Fractional CFO/ Controller- Build & Scale a Practice

Role Summary Dark Horse CPAs was built because the traditional CPA firm model optimizes for hierarchy and hours—not outcomes, ownership, or people. We are looking for Fractional CFO/ Controllers who have launched or are considering launching their own firm, and who would like support from a marketing, sales and business development perspective and who thrive in a team environment. As part of our CAS Accelerator program, we provide leads, marketing and business development support and coaching and take care of the back office, technology stack and IT infrastructure so you can focus on delivering excellent client experiences. This is a Principal and ownership-track role designed for people who want autonomy and teammates, accountability and coaching. You’ll work with our clients, navigating growth, complexity, transactions, and change. That includes everything from messy financial cleanups to systems selection, implementation guidance, and full business transformations. This role requires judgment, flexibility, and a willingness to do the work that actually moves companies forward. IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE, PLEASE APPLY ON LINKEDIN AND COMPLETE THIS SHORT QUESTIONNAIRE: https://forms.microsoft.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Vke_PKWIbEWu07Q3C3rnjuxWAP0HN75HsePx1-1pNWtUQVgyQU00U01DOVlMUjdTTFVBT0MzQ01WUC4u What Dark Horse Provides: Dark Horse provides the infrastructure that most CPAs do not have access to when trying to build a practice on their own. That includes: Draw up to $120,000 per year Qualified inbound prospective clients Ongoing sales coaching and business development support Best-in-class and proprietary technology solutions IT helpdesk and development resources focused on improving accountant workflows Leverage to serve your clients, at scale A collaborative community of experienced CPAs Financing options to support growth and hiring Offshore staffing through Dark Horse’s own Philippines corporation, rather than a third-party outsourcing agency Hands-off operational support, including bookkeeping, payroll, benefits administration, insurance, cybersecurity, and other firm-level compliance items What Success Looks Like Success in this role means: Building a $250K+ annual recurring revenue CFO / Controller practice in a supported environment Acting as a trusted financial leader for multiple clients at once Guiding clients through operational change, and uncertainty, not just reporting cycles Knowing when to be hands-on and when to lead through others Asking for input, taking feedback seriously, and getting better quickly Becoming a collaborative, respected future Principal within Dark Horse Successful CAS Accelerators graduate into equity Principal roles and help shape the firm’s future. Responsibilities Build and grow a recurring fractional CFO / outsourced Controller book of business using self-sourced leads, inbound opportunities, referrals from our tax team, and relationship development Lead discovery conversations, scope engagements appropriately, and price services based on value and impact Serve as client's outsourced Controller including: Personally handle early-stage client work when needed, including: Financial cleanups and closing the books General ledger restructuring Cash flow management and forecasting Serve as CFO-level advisor to founders and executive teams, including: Strategic planning and KPI development Profitability, margin, and unit economics analysis Scenario modeling for growth, hiring, capital raises, or exits Budgeting, forecasting and financial modeling Guide clients through ERP/ systems selection, including: Assessing current-state processes and pain points Recommending appropriate ERP or accounting platforms Supporting implementation planning and change management Support and guide business transformations, such as: Scaling operations Preparing for M&A or capital events Post-transaction integration and process redesign Provide M&A-related support, including: Pre-transaction financial readiness and cleanup Diligence support and financial storytelling Post-close reporting and integration guidance Contribute to the team Maintain accountability for accuracy, insight, and client experience Collaborate openly with CAS peers, Tax Principals, and firm leadership Share insights, templates, and lessons learned to strengthen the broader firm Fully adopt Dark Horse systems, workflows, and technology standards Qualifications Experience 10–15+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience 3–5+ years acting in a CFO or Controller capacity, either Internally within an operating company, or Externally within a fractional CFO or advisory firm Experience operating in a multi-client environment with competing priorities Prior experience at a Big 4 or large public accounting firm a plus Hands-on experience supporting M&A, transactions, a plus Systems & Technology Strong experience with QuickBooks Online (QBO) Experience working within Microsoft ecosystems (Excel, Power BI, Teams, related tools) Exposure to or active use of AI-enabled tools in accounting, finance, or analysis Experience participating in or guiding ERP/ system selection and implementation Skills Strong understanding of close processes, financial reporting, and cash flow dynamics Ability to operate effectively in imperfect, evolving, or high-growth environments Ability to translate financial data into practical, strategic guidance Sound judgment around scoping, prioritization, and client communication Excellent verbal and written communication skills Mindset & Fit Entrepreneurial and ownership-minded Collaborative and generous with knowledge Coachable and open to feedback, even when it challenges prior assumptions Comfortable selling advisory services—or motivated to learn how to do so well Willing to roll up sleeves early and build leverage intentionally Values shared success over individual heroics Preferred CPA or equivalent professional credential Prior experience leading or supporting M&A transactions A Final Word At Dark Horse, you are autonomous but not alone. You have the freedom to design your practice in a way that works for you, your team, and your clients, while still benefiting from the support of a larger platform. You own your book of business, gain access to a stronger talent-facing brand, and have the opportunity to build equity in a growing firm through stock option grants tied to performance and contribution. Dark Horse also supports additional revenue opportunities through strategic partnerships, including collaboration with Dark Horse Private Wealth.