Dark Horse CPAs
Education
University of Georgia — Terry College of Business MBA, 2025 
Auburn University BS Accounting, 2013 
Credentials
Your Atlanta CPA for Fractional CFO & Financial Leadership
Atlanta’s diverse economy, spanning technology, logistics, healthcare, film, and a thriving small business community, makes it one of the Southeast’s top markets for growth. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or family looking for proactive tax strategy and financial clarity, your dedicated Atlanta CPA, Richard McCoy , is here to help.
As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Richard delivers more than basic tax preparation. He provides forward-looking tax planning, personalized accounting advisory, and strategic business solutions tailored to Atlanta professionals and companies. From simplifying IRS compliance to supporting long-term financial growth, Richard is a trusted partner committed to your success in the Metro Atlanta area.
Richard B. McCoy, CPA, MBA, Associate Principal
Although taxes change every year, what has not changed is the CPA's responsibility to be the trusted professional who enables people and organizations to shape their future. At Dark Horse, we implement this by enabling the 1-to-1 relationship from the CPA Advisor to our clients. This is different than almost every other firm today, where the CPA Advisor reserves his efforts to a few valuable clients and delegates that important relationship for many other clients to lower-level staff who may not have yet developed the breadth of competence needed to provide that level of service. It is these efforts from our CPA Advisors that makes the difference to our clients.
Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Atlanta Businesses
The Problem: Too many Atlanta business owners lack accurate financials, or the strategic tax guidance needed to grow. Georgia businesses must navigate state corporate income tax, sales tax, payroll requirements, and federal filings, and it can get complex fast without the right partner. Without proactive planning, opportunities for tax savings and improved cash flow are often missed.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine bookkeeping, tax compliance, and Fractional CFO-level advisory for Atlanta businesses. From managing state and federal filings, sales tax, and quarterly estimated payments to providing cash flow forecasting, growth strategies, and executive-level financial guidance, we deliver the tools you need to make tax-smart, growth-focused decisions. With our Advisory-First approach, you gain a proactive CPA partner dedicated to helping your business succeed in Metro Atlanta.
Richard B. McCoy, CPA, MBA, Associate Principal
I help business owners shape their future by turning financial transactions into clear insights on profitability, equity, and value. Through coaching calls, I provide game plans that improve operations, strategy, and profitability.
Tax Strategy & Compliance for Atlanta Locals
The Problem: Many Atlanta taxpayers and high-net-worth families treat tax planning as a seasonal event, resulting in significant tax leakage and preventable liabilities. Navigating the intersection of Georgia’s state income tax codes, federal compliance, and complex investment obligations requires more than reactive filing; it demands a proactive strategy to stay ahead of the IRS and the Georgia Department of Revenue.
The Solution: Dark Horse CPAs is the proactive antidote to the traditional, "once-a-year" accounting firm. Our "No Surprises" philosophy means we collaborate year-round with Atlanta clients to implement tax-saving strategies and deferral techniques that minimize long-term liability. From real estate tax optimization and retirement planning to multi-state filings and wealth preservation, our Advisory-First model provides the strategic foresight needed to protect your bottom line in Metro Atlanta.
Richard B. McCoy, CPA, MBA, Associate Principal
While software has simplified tax preparation, it still requires a good understanding of tax law. DIY tax filing can lead to errors, missed deductions, or audits. For complex situations, a CPA can better help you achieve your financial goals, reduce taxes, and explore growth opportunities.
Fractional CFO Services in Atlanta
Atlanta's startup and mid-market business community is growing fast, and the demand for experienced financial leadership is outpacing the supply of affordable full-time CFOs. Dark Horse CPA provides fractional CFO services for Atlanta businesses that need strategic financial oversight without the executive payroll cost.
Our Atlanta fractional CFO engagements cover everything from cleaning up the books and building financial models to guiding companies through SBA loans, private equity processes, and acquisition due diligence. We work with founders, CEOs, and boards across Atlanta's technology, professional services, and real estate sectors.
Richard B. McCoy, CPA, MBA, Associate Principal
I help business owners shape their future by turning financial transactions into clear insights on profitability, equity, and value. Through coaching calls, I provide game plans that improve operations, strategy, and profitability.
Early-stage Atlanta companies most often need help with cash runway modeling, investor reporting, revenue recognition, and preparing for their first major fundraise. Dark Horse CPA CFO services can support all of these, from initial financial infrastructure to Series A preparation.
Yes. Transaction advisory is one of the highest-value use cases for fractional CFO services. We help Atlanta businesses prepare their financials for due diligence, model out deal structures, and interface with investment bankers, attorneys, and acquiring parties.
