CFO Advisory Consultant

Role Overview

We’re looking for a strategic, client-facing professional with a background in accounting — ideally with experience in both public accounting (audit) and private industry (controller or CFO‑level). This role is essential to execute on our Proactive Accounting engagements. You’ll serve as an outsourced CFO for a portfolio of clients, translating financial data into strategic guidance that shapes how they run their businesses.

This position reports directly to the Principal, Director of Client Accounting & Advisory Services and is based in Kirkland, Washington, with a hybrid work schedule.

• Serve as the outsourced CFO for a dedicated portfolio of clients, acting as a trusted strategic advisor to ownership and leadership teams
• Lead forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow strategy to support client decision‑making in real time
• Build dashboards and KPI reporting (leveraging tools such as Reach Reporting) that turn financial data into forward‑looking insight
• Analyze financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Advise clients on best practices for accounting and finance operations, including process improvement and systems evaluation/implementation
• Partner with key client stakeholders to lead change management through growth, transitions, or operational shifts
• Support pre‑sale and pre‑acquisition diligence as needed
• Manage and prioritize a portfolio of clients independently, balancing virtual and on‑site engagement
• Collaborate with internal account teams (including our Global Team) to ensure the right work happens at the right level
• Perform other duties as assigned by the department managers

• Bachelor’s degree required in accounting or finance
• A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience, ideally including at least three (3) years in public accounting (audit preferred) and three (3) years in private industry in a Controller or senior finance role
• Demonstrated experience operating at or near the CFO level, including strategic planning, forecasting, scenario analysis, and executive‑level communication
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards
• A track record of managing multiple client relationships or business units simultaneously, with strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate financial details into clear guidance for non‑financial stakeholders
• Demonstrates a curious and collaborative mindset, consistently bringing thoughtful solutions and insights to clients and leadership
• Ability to work effectively across a diverse team environment, including coordination with offshore/global team members

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation is a plus

The pay range for this role is $135,000–$189,000 per year. This range includes the anticipated low and high end of the pay range for this position. Actual compensation may vary based on various factors, including experience, education, and/or skill level.

For employees working 30 or more hours per week, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as dependent coverage;
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts; and employer‑paid life and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan with employer match. We also provide flexible time off (PTO) and 13 paid holidays.

At Ascend, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Ascend hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.