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Senior Tax & Accounting / Fractional CFO Consultant
Location: Hybrid Remote – Cary, NC 27511
Compensation: $50–$75 per hour, depending on experience Hourly Commitment: Approximately 32 hours per week Position Type: Contract / Employee
Job Summary SME Business LLC is seeking an experienced Senior Tax & Accounting / Fractional CFO Consultant to provide senior-level technical support, oversight, and client advisory services. This position combines three key areas of responsibility: Tax Preparation & Review, Accounting & Tax Oversight, and Fractional CFO / Client Advisory Services. The ideal candidate will be an experienced accounting and tax professional who is comfortable working independently, reviewing the work of others, advising small-business clients, and serving as an escalation point for more complex accounting and tax matters.
- Tax Preparation & Review In your capacity as a senior tax professional, you will:
- Prepare and review federal and state individual and business income tax returns.
- Prepare and review returns including Forms 1040, 1120-S, 1065 and 1120, along with other returns as experience permits.
- Review tax returns prepared by other team members for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
- Identify potential tax planning opportunities and communicate recommendations to clients and the SME team.
- Research and resolve technical tax issues as they arise.
- Assist with tax notices, amended returns, and other client tax matters when necessary.
- Review year-end accounting information and adjusting entries prior to tax return preparation.
- Provide proactive tax planning and consulting to small-business owners and individual clients.
- Maintain accurate documentation and workpapers supporting tax positions and return preparation.
- Accounting & Tax Oversight A key component of this position is providing senior-level technical oversight to aid the SME team as client work is produced.
- Responsibilities will include:
- Serve as an escalation point for complex accounting and tax questions from team members.
- Review accounting work and financial statements for accuracy and reasonableness.
- Assist with complex reconciliations, adjusting journal entries, and general ledger issues.
- Review balance sheets and identify issues requiring correction or further investigation.
- Provide guidance on accounting treatment for unusual or complex transactions.
- Support team members in resolving client accounting issues.
- Research accounting and tax questions and communicate practical recommendations.
- Collaborate with SME leadership on client matters requiring senior accounting or tax expertise.
- Help maintain quality and consistency across client accounting and tax work.
- Fractional CFO & Advisory Services For designated advisory clients, you will:
- Prepare and/or review monthly management accounts and financial reporting packages.
- Interpret financial statements and explain results to business owners in clear, practical terms.
- Assist clients with budgeting and financial forecasting.
- Prepare and analyze cash-flow projections.
- Identify trends, risks, and opportunities within client financial results.
- Assist clients with financial planning and strategic decision-making.
- Develop meaningful financial reports and KPIs based on individual client needs.
- Provide guidance on profitability, cash management, and business performance.
- Participate in client advisory meetings as needed.
- Support nonprofit accounting and advisory clients where applicable.
Required Experience
The successful candidate should have:
- 5+ years of tax accounting experience, preferably within a public accounting or small-business advisory environment.
- Strong experience preparing and/or reviewing individual and business tax returns.
- Strong knowledge of S corporations, partnerships, individual taxation, and small-business accounting.
- Experience reviewing financial statements, balance sheets, and general ledger activity.
- Strong understanding of double-entry accounting, adjusting journal entries, and financial statement preparation.
- Ability to independently research and resolve accounting and tax issues.
- Experience working directly with small-business owners and explaining complex financial concepts clearly.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment while collaborating effectively with an existing team.
- Ability to manage multiple clients and priorities in a fast-paced accounting environment.
Software Experience
Experience with the following is preferred:
- QuickBooks Online
- Drake Tax
- Payroll platforms and payroll accounting
- Microsoft Excel
- Client management and document management systems
Experience with additional accounting and tax software is beneficial but not required.
License / Certification
The following are preferred but not required:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Enrolled Agent (EA)
Candidates without a CPA or EA designation may still be considered where they demonstrate substantial tax preparation, review, and small-business accounting experience.
Pay: $50.00 – $75.00 per hour
Benefits
- Dental insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience
Tax & Accounting: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cary, NC 27511
Compensation
$ 50 – $ 75 per hour