Engagements typically begin within 2-3 weeks of an initial consultation. We conduct an assessment of your current financial infrastructure and design an engagement scope that fits your immediate needs and budget.
A controller focuses on financial reporting accuracy and accounting operations - ensuring your books are correct and your close process runs smoothly. A CFO operates at a higher strategic level: using that data to forecast, model scenarios, advise on business decisions, and interface with investors and lenders. Many Atlanta businesses need both, and a fractional CFO engagement often includes controller-level oversight as well.
Fractional CFO engagements in Atlanta are structured as monthly retainers priced by scope and complexity. The cost is a fraction of a full-time CFO hire. Contact us to discuss your company's specific needs and get a scope-based estimate.
I’m very satisfied with the service provided by Mark Kuca. I don’t usually leave business reviews (I’m basically a review hermit), but their effort and professionalism were exceptional. If you’re a small business owner looking for honest, reliable, high-quality service, I highly recommend him.
After years of feeling underwhelmed by every tax professional I worked with, we finally found Chris Ries at Dark Horse. We did a wide search for a CPA who could handle both our business and personal needs. Chris stood out from the start. He's not just deeply knowledgeable about tax law - he's genuinely thoughtful and strategic in how he applies it to your specific situation. What truly sets Chris apart is how responsive and engaged he is throughout the entire year. Our strategy sessions allowed us to get ahead of issues long before tax season, which made the whole process significantly smoother and less stressful.
You won’t find a more reliable, honest, or trustworthy CPA to work with than Mark. I would give this company more than five stars if I could. Highly recommend him and his services.
Chris is exceptional. He is far more professional, clear in his communication, and knowledgeable than any CPA I’ve worked with. He has expertly managed both my personal and business tax needs and consistently goes above and beyond—helping me make informed, strategic decisions well in advance of future tax filings. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Earlier this year, I was presented with the opportunity to purchase a company in San Francisco and needed a highly qualified business and tax accountant to guide me through the process. After many interviews, I was introduced to Chris and the Dark Horse team—and I’m extremely glad I was. Chris has been consistently responsive, deeply knowledgeable in corporate taxes, and generous with his expertise. He’s taught me a great deal, always looks out for my best interests, and approaches his work with both professionalism and integrity. I am 1000% satisfied with his services—and on top of that, he’s genuinely a great human to work with. My experience with Dark Horse was so positive that I also hired a fractional CFO through them, Susan Snowden, who has been equally impressive. I highly recommend Chris and the Dark Horse team. If you’re looking for smart, trustworthy professionals who truly know their stuff and care about their clients, you won’t go wrong with Chris or Susan.
Provides great service. Very professional. Very responsive to questions and inquiries. Very punctual, I would highly recommend their services.
I’m very satisfied with the service provided by Mark Kuca. I don’t usually leave business reviews (I’m basically a review hermit), but their effort and professionalism were exceptional. If you’re a small business owner looking for honest, reliable, high-quality service, I highly recommend him.
After years of feeling underwhelmed by every tax professional I worked with, we finally found Chris Ries at Dark Horse. We did a wide search for a CPA who could handle both our business and personal needs. Chris stood out from the start. He's not just deeply knowledgeable about tax law - he's genuinely thoughtful and strategic in how he applies it to your specific situation. What truly sets Chris apart is how responsive and engaged he is throughout the entire year. Our strategy sessions allowed us to get ahead of issues long before tax season, which made the whole process significantly smoother and less stressful.
You won’t find a more reliable, honest, or trustworthy CPA to work with than Mark. I would give this company more than five stars if I could. Highly recommend him and his services.
Chris is exceptional. He is far more professional, clear in his communication, and knowledgeable than any CPA I’ve worked with. He has expertly managed both my personal and business tax needs and consistently goes above and beyond—helping me make informed, strategic decisions well in advance of future tax filings. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Earlier this year, I was presented with the opportunity to purchase a company in San Francisco and needed a highly qualified business and tax accountant to guide me through the process. After many interviews, I was introduced to Chris and the Dark Horse team—and I’m extremely glad I was. Chris has been consistently responsive, deeply knowledgeable in corporate taxes, and generous with his expertise. He’s taught me a great deal, always looks out for my best interests, and approaches his work with both professionalism and integrity. I am 1000% satisfied with his services—and on top of that, he’s genuinely a great human to work with. My experience with Dark Horse was so positive that I also hired a fractional CFO through them, Susan Snowden, who has been equally impressive. I highly recommend Chris and the Dark Horse team. If you’re looking for smart, trustworthy professionals who truly know their stuff and care about their clients, you won’t go wrong with Chris or Susan.
Provides great service. Very professional. Very responsive to questions and inquiries. Very punctual, I would highly recommend their services.
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