Restaurant Financial Strategy

You've mastered
the restaurant. Now let's master the numbers behind it.

Most restaurant owners are brilliant at feeding people and running a room. What drains them is everything behind the scenes: the books, the compliance, the taxes, the risk, the payroll. That's exactly where we come in.

The Kitchen CFO
EA Pending
Enrolled Agent designation (Pending), IRS-authorized tax representation
LCA
Licensed Commercial Claims Adjuster. Risk is built into every engagement.
7 Yrs
7 years of bookkeeping experience serving food service businesses
2018
Restaurant owner since 2018. We understand these businesses from the inside.
i.

Beyond bookkeeping into strategy

Categorizing transactions is the starting point, not the service. Our approach integrates financial structure, tax positioning, operational risk, and regulatory compliance into one cohesive back-office function. Your books tell a story, and we make sure it's one you can build on.

ii.

Risk management is our baseline

As a licensed commercial claims adjuster, Erika brings a perspective most bookkeepers simply don't have. Workers' compensation exposure, unemployment liability, insurance claims. These financial risks are woven into the work from day one, not addressed as an afterthought when something goes wrong.

iii.

California-specific, built for food service

Navigating CDTFA and FTB requirements is non-trivial. Our practice is built specifically around the regulatory landscape California food service businesses face, from sales tax nuances to franchise compliance, so you're never learning what the rules are during an audit.

Our commitment

Financial clarity isn't a luxury. It is a competitive advantage.

The restaurants that scale sustainably aren't just the ones with the best food. They're the ones with organized finances, proactive tax strategy, clean payroll, and a back office that doesn't create liability. That's the difference between operating reactively and operating with intention.

We built this practice for owners who are serious about building something that lasts, not just surviving the next quarter.

"When your finances are in order, you stop operating in survival mode and start operating with the clarity it takes to build something that lasts."
— Erika Brown, Founder & Lead Strategist, The Kitchen CFO
Erika, Founder and Lead Strategist of The Kitchen CFO, standing in a kitchen wearing a navy Kitchen CFO polo
Erika Brown
Founder & Lead Strategist, The Kitchen CFO
Qualifications & Background

The credentials behind the practice.

Enrolled Agent (EA), Pending

The Enrolled Agent designation is federally issued by the IRS and represents one of the highest credentials a tax professional can hold. Erika is currently in the process of completing this designation.

Licensed Commercial Claims Adjuster

A credential that most bookkeepers don't hold, and one that fundamentally changes how we approach your business. Risk exposure informs every financial recommendation we make.

Xero Certified & Gusto Partner

Proficient in the platforms that deliver the strongest cost-to-value ratio for food service businesses. All software is included in your monthly engagement.

Restaurant Owner Since 2018

Our family opened a restaurant in 2018. That experience gave me direct exposure to the margins, the compliance pressure, and the complexity of managing people alongside numbers. It is the foundation this practice was built on.

About Erika

I am a bookkeeper and financial strategist with a background that most people in this industry do not have. I understand food service businesses from the inside because I currently own and operated one. I also bring the perspective of a licensed commercial claims adjuster, which means I evaluate financial risk the way most bookkeepers never think to.

My work sits at the intersection of numbers and operations. I understand what the books reflect about how a business is actually being run, and I know what needs to change when the two are out of alignment. That perspective shapes every client engagement I take on.

The businesses I work with are typically at an inflection point. They have outgrown reactive financial management and are ready for something more deliberate. They want clarity, structure, and a financial partner who can see around corners. That is the level at which I operate.

I am selective about who I work with because the work requires real partnership. The results depend as much on the business owner's engagement as they do on what I bring to the table. When that alignment exists, the difference is significant, not just in the numbers, but in how an owner shows up for their business.

The Kitchen CFO was built on one standard: that every business owner, regardless of where they are starting, deserves access to financial infrastructure that is built to last.

What guides the work

Proactive over reactive

Every financial problem we prevent is more valuable than the one we solve. The goal is to identify exposure before it becomes a liability, not document the aftermath.

Numbers are narrative

Your financial statements tell the story of your business. Part of our job is helping you read that story clearly, and use it to make decisions with confidence, not guesswork.

Compliance is not optional

California's regulatory environment for restaurants is unforgiving. Staying compliant isn't bureaucratic box-checking. It protects your license, your employees, and your ability to operate.

Structure creates freedom

When your back office is organized, you get time back. You get mental clarity. You get the freedom to focus on the part of this business that actually lights you up.

