[Hiring] Strategic Finance & CPA Advisor @FirstWave Talent Strategies

Role Description

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

Qualifications

• 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

Requirements

• 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

Benefits

• 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