Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Gearhart Law – Strategic Leadership Role (Hybrid / Remote)About the FirmGearhart Law is a high-growth intellectual property law firm operating at the intersection of innovation, law, and entrepreneurship. We represent venture-backed startups, life sciences companies, and emerging technology businesses as they build and protect transformative ideas.Over the past three years, the firm has experienced substantial and sustained growth. We are now entering our next phase: scaling toward a $10M+ operation with increased operational sophistication, financial discipline, and strategic expansion.We are seeking a financial leader who is not just a steward of numbers—but a driver of growth, profitability, and long-term enterprise value.The OpportunityThis is not a maintenance CFO role.We are looking for a high-impact Fractional CFO who can help architect the financial foundation of a scaling professional services firm. You will work directly with the Managing Partner and Fractional CEO to translate growth objectives into financial strategy, operational discipline, and measurable outcomes.The right candidate will bring experience scaling service-based organizations and will be comfortable operating as both a strategic advisor and hands-on executor.What You Will OwnStrategic Financial LeadershipPartner with leadership to drive the firm’s trajectory toward $10M+ revenueTranslate growth goals into financial models, KPIs, and execution frameworksIdentify opportunities to improve margins, pricing strategy, and revenue mixCash Flow & Profitability OptimizationDesign and actively manage cash flow strategyImprove working capital efficiency and predictabilityImplement metrics that drive profitability at the matter, client, and practice levelFinancial Infrastructure & ReportingBuild a best-in-class financial reporting frameworkDeliver clear, decision-oriented reporting (not just historical statements)Establish dashboards and KPIs that align the team around performanceTeam Leadership & Process ElevationOversee and elevate two full-time accounting staffImplement scalable systems, controls, and workflowsUpgrade financial discipline across the organizationBudgeting, Forecasting & ModelingDevelop dynamic financial models tied to hiring, marketing, and revenue growthOwn budgeting process and rolling forecastsProvide scenario planning for strategic decisionsCost Control & Operational EfficiencyAct as a controller-level safeguard on expensesIdentify and implement cost efficiencies without compromising growthExternal Financial InterfaceServe as point of contact with banks, tax advisors, and financial partnersWho You AreFormer CFO, Fractional CFO, or senior finance leader with demonstrated scaling experienceProven track record of helping companies grow meaningfully (ideally toward or beyond $10M revenue)Strong background in professional services or law firm economics (preferred, not required)Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA, CPA, or equivalent strongly preferred)Deep expertise in financial modeling, forecasting, and operational financeHighly responsive, proactive, and comfortable in an entrepreneurial environmentWhat Sets You ApartYou think like an owner, not just an advisorYou bring structure without bureaucracyYou’ve built systems that scale—not just maintained themYou are as comfortable challenging assumptions as you are executing plansEngagement StructureFractional (ongoing relationship)Flexible structure, likely 1–3 days per week depending on engagement phaseOpportunity to expand scope as the firm growsWhy This Role is CompellingDirect influence on scaling a high-growth, innovation-focused law firmClose partnership with firm leadershipOpportunity to build the financial engine—not inherit a static systemMeaningful impact on strategy, growth, and profitability