Email erika@thekitchencfo.com Website www.thekitchencfo.com
Comprehensive Back-Office Services

Not just a
bookkeeper.

Every service below is included in your flat monthly rate. No à la carte surprises. No scope creep invoices. One investment covers the complete financial operation of your business, so you can focus on the operation itself.

The Scope

What "full back-office" actually means.

Most bookkeepers reconcile your accounts and send you a report. We manage the entire financial infrastructure of your business, from the transaction level all the way through risk exposure, compliance, payroll, and strategic positioning. Click any service below to understand exactly what's included and why it matters.

Software included in every engagement

Every tool your back office needs, no additional subscriptions required.

Xero Accounting Gusto Payroll Chase Payroll Mileage Tracking Receipt Management Document Storage
All Included Services
01 Bookkeeping & Account Reconciliation

Weekly and bi-weekly reconciliation of all accounts, including bank, credit cards, and third-party platforms. This ensures your books are never more than a few days behind reality. Accurate, current books aren't just about knowing your numbers; they're the foundation that makes every other financial decision defensible.

We also produce monthly financial reports that give you an honest picture of where the business stands, not just trailing numbers, but context for what they mean for your operation going forward.

Weekly/Bi-WeeklyXeroBank ReconciliationMonthly Reports

Audit protection is included, not an upgrade.

Every engagement includes the documentation standards and response support to stand confidently before any state or federal examination. This isn't insurance you hope you never use. It is the result of working with a practice that builds defensibility into every file, every filing, every year.

Curated · Application-Based · No Cost

Kitchen CFO
Launch Program

A no-cost, application-based bookkeeping opportunity for home-based food entrepreneurs who are committed to building a legitimate, scalable food business. Build your financial foundation before you need it.

What This Program Is

A clean financial foundation, built before you scale.

Most food entrepreneurs are building the plane while flying it. They are selling, cooking, delivering, and figuring out the business side as they go. The financial piece almost always comes last, and by the time it gets attention, there is already disorganization to undo.

The Kitchen CFO Launch Program exists to change that. Selected participants receive structured monthly bookkeeping at no cost while they are in the early, pre-commercial stage of their business. The goal is to help you track income and expenses properly, prepare for tax filing, and build clean financial records that support funding opportunities as you grow.

This is a curated, application-based opportunity for food entrepreneurs who are committed to building with intention, and who are actively working toward a legitimate, scalable food business.

Why
The intention behind this program

This program was created from lived experience. As a restaurant owner and bookkeeper, I had the backend knowledge many food entrepreneurs do not have when they first start. My spouse operated the business, our family supported daily operations, and I managed the financial side.

Even with that foundation, we still made mistakes specific to the food service industry. Some mistakes came from not having the right systems in place early enough, disorganization, and learning the operational side of food service in real time.

The purpose of this program is to help other food entrepreneurs avoid those costly mistakes, build structure from the beginning, and create a backend foundation that supports growth, funding readiness, and long-term sustainability.

— Erika, Founder, The Kitchen CFO
What's Included

Foundational bookkeeping, structured for growth.

Monthly transaction categorization

All income and expense transactions reviewed, categorized, and recorded each month.

Monthly Profit & Loss review

A clean P&L statement generated each month so you can see where your business stands.

Basic financial organization

Systems set up so your records are clean, consistent, and ready when you need them.

One monthly review meeting

A scheduled monthly video call to go over your numbers together, with timing confirmed by mutual agreement.

Tax filing preparation support

Clean, organized records handed off at year-end so your tax preparer has what they need.

What's Not Included

Be clear on the scope before you apply.

This program provides basic monthly bookkeeping only. It does not include the following services, which are part of our full paid engagement:

Tax strategy Tax preparation Compliance consulting Cash flow advising Payroll processing Sales tax filing Business coaching Full CFO services Risk management Audit protection

Ready for the full service?

Once your business becomes profitable, you will transition into our standard paid service tier. No repayment of prior no-cost bookkeeping is required.

Participant Requirements

This program is for those who are ready to build with intention.

The following criteria guide our selection process. Applicants who meet these standards will be given full consideration:

✓ Currently operate a home-based food business and are actively selling food
✓ Actively pursuing a ghost kitchen, food truck, or commercial food space
✓ Have or are willing to open a dedicated business bank account
✓ Willing to use the required tech stack selected by The Kitchen CFO
✓ Willing to use Xero, the approved receipt management software, and the approved POS system
✓ Will upload receipts consistently and respond within 3 business days
✓ Able to attend one scheduled monthly video call, with timing confirmed by mutual agreement
✓ Understand that software costs are their own responsibility
Technology Requirements

The required tech stack.

