Dark Horse CPAs
Education
California State University, Bakersfield BS, Accounting, 2011 
Vanguard University of Southern California Accounting, 2008 
Credentials
Your Missoula CPA for Tax & Accounting Advisory
Missoula’s diverse economy—rooted in education, healthcare, outdoor recreation, and a growing small business community—requires more than basic tax prep. Whether you’re a business owner, professional, or family seeking proactive financial guidance, your dedicated Missoula CPA, Sarah Schiewe , is here to help.
As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Sarah specializes in tax planning and accounting advisory tailored to Missoula’s entrepreneurs and families. From minimizing tax liability and navigating IRS compliance to improving financial reporting and building long-term strategies, she delivers modern, hands-on solutions that go beyond compliance.
With Sarah, you gain a trusted financial partner who combines proactive tax expertise with accounting insight—helping you achieve clarity, confidence, and long-term success in Western Montana.
Sarah Schiewe, CPA, Principal
As a CPA that values quality work and the customer experience above all else, the last thing I want is to spend my time on the admin tasks of running a firm. Collaborating with Dark Horse takes that distraction off of my plate, and gives me the autonomy to focus on my true mission: providing a top notch experience and personalized touch to meet every clients needs.
The average NPS for accounting firms is 38%. At Dark Horse, 80% of our clients would recommend us to a friend
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.
Our Google and Yelp reviews speak for themselves. Our goal is to provide 5-star service to every client, every time.
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.
We're all about creating long-lasting, value-added relationships.
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.
The average NPS for accounting firms is 38%. At Dark Horse, 80% of our clients would recommend us to a friend
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.
Our Google and Yelp reviews speak for themselves. Our goal is to provide 5-star service to every client, every time.
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.
We're all about creating long-lasting, value-added relationships.
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 Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Missoula Businesses
The Problem: Too many Missoula business owners operate without timely, accurate financials—or without the tax strategy they need to grow. Montana businesses face unique challenges, including state corporate income tax, property tax obligations, payroll compliance, and federal requirements. Without the right guidance, owners risk overpaying and missing opportunities for growth.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine outsourced accounting, tax compliance, and CFO-level advisory for Missoula businesses. From handling state and federal filings, property tax reporting, and payroll to providing cash flow forecasting, KPI analysis, and growth strategies, we deliver the clarity you need to make informed, tax-smart decisions. With our Advisory-First approach, you gain a trusted CPA partner invested in your long-term success in Western Montana.
Sarah Schiewe, CPA, Principal
On top of having high quality standards for compliance work, I believe clients today need more than a teammate: they need an advocate! I bring peace of mind to business owners navigating changing tax legislation to keep money in their pocket.
Tax Strategy & Compliance for Missoula Locals
The Problem: Many Missoula residents discover the full weight of their tax situation only at filing time—whether it’s owing more than expected, missing deductions, or realizing they overlooked opportunities to save. While Montana has no sales tax, individuals must still navigate state income tax, property taxes, and federal filings, which can create unnecessary stress and complexity without proactive planning.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we believe in No Surprises. We work year-round with Missoula individuals and families to minimize tax liability, ensure compliance, and create forward-looking strategies. From Montana state income tax planning to retirement, real estate, and investment strategies, every engagement includes personalized tax planning that gives you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
Sarah Schiewe, CPA, Principal
On top of having high quality standards for compliance work, I believe clients today need more than a teammate: they need an advocate! I bring peace of mind to business owners navigating changing tax legislation to keep money in their pocket.
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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