Fractional CFOs Help Nonprofits Thrive- Here’s How with Rick Dahlseid

Nonprofit leaders know that financial strategy and fractional CFOs can make or break and organization. In this episode of the Nonprofit Council Podcast, host May Harris sits down with Rick Dahlseid, CPA and leadership team member at PBO Advisory Group, to talk about the critical role of financial management in the nonprofit world.

With over 20 years of experience as a CFO and consultant, Rick brings deep insights into how nonprofits can leverage fractional CFO services, build stronger boards, and plan for long-term sustainability. From understanding when your nonprofit truly needs CFO support to learning how to strengthen your board with the MARLIN framework, this episode is packed with actionable guidance.

Rick also shares his experience as a nonprofit board member and educator at the University of San Diego and UCSD, highlighting why transparency, accountability, and strong governance are essential for nonprofit success. If you’ve ever wondered how to scale your nonprofit’s financial strategy or strengthen your board, this conversation will give you clarity and confidence to take the next step.

What You Will Learn in This Episode

✅ When and why a nonprofit should consider bringing on a fractional CFO
✅ How the $2 million audit threshold impacts California nonprofits
✅ The MARLIN framework for building a strong, well-rounded board
✅ Why transparency and volunteer engagement are key to long-term sustainability

Tune in to learn practical strategies, get inspired by Rick’s journey, and discover how to maximize your nonprofit’s impact with the right financial and leadership tools.

Subscribe to the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast to gain expert legal insights, practical tools, and leadership guidance that helps your mission thrive. Visit nonprofitcounsel.com for more.

https://nonprofitcounsel.com/leadership-accelerator

Key Timestamps

• 00:00 Rick Dahlseid, CPA and nonprofit CFO consultant

• 01:10 Rick’s 20+ years of nonprofit financial leadership experience

• 03:37 What is a fractional CFO and when does your nonprofit need one?

• 04:47 California law and audits: why $2M is a critical threshold for nonprofits

• 05:44 Beyond CFO services: PBO Advisory’s suite of nonprofit support

• 07:00 Rick’s award-winning board service and the importance of strong governance

• 08:30 The MARLIN framework for building well-rounded nonprofit boards

• 11:05 Why full disclosure and transparency matter for board members

• 11:47 The increasing demands on nonprofits and the need for volunteers

• 13:14 Final reflections: finding purpose through service
  
  

 Key Takeaways

💎 Nonprofits don’t always need a full-time CFO, fractional CFO services can provide the right level of expertise and strategy at a sustainable cost.
💎 Once a nonprofit’s budget exceeds $2 million, California requires an audit, making professional financial leadership essential.
💎 The MARLIN framework (Marketing, Accounting, Real Estate, Legal, Insurance, Nonprofit) helps boards ensure they have the right expertise around the table.
💎 Transparency and volunteer engagement strengthen nonprofits, ensuring board members and community supporters can fully contribute.

Guest Bio

Rick Dahlseid, CPA, is a fractional CFO and leader at PBO Advisory Group, specializing in nonprofit financial management. Over the past 20 years, Rick has served as CFO for multiple organizations, including Jewish Family Service and a nonprofit hospice, and has spent the last five years consulting nonprofits nationwide. He is also an educator, teaching Nonprofit Financial Management at both the University of San Diego and UC San Diego.

Rick has been recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as a top nonprofit board influencer, and he is passionate about helping organizations build financial capacity, strengthen governance, and achieve sustainable growth.

Resources & Links

• PFO Advisory - Website - https://pboadvisory.com/

• Connect with Rick Dahlseid on LinkedIn

• For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com

• Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/

• https://nonprofitcounsel.com/leadership-accelerator