All accepted participants must use the following tools. These are selected because they create the cleanest, most efficient bookkeeping workflow for small food businesses.

Xero

Cloud accounting software

Required

Receipt Management Software

Approved by The Kitchen CFO

Required

POS System

Selected or approved by The Kitchen CFO

Required

Estimated monthly software cost: approximately $100

This estimate covers Xero and the approved receipt management software. Participants are responsible for their own software subscriptions.

The Kitchen CFO may receive a financial benefit from referrals to certain software, POS systems, or tools used within the required tech stack. It is also understood that any financial benefit received by The Kitchen CFO through these referrals is separate from and cannot be used in place of any fees that may become due for services.

The Pathway Forward

When you become profitable, you transition into a paid tier.

There is no repayment of prior no-cost bookkeeping services. Once your business reaches profitability, you transition seamlessly into the standard paid service tier that matches your gross annual revenue. The bookkeeping continues without interruption and the investment simply reflects where your business stands.

The Kitchen CFO Launch Program is intended to support businesses during the early-stage development and transition phase. Businesses that become consistently profitable prior to transitioning into a commercial kitchen, ghost kitchen, food truck, or storefront may still be required to transition into a paid service plan based on operational complexity, revenue activity, profitability, and ongoing bookkeeping support needs.

Participation in the program is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is intended to support growth, not to function as an indefinite no-cost bookkeeping arrangement for established profitable operations.

Growing

$0 to $500,000 gross revenue

$850/mo

Established

$500,000 to $1,000,000 gross revenue

$1,600/mo

Scaling

Over $1,000,000 gross revenue

$2,500/mo
Apply Now

Kitchen CFO Launch Program Application

Please complete the application in full. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Fields marked with * are required. All other fields are optional but encouraged — the more context you provide, the stronger your application.

All information provided must be accurate and truthful. The purpose of this application is to understand your current business operations, financial structure, and readiness for support.

Applicants are not expected to have perfect systems in place. Current gaps, such as mixing personal and business finances or the absence of formal bookkeeping, do not automatically disqualify you. These factors are considered as part of the overall evaluation process. What matters most is where you are headed and your commitment to getting there the right way.

Applicant Information
Business Background
Current Financial Systems
Personal Background
Sales & Growth
Commitment & Readiness
Additional Information

This field is required. If you have nothing to add, please write "No additional information."

Acknowledgments

All boxes must be checked to submit your application.

Coming Soon

Wifey CFO™

A community for women who are married or partnered, partnered, or planning to be, navigating the unique experience of supporting an entrepreneurial spouse, managing a household, and building a life alongside someone with a big vision. You don't have to figure it out alone.

Free Community · Pilot Program · Join the Waitlist
"Behind every visionary is a partner who keeps the foundation from cracking."

This space was created for women who are learning the financial side of things to better support their spouses and their families, and for women in business who simply want a community of like-minded women who get it, who share a similar interest, understanding, and experience, and who show up to lift each other.

What Wifey CFO Is About

A space for women who are ready to show up with more intention.

I

For the Wife Behind the Visionary

Your spouse may be the entrepreneur, but running a household alongside a growing business takes its own kind of skill and strategy. This is a space to learn the financial side of things so you can be a true partner, understanding the numbers, the decisions, and the implications for your family's future.

II

For the Aspiring Mrs. Entrepreneur

You're not married yet, but you know the life you're building toward. You want to be ready, equipped to understand business finances, support a partner with a vision, and step into that role with clarity rather than catching up later.

III

For Women in Business

You're building something of your own, and you know the value of surrounding yourself with women who understand what that looks and feels like. This community brings together women across different industries and stages who share a similar mindset around business, finances, and purpose.

IV

Financial Understanding, Made Accessible

You don't need to become an accountant. You need to understand enough to have meaningful conversations about cash flow, taxes, and business strategy, and to ask the right questions. We break it down in a way that actually makes sense.

V

Community, Connection, and Support

This is more than a course or a program. It's a space where women come together around a shared interest and experience. To share what they're learning, what they're navigating, and to support one another through the seasons that come with loving someone who is building a business and building a life alongside one.

VI

Legacy Over Income

The conversation in this community is always pointed toward something bigger than the next paycheck. We talk about stability, generational wealth, intentional decisions, and what it means to build something your family can stand on for years to come.

