Frequently Asked Questions

🧾 Services & Fit

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Q: What types of businesses do you work with?
A: I primarily work with owner-led businesses that need stronger financial reporting, better cash flow visibility, and more practical support around financial decision-making. Some clients need help creating cleaner monthly financials and stronger reporting structure, while others need deeper support with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and strategic guidance.

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Q: What’s the difference between Controller support and Fractional CFO support?
A: Controller support focuses on financial accuracy, consistency, and reporting structure. This includes stronger monthly financials, reconciliations, close support, and cleaner reporting.

 

Fractional CFO support builds on that foundation with forward-looking planning, forecasting, budgeting, cash flow strategy, variance analysis, KPI review, and financial decision support.

 

In simple terms, Controller support helps keep the numbers accurate and organized. Fractional CFO support helps turn those numbers into decisions.

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Q: What if I’m not sure what level of support I need?
A: That’s completely fine. You do not need to have it all figured out before reaching out. During our initial conversation, I’ll help determine whether Controller support, Fractional CFO support, tax and year-end coordination, or a one-time project is the best fit for your business.

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💸 Pricing & Engagement

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Q: How much do services cost?
A: Pricing depends on the level of financial support your business needs. Fractional CFO support starts at $3,000 per month. Controller support starts at $1,500 per month. Additional services are custom quoted based on scope. The right level of support depends on your business’s size, complexity, reporting needs, and current financial challenges.

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Q: Do you offer both monthly support and one-time projects?
A: Yes. Some clients need ongoing monthly support, while others need help with a one-time project such as cleanup, reporting structure, forecasting, year-end coordination, or a specific financial issue. I offer both, depending on what makes the most sense for the situation.

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Q: Is there a long-term commitment?
A: Not necessarily. Some businesses benefit from ongoing monthly support, while others only need short-term help or a one-time project. The goal is to provide the right level of support for your business, not to force you into something you do not need.

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🔐 Process & Communication

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Q: What does the process look like?
A: The process starts with an initial consultation to understand your business, your current setup, and the financial challenges you are trying to solve. From there, I’ll recommend the level of support that makes the most sense and outline the next steps clearly. If we move forward, the process is designed to be straightforward, organized, and tailored to your business.

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Q: How do we share documents and information?
A: I use secure, organized document-sharing methods to make the process simple and efficient. The goal is to keep everything easy to access, easy to manage, and professional from start to finish.

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Q: What accounting software do you work with?

A: I work with QuickBooks Online and other common financial tools depending on the client’s setup and needs. If your current systems need improvement or better structure, I can help identify a more effective approach.

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Q: How do we meet or communicate?
A: Communication can take place by email, phone, or virtual meetings, depending on what works best for the engagement. I aim to keep communication clear, responsive, and practical so clients know where things stand and what needs attention.

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Q: Do you offer tax and year-end coordination?

A: Yes. In addition to ongoing Controller and Fractional CFO support, I also offer select tax planning support, filing coordination, and year-end readiness. These services are often most valuable when they are tied into the broader financial picture of the business.

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Q: Do you still offer individual tax services?

A: Yes. Select individual tax and planning services are still available on a limited basis. However, Sunrise Finance & Consulting is primarily focused on supporting businesses through Controller and Fractional CFO services.

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🟨 Getting Started

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Q: What’s the first step to working with you?
A: The first step is booking a Fit Call. We’ll talk about your business, the financial challenges you’re facing, and what kind of support may be the best fit. From there, I can recommend the right next step based on your needs.

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​Q: Can you work with clients outside of Minnesota?
A: Yes — while I'm based in Orono, MN, I support clients across the U.S. virtually.

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👋 Still have questions?

• If you’re unsure what level of support is right for your business, I’ll help you determine the best fit.