Strategic Finance & CPA Advisor (Fractional)

FirstWave Talent Strategies is a top-tier executive search and talent advisory firm based in Fort Worth, Texas. We focus on placing high-impact leaders in Healthcare, Aviation, IT/Tech, and Legal industries.

We are looking for a Strategic Finance & CPA advisor to work directly with the Founder in building the financial engine of a rapidly growing executive search firm. You will help design, implement, and steer the financial strategy that fuels FirstWave’s expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Finance

• Architect FirstWave’s financial model (revenue, margins, contractor payouts)
• Build forecasting models (monthly, quarterly, annual)
• Advise on pricing strategy (placement fees, retainers, structures)
• Support investor readiness and capital strategy

Operational Finance

• Establish accounting systems, controls, and reporting cadence
• Oversee cash flow management and runway planning
• Develop contractor compensation tracking frameworks
• Implement financial dashboards (KPIs, margins, profitability)

Compliance & Risk

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Advise on tax strategy and entity optimization
• Review contracts for financial implications

Executive Advisory

• Serve as a strategic thought partner to the Founder
• Provide insight on scaling decisions, hiring, and expansion
• Support long-term financial vision

What We’re Looking For (FirstWave Fit)

• Strategic thinker, not just a compliance executor
• Builder mindset—comfortable creating from zero
• High-trust operator with executive presence
• Ability to challenge, advise, and elevate leadership decisions

Why Join FirstWave

• Direct access to Founder-level decision making
• Influence the financial foundation of a high-growth firm
• Flexible, fractional engagement with high impact
• Opportunity to evolve into a long-term strategic finance leader

Requirements

• Active CPA (Certified Public Accountant) license
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience
• Experience supporting small businesses, startups, or growth-stage companies
• Strong financial modeling and forecasting expertise
• U.S.-based with knowledge of U.S. tax and compliance frameworks

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in recruiting, staffing, or professional services
• Prior fractional CFO or advisory experience
• Exposure to contractor-heavy or commission-based business models
• Familiarity with scaling organizations from <$1M to $5M+

Benefits

• Flexible remote work arrangement
• Opportunity to collaborate with purpose-driven leadership teams
• Engagement in impactful projects with visionary organizations
• Professional development through exposure to elite HR and compliance practices
• Autonomy and ownership in shaping payroll and compliance strategies