The Manifesto

"When a woman understands what is happening financially in her household and their spouse's business, she stops being a passenger and starts being a partner."

"The decisions get sharper. The conversations get clearer. The household becomes more stable. And the family stops just getting by and starts building something that lasts."

"This community exists for the woman who is serious. Who is ready to learn. Who wants to surround herself with other women who understand the unique joy and challenge of loving someone with a vision while holding everything together alongside them."

Early Access

Be among the first inside Wifey CFO™.

We're accepting a limited number of pilot participants before the full launch. Pilot members will have direct access to Erika, deeply discounted founding-member pricing, and the ability to shape what this community becomes.

If you're ready to step into the financial seat in your household and your partner's business. This is where it starts.

Join the Pilot Waitlist

Free to join — always

Submit your information to be considered for early access. We'll reach out when enrollment opens.

Transparent, Flat-Rate Pricing

One comprehensive package.
Three price points based
on where you stand.

Every tier includes the identical scope of services: 18+ back-office functions, all software, and audit protection. The monthly investment scales with your gross revenue because we believe in pricing that is proportional to the business we're serving.

The Philosophy

No surprises. No scope creep. No hourly billing.

The restaurant industry already operates on thin margins. Adding unpredictable bookkeeping invoices to that equation creates a specific kind of financial anxiety we've seen too many times. Our flat monthly rate covers the complete scope: routine work, occasional complexity, and everything in between, so you always know what you're investing and what you're getting.

Monthly invoices are consistent by design. We don't charge more when a busy season generates more transactions, and we don't charge less when things slow down. The back-office infrastructure your business needs doesn't fluctuate. Neither should your investment in it.

Not sure which tier fits your business? Schedule a free consultation and we'll give you a straightforward answer.

Growing
$850
per month, flat rate
For businesses with less than $500K in annual gross revenue
Get Started
Established
$1,600
per month, flat rate
Most Common
For businesses between $500K and $1M in annual gross revenue
Get Started
Scaling
$2,500
per month, flat rate
For businesses with more than $1M in annual gross revenue
Get Started
Everything Included at Every Tier
  • ◆ Bookkeeping & Account Reconciliation
  • ◆ Monthly Financial Reports
  • ◆ Chargeback & Third-Party Platform Dispute Recovery
  • ◆ Food Cost Management
  • ◆ Risk Management & Insurance Claims Oversight
  • ◆ Quarterly Tax & Business Strategy
  • ◆ Sales Tax Filing & CDTFA Compliance
  • ◆ Licensing, Permits & LLC Compliance
  • ◆ Unsecured Property Tax Handling
  • ◆ Receipt & Expense Analysis
  • ◆ Employee Onboarding, Offboarding & HR Compliance
  • ◆ Payroll Processing & 1099 Contractor Management
  • ◆ Audit Protection, Included at No Additional Cost
  • ◆ Loan, Funding & Grant Application Support
  • ◆ Accounting Policy & Procedure Manual Development
  • ◆ Fractional CFO Services

Want the full breakdown of what each service includes?

No surprises

Your monthly invoice does not fluctuate based on transaction volume or complexity within the scope. Routine work and occasional complexity are both covered.

No hidden add-ons

All software, audit protection, risk management oversight, and every service listed in our scope is included. Nothing is withheld for an upgrade tier.

Free consultation first

We offer a complimentary consultation before any engagement begins. If we're not the right fit for your business, we'll tell you and point you toward someone who is.

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions worth
asking before you
hire anyone.

Good financial decisions start with good information. We've compiled the questions we hear most often, and answered them directly, without the hedging.

Find your answer quickly.

Browse by category or read through. Every answer here reflects how we actually work, not how we wish we could present ourselves.

