About the role
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.
We are looking for someone capable of providing senior-level technical expertise, review, and decision-making support to our existing accounting team and clients.
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