Where financial expertise meets flexible partnership.

We’re built differently: low-ego, high-impact, and driven by what matters most: TRUST.

Who we are: Your trusted financial leadership partner.

At Ascend Group, we provide expert fractional CFO services, fractional Controller services, and comprehensive accounting services in New England and nationwide. We deliver the financial leadership and accounting expertise growing businesses need without the full-time executive cost. Since 2015, we've been the premier financial consulting firm helping companies nationwide access world-class CFO and Controller expertise through flexible, results-driven partnerships.

Founded by an experienced financial leader (Scott Smith) who recognized the gap between what growing businesses need and what they can afford, Ascend Group has evolved from a single fractional CFO practice into a comprehensive team of accounting and finance professionals offering fractional Controller services, accounting services, and bookkeeping solutions. Our collective nationwide experience means we bring Fortune 500-level financial consulting services and accounting expertise to businesses of every size, from ambitious startups to established enterprises.

Our approach: An extension of your team.

Unlike traditional accounting firms or management consulting companies that deliver reports and walk away, we provide hands-on fractional CFO services, fractional Controller services, and accounting solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing team. Our proven methodology addresses the core challenges facing growing businesses in Vermont and throughout New England:

  • Scalable Financial & Accounting Services: We break every CFO consulting, Controller services, and Accounting engagement into distinct, measurable deliverables with transparent—no billable surprises that plague traditional financial consulting services.

  • Strategic Financial & Accounting Leadership: Our fractional services go beyond basic oversight and bookkeeping to provide strategic planning, forecasting, financial reporting, and accounting management that drives business growth and profitability.

  • Collaborative Implementation: We don't just diagnose financial and accounting challenges; we partner with your team to execute detailed project plans that deliver tangible results. Our financial consulting and accounting services approach ensures your business gains the knowledge, resources, and systems to thrive independently.

  • Confidential Business Consultation: Every fractional CFO and Controller services relationship begins with a no-fee discovery conversation where we listen to your needs and understand your accounting and financial goals. Your confidentiality is our highest priority.

Proven results: Businesses nationwide appreciate our financial expertise.

We’re committed to deliver measurable results that directly impact your bottom line. Here's what our clients have achieved with our financial consulting expertise:

  • Eliminated millions in wasteful spending across diverse industries, dramatically improving cash flow positions for growing businesses

  • Orchestrated successful business recapitalizations at above-market multiples, delivering exceptional returns for business owners seeking growth capital or exit strategies

  • Restructured finance and accounting departments at multiple organizations, recruiting top financial management talent while implementing robust systems

  • Achieved 98% quarterly forecasting accuracy through strategic ERP implementations, providing unprecedented financial insight for strategic planning

  • Reduced past-due receivables from 20% to 7% while implementing comprehensive credit management strategies

These results alone demonstrate why businesses choose our fractional CFO services over traditional accounting firms or full-time CFO hires.

FAQs

What is a fractional CFO and fractional Controller, and how do these services work?

A fractional CFO is an experienced financial executive who provides CFO services on a part-time basis, while a fractional Controller manages accounting operations, financial reporting, and compliance. Our fractional CFO services and Controller services deliver the strategic financial leadership and accounting expertise of full-time executives at a fraction of the cost, perfect for growing businesses.

How much do fractional financial services cost?

Our services fees are transparently priced per project with defined deliverables. Fractional CFO and Controller services provide executive-level financial and accounting expertise at a fraction of full-time hiring costs. You get the same caliber of expertise when you need it, without paying for unused capacity. Please read more about our transparent pricing structure HERE.

When should a business consider hiring you?

Clients typically benefit from fractional Controller services and accounting solutions when they've outgrown basic bookkeeping, need improved financial reporting, require upgrades or improvement to their accounting system, or face compliance challenges that exceed their current accounting team's capabilities.

Do you provide ongoing accounting services or just project-based work?

We offer both ongoing fractional Controller services and accounting support as well as project-based financial consulting and accounting implementations. Our flexible approach adapts to your business needs, whether you require daily accounting oversight or strategic financial planning projects.

Do you work with existing accounting firms and CPA firms?

Yes, our fractional CFO, Controller, and Accounting services seamlessly integrate with your existing CPA firm and accounting team. We enhance rather than replace your current financial relationships, improving efficiency and accuracy across all financial consulting and accounting functions.