Freelance Cfo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: LOCATION: Remote, applicants must reside in Idaho, Texas, Kentucky, Colorado, or CaliforniaABOUT THE COMPANY At The Freelance CFO, we understand that financial management extends far beyond figures and ledgers. We’re passionate about providing a unique blend of educational resources and services that harmonize our clients’ financial goals with their personal aspirations. We see our role as not just financial advisors, but as partners in their journey towards success and stability. We proudly work with a diverse range of clients, from business owners to individuals, from the neurodivergent community to the queer community, because we believe that everyone deserves the right to financial education and stability. Each client brings a unique perspective, and it is these diverse viewpoints that enrich our understanding of finance. Our approach is a shame-free one. We strive to create a safe, inclusive space where our clients’ vulnerabilities are seen as strengths. By understanding their unique circumstances, we’re better equipped to provide personalized guidance. We help translate complex financial concepts into understandable terms, providing tools that empower informed decisions for both life and business. With The Freelance CFO, financial management is a partnership. We’re not here just to crunch numbers; we’re here to help our clients make sense of them. We’re committed to understanding their dreams and aligning them with their financial capabilities, helping them build a prosperous and fulfilling future. The numbers matter. But so do our clients, and so do their dreams. At The Freelance CFO, we’re here to help make it all count. Together, we turn financial chaos into clarity, confusion into understanding, and dreams into reality.PURPOSE OF THE ROLE This role leads tax strategy and preparation for The Freelance CFO's clients, serving as a primary point of contact for tax planning, filing, and notice resolution. The Senior Tax Accountant brings deep technical expertise and sound professional judgment to client relationships, translating complex tax concepts into clear, actionable guidance. Because our tiered client packages spread work across the year rather than concentrating it in a single filing season, tax work at TFCFO is year-round, with client volume shifting throughout the year between planning, filing, and extension work. The role is centered on strategic tax work: proactive planning and strategy calls, timely preparation and filing of returns, notice review and resolution, and some bookkeeping support for select high-touch clients. This position may also provide oversight on the monthly closing of books for select clients. Work is guided by client needs and firm priorities, with the expectation that the Senior Tax Accountant exercises independent judgment, communicates proactively, and manages client relationships with minimal day-to-day direction after onboarding. The Senior Tax Accountant reports to the CEO and works closely with the broader team to ensure client work is accurate, timely, and aligned with firm standards. WORK SCHEDULE Preferred core hours for this role are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a one hour unpaid lunch break, to support real time coordination with clients and the team. We're open to discussing hours around this range for the right candidate.During the first 90 days of employment, during the company's busy season from January through April, and during tax extension season from late August through mid October, with specific dates communicated each year, the schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday.Outside of these periods, and after the first 90 days, the schedule shifts to Monday through Thursday, averaging 32 hours per week while maintaining full time pay.BENEFITS/PERKS: Paid time off and sick time accrued in accordance with state requirements and company policy (available after 90 days of employment)14 paid U.S. holidays per year32 hour work week outside of busy seasons while maintaining full salary (after the first 90 days)Medical, dental, and vision benefits, if elected (available after 90 days)Up to $2,000 per year in professional development reimbursement for approved education and training (available after 90 days)SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with a 3% company match (available after one year)4 weeks of paid parental leave (available after one year)Cell phone and internet expense reimbursement provided where required by state law You may feel energized and aligned in this role if you:Are the subject matter expert and comfortable pushing back or challenging an approach privately, including with leadership, when your judgment says otherwiseCommunicate with clients and team members in a way that's straightforward but empathetic, compassionate, and shame freeProactively flag opportunities, and potential challenges to clients and the team before being askedPursue every possible option for a client, even long shots, because they deserve to know we're in their cornerBuild genuine rapport and trust with clients, without losing your role as the trusted professionalFeel very comfortable delivering anxiety-inducing/hard news directly, and know how to discern what a client actually needs to hear versus the technical detail behind itCommunicate proactively when you're overwhelmed or juggling competing priorities, so work can be adjusted togetherAre incredibly detail oriented, with good self-check practices for your own workWould rather say "I don't know, let me research this" than give an answer that isn't fully accurateReceive direct feedback well and bring solutions along with any problems you raiseAre self-motivated and comfortable getting the lay of the land and owning it without needing frequent check-insHave passions and interests outside of work, this matters a lot here, we don't want 60+ hour weeks for our team or ourselvesHandle confidential client and financial information with care and professionalismFeel comfortable receiving instructions and context through tools like Loom and SlackFeel comfortable in a shame free work environment where communication might sometimes need to be reworded so it clicks for different brainsDon't mind that communication from the team, including leadership, sometimes includes a meme or GIF alongside the actual instructionsAdjust well when volume and pace pick up during tax season and priorities shift throughout the day This role may not spark your interest if you:Prefer to be told exactly what to do rather than exercising expert-level independent judgmentFeel uncomfortable pushing back on an approach, even privately, when you see a better pathDefault to blunt communication without empathy or compassion for clients or teammatesAvoid delivering hard news directly, or struggle to tell the difference between what a client needs to know and the full technical detailWould rather guess or say what comes to mind than research something you're unsure ofStruggle to speak up when you're overwhelmed or priorities are competing for your timeTake feedback personally, or tend to bring problems without thinking through possible solutionsNeed frequent check-ins to stay on trackFeel uncomfortable receiving instructions or context through informal tools like Loom and SlackPrefer strictly formal communication styles at all times (we tend to speak like real humans and yes, that sometimes includes cussing used as everyday vocabulary, never directed at anyone) These lists are not about judgment. They are simply meant to help both sides understand whether the way we work feels supportive for you. