I began my career as a CPA in public accounting and tax, working with a diverse range of clients and industries to solve complex financial challenges under pressure. It was there I learned to think critically, move quickly, and bring clarity to high-stakes environments—building the discipline, technical foundation, and client-first mindset that continue to guide how I lead today.

After a decade in public accounting, I transitioned into the startup world—and never looked back. I found my stride in complex, rapidly-evolving businesses, where innovation, agility, and decisive execution are essential. Over the past several years, I’ve partnered closely with founders and leadership teams to navigate macroeconomic uncertainty, build from the ground up, and respond quickly to shifting market demands.

Too often, companies treat finance as a reporting function rather than the strategic asset it should be. I’ve seen brilliant teams make critical decisions without the financial insight they need. Every business benefits from CFO-level guidance early on—but most can’t justify a full-time hire in the early stages. That’s where I come in.

As a fractional CFO, I embed within your team to provide the strategic partnership and financial leadership your business needs to grow—without the overhead of a full-time executive. I bring objectivity, independence, and transparency, helping founders make confident decisions with clear, data-driven insights. My role is to give you what’s often missing: a trusted financial partner who’s aligned with your goals, not just reporting on them.

If you're looking for a partner to help you scale smart, navigate challenges, and build lasting financial strength, let’s talk.

~Braden Russell