Finance Partner

Cornerstone Finance is seeking experienced Finance Partners to act as trusted financial and strategic leaders for a portfolio of startup and small business clients. The role combines relationship ownership with advisory support, helping clients translate financial information into clear actions while coordinating with Cornerstone specialists as needs evolve.

Role Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary financial leader and trusted advisor for a portfolio of startup and small business clients
• Build strong relationships with business owners and leadership teams by understanding business goals, challenges, and opportunities
• Own the overall financial health of client relationships, including financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, cash flow management, KPI development, and financial decision support
• Provide leadership and oversight across accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, tax, and other financial functions, working with Cornerstone specialists and client team members
• Translate financial information into practical insights and recommendations that business owners can understand and act upon
• Support strategic planning by helping clients establish priorities, goals, financial plans, and actionable roadmaps
• Proactively identify risks, opportunities, and areas where Cornerstone can help improve business performance
• Step beyond a traditional finance scope when appropriate, supporting challenges involving operations, systems, people, pricing, processes, and strategy
• Help business owners evaluate important decisions using both financial and broader business perspectives
• Coordinate Cornerstone’s broader team and resources to deliver proactive, integrated support
• Hold clients and internal team members accountable to agreed-upon priorities, commitments, and action items
• Continuously develop capabilities as a financial leader and strategic advisor
• Proactively contribute ideas to improve Cornerstone’s services, systems, and methodologies
• Model Cornerstone’s values and encourage clients to build financially healthy, sustainable businesses that honor people and stakeholders

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, FP&A, financial consulting, controllership, CFO advisory, or a related field
• Strong understanding of financial statements, accounting principles, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial analysis
• Experience working directly with business owners, executives, clients, or other senior stakeholders
• Ability to analyze a business, identify key issues, and translate financial information into actionable recommendations
• Comfort operating in entrepreneurial environments where responsibilities may extend beyond a narrowly defined finance role
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Strong financial modeling and spreadsheet skills
• Comfort learning and using multiple systems, including Google Workspace, QuickBooks Online, Reach Reporting, Bill.com, Gusto, and related small business technology
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, economics, business, or a related field (preferred)
• CPA, CMA, MBA, or other relevant professional credentials are a plus but not required
• Experience with startups, small businesses, consulting, professional services, Big Four/public accounting, corporate FP&A, or entrepreneurial environments is a plus

Performance Expectations

• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients and become someone business owners value having alongside them
• Take ownership of client outcomes rather than only completing assigned deliverables
• Demonstrate strong engagement and team presence, including proactive communication, transparency, kindness, and professionalism
• Think proactively by identifying issues, opportunities, and next steps without waiting for direction
• Develop a deep understanding of each client’s business beyond financial statements
• Prepare for client and internal meetings and follow through on commitments and action items
• Communicate clearly and proactively when expectations, timelines, or availability change
• Maintain appropriate availability during US ET working hours for scheduled client and team commitments unless otherwise agreed
• Keep client plans, project management systems, financial tools, and other relevant materials reasonably current
• Collaborate with accountants, bookkeepers, tax professionals, analysts, and other Cornerstone team members
• Exercise sound judgment, confidentiality, and integrity when advising business owners and handling sensitive information
• Take ownership of work by leading, acting proactively, moving with urgency, communicating clearly, and continuously improving

Key Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Strong financial and analytical capabilities
• Business and strategic acumen
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Executive-level communication and relationship-building ability
• Ability to simplify complex financial concepts for entrepreneurs and non-financial leaders
• Curiosity and willingness to understand all aspects of a client’s business
• High degree of ownership, initiative, and personal accountability
• Ability to influence and lead without relying on formal authority
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Comfort managing multiple client relationships and competing priorities
• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort operating in environments that are still being built
• Humility and willingness to learn, receive feedback, and collaborate with specialists
• High standards of confidentiality and integrity
• Strong alignment with Cornerstone’s values and commitment to serving clients, employees, and other stakeholders well

Location

Remote (remote)

Compensation

• Variable compensation based on client portfolio and level of responsibility
• Designed to allow Finance Partners to begin with a limited number of clients and grow their portfolio, income, and responsibilities over time
• $40 - $75 per hour

Technologies

• Google Workspace
• QuickBooks Online
• Reach Reporting
• Bill.com
• Gusto
• Spreadsheets