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Tax Accountant is responsible for the following: Tax Strategy & PreparationPrepare and file federal and state income tax returns for individuals, Schedule C, partnerships, S corporations, C corporations, and trusts, including multi-state returns, from start to finish for your own client roster, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely completionReview and finalize tax returns prepared by junior team members prior to filing, ensuring the same standard of accuracy and complianceLead proactive tax strategy and planning calls with clients, primarily during tax off seasonUtilize all strategies and credit options available to decrease client tax liabilityPrepare tax workpapers and maintain accurate documentationSupport expat and digital nomad clients with relevant tax filings and compliance (experience a plus, not required) Client Communication & Notice SupportFacilitate client planning and strategy calls with clear, jargon-free communicationRespond to client inquiries regarding tax return status and general questionsAssist clients in gathering necessary information and documents for filingsRespond to and resolve tax notices directly for high-touch clients; provide response guidance and support for other clients, taking direct ownership when the notice relates to a return TFCFO preparedSupport clients during IRS and state correspondence or audits as neededOnce trained, join client meetings and record Looms reviewing clients' tax returns Bookkeeping OversightProvide oversight on the monthly closing of books for select clients, with particular focus during year endPerform a la carte bookkeeping work for a small number of complex-return clients as needed to complete filings Team Support & MentorshipAssist in training and supporting the team on GAAP and best practicesMentor junior team members on expat and digital nomad tax topics (experience a plus, not required)Collaborate with internal team members to ensure smooth and efficient workflowReview team and marketing content related to expat, digital nomad, and general tax/business compliance topics for accuracy Firm StrategyProvide input, expertise, and ideation for social media, blog, and podcast content within area of expertise, for the marketing team to useInterface with the CEO and team on educational initiatives and offeringsStrategize future revenue goals and service offerings with the CEO General ExpectationsMaintain confidentiality and protect sensitive client financial dataMaintain one consolidated location for client data with the teamCommunicate clearly and proactively when questions arise or clarification is needed During slower periods, you may be asked to assist with short term tasks outside of your regular responsibilities to help support team needs. Guidance and context will be provided, and capacity will be discussed in advance. QUALIFICATIONS Active U.S. CPA license or EA required (must be licensed and in good standing in a U.S. jurisdiction)5-7 years of tax preparation and filing experience, including individual, Schedule C, partnership, S-corporation, and C-corporation returnsStrong understanding of federal and multi-state tax regulationsExperience working with small business owners (generally under $2 million/year in revenue)Experience with expat or digital nomad tax filings preferred, not requiredProficiency in tax software (e.g., Financial Cents, DrakeTax, Xero, QBO, or similar)Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skills in English; able to break down complex topics into easily understandable terms for business ownersAbility to work independently after onboarding without needing close supervision ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Personal computer or laptop suitable for daily work tasks (for paid test/working trial, a company laptop will be provided upon hiring)Reliable, high speed internet connection capable of supporting regular recorded Zoom video calls and recording Looms for clients.A dedicated, private workspace that allows for confidentiality and minimal distractionsAvailability to work during set business hours in a fully remote environmentCommitment to respectful and inclusive communication with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients and team members Where required by state law, necessary work related expenses or equipment will be reimbursed or provided. TOOLS & SYSTEMS Proficiency in or willingness to learn the following platforms/tools:DrakeTax: Used for preparation and filing of federal and state tax returnsEncyro: Used for secure client document exchange and e-signaturesXero and QBO: Used for reviewing client books, financial reporting, and bookkeeping supportFinancial Cents: Used for task tracking, workflow updates, and maintaining accurate client recordsHubdoc: Used for locating and organizing client documentsGusto: Used for reviewing payroll records as neededSlack and Voxer: Used for team and client communicationGoogle Workspace: Used daily for file organization, collaboration, and communicationZoom and Loom: Used for client meetings, recordings, and reviewing tax returns with clientsMicrosoft Excel and Google Sheets: Used for tax workpapers, trackers, and maintaining accurate information The ability to learn and adapt to new software platforms is important, as tools may evolve over time. PERFORMANCE REVIEW & GROWTHStructured onboarding with check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 daysClear expectations developed within the first week through collaborative Key Result Areas (KRAs)Ongoing feedback, communication, and support are a normal part of how we workOpportunities for expanded responsibility and growth may develop over time based on performance and company needs HIRING PROCESS: To better allow you to display your skills and to help us determine the best candidates, our hiring process takes place in five stages:Initial application (https://forms.gle/ZbqkmACadp5Ep7rr6)Live initial interviewPaid Skills testPaid Trial working dayFinal interview All assessments and trial work are paid in recognition of the time and effort involved. Given the technical nature of this role, paid assessments and the trial working day may involve real client returns, prepared under the supervision and review of our current Senior Tax Accountant. Nothing prepared during a trial is submitted or filed. All candidates participating in a paid trial working day will sign an Independent Contractor Agreement for that day. We value your interest in this role and appreciate your understanding as our team moves through the hiring process. We kindly ask that candidates do not email or message team members directly about the position. If you are selected to move forward at any stage, you will hear from us directly by email. Thank you for sticking with us through a longer job description. We know this is a lot of information, and we also know there are brains out there who genuinely prefer having all the details upfront before deciding whether to apply. If that’s you, we see you! Company Description: At The Freelance CFO, we understand that financial management extends far beyond figures and ledgers. We’re passionate about providing a unique blend of educational resources and services that harmonize our clients’ financial goals with their personal aspirations. We see our role as not just financial advis