header-logo

A Fargo CPA You Can Actually Talk To

Heather Huotari, CPA
Book a Meeting

Heather Huotari, CPA , Associate Principal

701-829-3786 heather.huotari@darkhorse.cpa LinkedIn
Title Associate Principal
Hometown Fargo, ND
Years of Experience 13+
Education
North Dakota State University
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. - Wayne Gretzky

— Michael Scott

Read Full Bio
Certifications
  • Certified Public Accountant
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
image

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.

Talk to your CPA
Heather Huotari, CPA

Heather Huotari, CPA, 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.
Book a Meeting

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.

Solution for Business
Heather Huotari, CPA

Heather Huotari, CPA, 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.

Tax & Wealth Advisory for Individuals
Heather Huotari, CPA

Heather Huotari, CPA, 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..
Certified Valuation Analyst
ABV Certificate
WealthAbility
Mindbody
SOC
quickbooks
xero
Great Place To Work 2025
image-8
Gusto
Gusto Payroll
People Advisory Accelerator
People Advisory Certification
Enterpreneur's Organization
MJK
AICPA
CEPA
CFP
CHFC
Certified Valuation Analyst
ABV Certificate
WealthAbility
Mindbody
SOC
quickbooks
xero
Great Place To Work 2025
image-8
Gusto
Gusto Payroll
People Advisory Accelerator
People Advisory Certification
Enterpreneur's Organization
MJK
AICPA
CEPA
CFP
CHFC

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.

Sign up below to be subscribed to need-to-know information and news that affects your business and your personal financial situation.

image
BLOG
Choosing Your Next Accounting Firm: 6 Key Factors for Success
BLOG
Five Inventory Accounting Pitfalls I See Small Businesses Make (and How I Help Avoid Them)
BLOG
The Importance of Accurate Bookkeeping for Small Businesses
Dark Horse Main Logo
Dark Horse CPAs Circular Text

Get a personable & experienced CPA who will partner with you to achieve unparalleled results.

Get Started