Freelance Chief Performance Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: PURPOSE OF THE ROLE This role provides dedicated tax preparation capacity for The Freelance CFO’s clients during tax extension season, with a focus on independently managing a roster of individual, Schedule C, partnership, S-corporation, C-corporation, and trust returns, including high-net worth, and multi-state return clients. This is a defined-term, project-based engagement running from as soon as possible through October 15, 2026. We are open to discussing a longer-term engagement or a transition to employment after tax extension season for the right fit. The Seasonal Tax Preparer works independently on assigned client work, reviews returns prepared by junior team members, and provides notice resolution support for high-touch clients, reporting to the Owner/Founder and Senior Tax Accountant. COMPENSATION This is an independent contractor (1099) engagement. Payment is processed through Gusto in accordance with standard contractor payment practices, with no tax withholdings or deductions taken on your behalf.Compensation is structured as a combination of per-return flat fees (based on return type and complexity) and hourly pay for work outside of return preparation:Scoped add-ons (rentals, nonresident/multi-state filings, etc.): 15-20% of the additional amount invoiced to the client, depending on experience. Hourly work outside of return preparation (standalone research, notice response, resolution casework): $30.00-$40.00 per hour, depending on experience. A full breakdown of per-return flat fee rates (personal, Schedule C, S-Corp/Partnership/C-Corp, and trust returns) will be provided to applicants upon initial application and request. WORK ARRANGEMENT This is a remote, project-based engagement. As a contractor, you will not have a set schedule. However, client communications need to occur Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Mountain Time, and and we prefer that a few of your working hours fall within that window to support real-time coordination with clients and the team. As an independent contractor, this engagement does not include employee benefits (PTO, health insurance, retirement match, etc.).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 Seasonal Tax Preparer 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 complianceUtilize 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 Client Communication & Notice SupportRespond 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, 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 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 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 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 returnsDemonstrated experience independently preparing trust (Form 1041) returns and returns for high net worth individualsStrong 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 and accurately with minimal supervision ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSPersonal computer or laptop suitable for daily work tasks 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 distractionsNo fixed work schedule. However, you'll need to be reachable for client communications at some point within the Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Mountain Time window, with an overlap of your working hours falling within it for ease of communication. Commitment to respectful and inclusive communication with LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent clients and team members 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. 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:Screening Application in ZipRecruiter Invitation to our full applicationLive initial interview with CEOPaid Trial Returns Final interview All assessments and trial work are paid in recognition of the time and effort involved. Given the technical nature of this role, paid trial returns may involve real client returns, prepared under the supervision and review of our current Senior Tax Accountant. Trial work is completed under your full Independent Contractor Agreement, if, based on the initial trial assignments, we determine the role isn’t the right fit, no further assignments will be provided. If you and our team determine it’s a right fit, then the final interview is used to formally discuss the ongoing engagement and next steps. 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 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.