A Tuscaloosa CPA You Can Actually Talk To
Susan Snowden, CPA
TITLE
Principal
HOMETOWN
Tuscaloosa, AL
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
31
EDUCATION
In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.
— Theodore Roosevelt
Ready for a great conversation? Susan brings a unique energy not seen in many accountants that makes collaboration seamless. Combining that with deep experience in the financial accounting field makes her an indispensable advisor to her clients—one that truly drives positive change and results.
Susan earned a degree in accounting from Clemson University (Go Tigers!) in 1995 and earned her CPA license in 1998. Her first 18 years of her career were mainly dedicated to both internal and external financial statement audits. She then transitioned into a role that would eventually see her as the CFO for the City of Tuscaloosa (Roll Tide?), where she spent the last six years.
But how did she end up at Dark Horse? Having spent her career primarily working with larger organizations, Susan decided she wanted to use her skillset to serve small businesses that she found were chronically underserved. Curiously enough, she happened upon Dark Horse CPAs while looking to see if the same name was available for her own practice. After realizing how aligned Dark Horse’s mission was with her own, joining the firm was a natural next step.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that she also owns a couple of horses. Susan and Dark Horse CPAs go together like biscuits and gravy.
Specialties
Forecasting and Budgeting
Cash Flow Analysis
Reporting and KPIs
Strategic Advisory
Financial Statement Compilations
Industries
Real Estate
Non-Profits
Government
Construction
Professional Services
Your Tuscaloosa CPA for Accounting and CFO Advisory
Dominating the Druid City economy requires more than a basic bookkeeper. Whether you are navigating Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) mandates in North River or optimizing cash flow near Lake Tuscaloosa, your business deserves elite financial leadership. Susan Snowden, former CFO for the City of Tuscaloosa, provides the technical authority needed to protect your profit and scale with precision.
As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Susan Snowden specializes in Outsourced Accounting and Fractional CFO services for Tuscaloosa businesses. From managing day-to-day accounting to executing an Alabama Electing Pass-Through Entity (PTE) tax strategy, she delivers executive-level expertise without the full-time overhead. In a town built on Roll Tide excellence, Susan ensures your bottom line is audit-proof and positioned for long-term success.
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.
SUSAN SNOWDEN, PRINCIPAL
“My clients value that I personally handle the work—something rare in this industry. That direct relationship allows me to stay connected, help them interpret their financial data, and build strategies for what comes next. As a CFO, my focus is always on creating the greatest positive impact and ROI for every client.”
Tax, Accounting & CFO Services for Tuscaloosa Businesses
The Problem: Too many Tuscaloosa business owners operate with financial blind spots that the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) is ready to exploit. Lacking accurate data or an executive strategy means your cash flow is at risk, making it impossible to scale in a competitive market like The Druid City. Relying on basic bookkeeping without an insider’s view on Alabama payroll compliance and state mandates is a liability, not a business plan.
The Solution: Susan Snowden brings her tenure as the former City CFO to your private enterprise through outsourced accounting and Fractional CFO services. We replace guesswork with elite cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and high-level strategy. From optimizing the Alabama Electing Pass-Through Entity (PTE) tax structure to proactive federal planning, we deliver the clarity you need to make tax-smart, growth-focused decisions that win.
SUSAN SNOWDEN, PRINCIPAL
“The outsourced accounting services that we provide at Dark Horse are accurate and timely, allowing business owners to focus more of their valuable time on other critical tasks. By thoughtfully building accounting engagements, we can provide the level of service that clients need, at a fixed fee that they can budget for each month.”
Tax Strategy & Compliance for Tuscaloosa Locals
The Problem: Many Tuscaloosa residents treat tax day like a sudden storm, only realizing the damage once it hits. Whether it is an unexpected bill to the Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) or the frustration of a missed credit, reactive filing is a losing game. Navigating Alabama state income tax and Tuscaloosa County property tax mandates without an insider's perspective leads to blind spots that high-earners in North River or Lake Tuscaloosa cannot afford.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we operate on a No Surprises mandate. Susan Snowden leverages her tenure as the former City CFO to safeguard your personal finances through proactive state and federal filings. We integrate elite retirement, investment, and real estate planning to ensure your wealth stays protected in The Druid City. Every engagement includes a tailored tax strategy designed to keep you prepared, not reactive.
SUSAN SNOWDEN, PRINCIPAL
"Our Tax Team is the most dynamic, creative, advisory-focused group of CPAs you will ever encounter. They share a common goal, to maximize your tax savings and minimize any surprises come filing time."
Nancy R.
I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Strategies and Savings
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