At Down East CFO, we help small business owners get and stay on track toward achieving business success, as they define it.

The mission of Down East CFO is to be a place for small business owners to go to for trusted guidance on financial impacts of business activities that are key to their success.  We aren’t here to make sure the books are 100% accurate.  We are here to offer a safe space to focus and work on the goals that matter to the business owner.

As a small business owner, does this sound like you?

You feel overwhelmed since your business relies on you, or it all falls apart.

You need cash to grow your business, but you can’t get more cash without growing your business!

You don’t have a simple way to understand your numbers.

You really don’t know where you’re heading because you don’t have clear goals.

You don’t know what to do to have a growing and more profitable business.

At Down East CFO, we offer a unique service, with transparent pricing, just for small business owners.  You’ll get a customized plan to know what to focus on.  You’ll finally understand the financial health of your business.  You’ll meet with your CFO Advisor each month who will guide you toward creating and hitting your targets and goals.

We are based in Maine and serve U.S. small businesses.

Kristi Buckalew photo

Hi, my name is Kristi Buckalew.  I’m the founder of Down East CFO.

have 25+ years of experience in finance and accounting, most of that time spent helping business lines within a leading financial services company be successful.  Using my professional background, I now work one-on-one with small business owners with strategy on the financial side of their business.

Inspired by one of my first jobs with a small family-owned business who truly excelled in their craft, I felt their pride from building a successful company.  At the same time, I was also humbled by the dedication it took to get there.

If you’re wondering where to turn to for guidance on decisions that drive the financial health of your small business, I’m here to help.

Integrity

We operate in a confidential setting, with trust being a top priority

Communication

We help connect the dots without talking "accounting and finance"

Transparency

Pay a flat monthly fee. No hourly billing. No long-term contracts.

Want to find out if working with a CFO Advisor could be right for your business?