an active member of an a cappella singing group, where he channels his creativity and love for music. He enjoys traveling, exploring new cultures, and gaining fresh perspectives that inspire both his personal and professional life. Passionate about entrepreneurship, he also mentors and supports fellow business owners, helping them navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

Based in Elmira, Lavon continues to grow as both a financial leader and a community contributor, blending professionalism with a genuine passion for people.

Dawson Eby joined the team in May 2025 as a Junior Bookkeeping Specialist. He has a genuine passion for helping the company continue to grow and project upward.  From a young age, he has been drawn to business and finance and is grateful to now be building a career in the field he always aspired to.

He looks forward to supporting our clients’ success while continuing to grow in both his faith and professional career here at Upward Financial.

Kelly has been Upward’s Office Administrator and social media manager since 2023. She is in the office on Mondays and Tuesdays, with an increase during tax season. She answers the phone, handles the emails as well as other office related tasks. She also handles data entry, payroll and basic bookkeeping. On days outside of Upward she can be found whipping up drinks at a local café in Waterloo.

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, music, painting, and spending time with friends.

Virginia joined the team in 2025 as a part time data entry clerk. Her keyboard may be one of the many you hear in the office on Tuesdays. Invoices and bills are what keep her busy during the day.

Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, reading and spending time with her husband and four beautiful daughters. They love travelling and planning their next adventure together.