A Fargo CPA You Can Actually Talk To
Heather Huotari, CPA
TITLE
Associate Principal
HOMETOWN
Fargo, ND
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
13
EDUCATION
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. - Wayne Gretzky" - Michael Scott
Heather Huotari is an accomplished accounting and finance leader with more than 13 years of experience across both public and private sectors. A Certified Public Accountant, she is known for driving financial strategy, streamlining processes, and implementing innovative technologies that improve efficiency and fuel business growth. Heather prides herself on meeting business owners and leaders where they are, delivering thoughtful, tailored solutions that build clarity and confidence.
When asked why she chose accounting, Heather often surprises people with her honest answer: “It was the first major listed on the admissions paperwork.” While that may have sparked the initial choice, her entrepreneurial spirit and fascination with the business world made the decision stick. She knew that mastering accounting would provide a strong foundation in business, and opportunities would follow from there.
When she's not working in a spreadsheet, Heather can usually be found chasing after at least one of her three kids, searching for her next cup of coffee, or wondering why she still lives in Fargo, ND, despite her low tolerance for cold and snow. When time allows, she loves reading a good book, spending time outdoors (again - when it's warm and there are no bugs), watching documentaries, and catching happy hours with friends.
Specialties
Monthly Flux Analysis
Forecasts and Projections
Cash Flow Analysis
Monthly Reporting Dashboards
Payroll Set up and Processing
Bill Pay
Financial Report Preparation
Chart of Accounts Setup
Accrual Basis Accounting
Outsourced Controller
Monthly Account Reconciliation
Cash Basis Accounting
Industries
Technology
Professional Services
Medical Practices
Dental Practices
Retail
Your Fargo CPA for Accounting & CFO Advisory
Fargo’s economy is powered by healthcare, higher education, technology, and a strong base of growing small businesses. To compete and scale in this market, you need more than clean books—you need a CPA who can turn your numbers into clear direction. Your dedicated Fargo, North Dakota CPA, Heather Huotari, is here to help.
As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Heather specializes in outsourced accounting and Fractional CFO services for Fargo-area businesses. From overseeing day-to-day accounting and improving financial workflows to delivering higher-level guidance on budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow, she brings the insight of a CFO without the expense of a full-time hire. With Heather, you gain a proactive partner focused on strengthening your financial foundation and helping you plan with confidence.
HEATHER HUOTARI, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
After years in a traditional firm, I realized I wanted something different. I loved advising my clients, but I wanted the freedom to take a more tech-forward approach without sacrificing quality or reliability. When I learned about Dark Horse, it immediately stood out as a place where I could build something of my own while still being supported by a strong platform and an aligned community. My goal is to help business owners truly understand their numbers at a level that works for them—because when they understand what the financials are telling them, they make better decisions, manage risk more effectively, and move their business forward with confidence.
80%
Net Promoter Score
The average NPS for accounting firms is 38%. At Dark Horse, 80% of our clients would recommend us to a friend.
Net Promoter Score
Companies use this metric to gauge how happy their customers are with their services. It's calculated by taking the percentage of "promoters" minus the % of "detractors. "The average NPS score for the accounting industry is 39%, less than the DMV! We believe it's important to share that we have successfully fulfilled our promise to WOW clients and consistently monitor this metric to ensure we continue to deliver on the highest level.
550+
5-Star Reviews
Our Google and Yelp reviews speak for themselves. Our goal is to provide 5-star service to every client, every time.
5-Star Reviews
When someone shares their experience with us online, we find it extremely valuable to know where we've exceeded expectations and where we can improve. Many of our clients decide to engage with us as a result of reading about other Dark Horse clients’ experiences. Even when things do not go as planned, we do everything we can to make it right.
90%
Retention Rate
We're all about creating long-lasting, value-added relationships.
Retention Rate
This is the frequency of repeat business from our clients that work with us. This means that 9 out of 10 clients use us for subsequent years. That shows us that people enjoy working with our CPAs, are pleased with the work, and want to continue with Dark Horse over the long term.
Tax, Accounting & CFO Services for Fargo Businesses
The Problem: Too many North Dakota business owners are forced to make decisions with financials that are late, incomplete, or hard to trust—or without the strategic guidance needed to plan ahead. When your reporting isn’t timely and accurate, it’s tough to manage cash flow through seasonal swings, hire confidently, price profitably, or invest for growth. On top of that, North Dakota businesses must stay on top of payroll compliance, sales and use tax obligations, and federal requirements—making a proactive advisor more than a nice-to-have.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we provide outsourced accounting and Fractional CFO services built for Fargo and North Dakota businesses. Led by Heather Huotari, a Principal at the firm, our team handles day-to-day bookkeeping and financial reporting while also delivering cash flow forecasting, budgeting, KPI tracking, and higher-level financial strategy. You get the insight of a CFO without the overhead of a full-time hire. Paired with proactive tax planning and compliance support, we help North Dakota business owners stay tax-smart, protect margins, and make confident decisions all year long.
HEATHER HUOTARI, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
“At Dark Horse, our outsourced accounting delivers accurate, on-time financials that put control back in your hands—so you can spend less time in the books and more time running the business. We build each engagement with the right strategic oversight and a fixed monthly fee you can plan for, and help you take the next step—calmly.”
Tax Strategy & Compliance for Fargo Locals
The Problem: Many North Dakota residents don’t feel the full impact of taxes until filing time—owing more than expected, missing deductions, or realizing too late there were smarter moves available. With North Dakota state income tax, plus federal rules that touch retirement, investments, property, and life changes, it’s easy for opportunities to slip through the cracks without a proactive advisor.
The Solution: The Dark Horse CPAs tax team believe in No Surprises. We work with North Dakota individuals and families year-round to reduce tax liability where possible, stay compliant, and plan ahead with confidence. From retirement and estate planning considerations to real estate and investment decisions, every engagement includes proactive strategy—so you keep more of what you earn and move forward with clarity.
HEATHER HUOTARI, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
“While I don’t provide tax services myself, I’m firm about one thing: my clients need a tax partner who stays engaged year-round. Too many CPAs only show up at filing time, and that’s where opportunities get missed. Proactive check-ins and at least an annual review are essential to surface savings, align tax decisions with the numbers, and keep improving outcomes year after year..”
Kristin
Heather was a pleasure to work with and delivers high-quality work on time. She was clear and proactive at the outset about what she needed from us, which set the project up for success and made collaboration seamless. In addition to her strong technical skills, I really appreciat her positive nature and great attitude.
Jennifer P.
Working with Heather has been such a positive experience! I appreciate how she operates as an extension of our team, and her way of taking what you think you need then translating it into what will truly move the business forward. Her communication stands out — clear, timely, and always thoughtful. She has an ability to quickly understand our business priorities, offer proactive suggestions, and break down financial concepts in a way that’s easy to grasp. We are grateful for her expertise in small business accounting, and how she seamlessly blends accuracy with approachability.
Britanny A.
Heather is truly amazing! She handled my bookkeeping cleanup, monthly financial statements, payroll, and cash flow with such care and accuracy. She made everything feel so much easier by streamlining my finance and accounting processes, which saved me tons of time and finally gave me clear, reliable numbers to make confident business decisions. She’s incredibly trustworthy, detail-oriented, and just so easy to work with. Heather is absolutely the CPA you want in your corner. I can’t recommend her enough!
The Dark Horse Blog
The Dark Horse Blog, where we share expert insights on tax strategy, compliance updates, outsourced accounting, fractional CFO services, and more. Our content is tailored to small and medium-sized businesses as well as high-net-worth individuals.
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