Pricing & Billing
No, and this is intentional. Our services are structured to cover the complete back-office needs of a brick-and-mortar restaurant in a single flat rate. Your monthly investment does not fluctuate based on transaction volume, seasonal busyness, or the complexity of any individual piece of routine work. Consistency in what you pay is part of the service.
The complete scope of our services includes all 18+ back-office functions, all software (Xero, Gusto, mileage and receipt tracking, document storage), and audit protection, all included in your monthly flat rate. There are no add-on tiers, no à la carte upgrades, and no charges for complexity within our defined scope. If something falls genuinely outside our scope, we'll tell you clearly before we do anything that would result in an additional charge.
Tiers are based on annual gross revenue: under $500K ($850/month), $500K–$1M ($1,600/month), and over $1M ($2,500/month). This structure is designed to keep your investment proportional to the scale of your business. If you're on a threshold or unsure where you land, a free consultation will resolve it. We would rather place you correctly than over-charge you.
Services & Scope
Most bookkeepers work backward from transactions. We work forward from exposure. As a licensed commercial claims adjuster, Erika evaluates your operation for the financial risks that most restaurant owners don't think about until they're dealing with the consequences: workers' compensation claims, unemployment disputes, property damage events, and business interruption scenarios. The documentation we maintain throughout the year is designed to be defensible in any of those situations, so you're never scrambling to reconstruct records after something goes wrong.
Yes, this is part of our scope. Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and similar platforms generate chargebacks and disputed transactions that represent real revenue if properly contested. We manage the dispute process end-to-end: identifying the claim, submitting the documentation-backed response, and following through to resolution. This isn't incidental. For many of our restaurant clients, recovery from platform disputes is a meaningful line item.
Audit protection is not a separate product. It is the result of how we work. Every filing, deduction, and categorization is documented with the assumption it may need to be defended before the IRS, CDTFA, or FTB. If an audit is initiated, we stand with you through the process: gathering documentation, responding to agency inquiries, and navigating the examination so you're not facing it without support. This is included in every engagement at every tier.
Tax & Compliance
We are a bookkeeping and restaurant back-office firm, not a CPA firm. However, Erika supervises and manages a licensed tax office in Los Angeles during tax season. This allows us to refer you to a qualified tax preparer from our network and provide meaningful oversight to ensure your return aligns precisely with your financials. You're also fully welcome to work with your own CPA, or split services, with us handling the business return and your preparer handling the personal side for certain entity types.
California's sales tax rules for food service are genuinely complex. The taxability of prepared food varies based on how it's served, where it's served, and the transaction type. We manage all sales tax filings with the CDTFA and apply the correct treatment to each transaction type in your operation. Errors in sales tax reporting are one of the more common triggers for state audits of food service businesses, and we build our filings to withstand that level of scrutiny.
Payroll tax deposits and filings are handled through the payroll platforms we use: Gusto or Chase. We set up and manage your payroll through those platforms, which calculate and remit payroll taxes on your behalf. Our role is to ensure your payroll is configured correctly, runs accurately, and that any issues are caught and addressed. The platforms handle the actual tax deposits and filings as part of their service, which is one of the reasons we use them.
Software & Process
We've used both extensively. Xero offers a cleaner user interface, stronger bank feed reliability, better multi-user collaboration, and for most of our clients a more favorable total cost. QuickBooks has a larger market share largely due to inertia and marketing, not because it's the better product for small food service businesses. If you're currently on QuickBooks, we'll handle the migration without disruption to your records or reporting continuity.
Very little. We set up and manage Xero, configure your payroll platform, and establish your expense and mileage tracking systems. For local businesses, we actually pick up and scan receipts directly, so you don't have to manage that process at all. A mileage tracking app is included in your tech stack, and while there is an option to have mileage tracked automatically, it is ultimately the business owner's responsibility to ensure miles are being logged consistently, whether that means inputting them daily or confirming the automatic tracking is running correctly. The rest of the workflow is ours to manage, not yours. Part of what you're paying for is the removal of this administrative burden from your plate entirely.
Is This Right For Me?
Yes. Our primary expertise is California food service. The state's regulatory complexity is what the practice was built around, but we work with food service businesses in other states. The core bookkeeping, payroll, risk management, and financial strategy work is relevant regardless of location. State-specific compliance will vary, and we'll be transparent about what we know versus what requires local-specific expertise. A free consultation will help us assess fit.
It depends. If you're a home-based food entrepreneur in the early stages of building your business, the $100 Kitchen CFO™ program was created specifically for you. It provides direct one-on-one guidance at a price point that reflects where you are, so you can build the right foundation before you need full back-office services. If you're already operating a brick-and-mortar with an established revenue base, our full-service engagement is likely the right fit. We'll tell you honestly which one applies to your situation.
The first step is a free consultation, which is a direct conversation about your business, your current financial situation, and what you need. From there, we'll confirm scope, pricing tier, and a start date. Onboarding typically involves access setup for your existing accounts, a review of prior financial records to establish baseline accuracy, and system configuration. We aim for a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your operations. Reach out by phone, text, or email to start the conversation.
Choosing the Right Bookkeeper
Industry experience matters more than general bookkeeping experience when it comes to food service. Restaurants have specific complexities that a generalist may not be equipped to handle: tip reporting, third-party delivery platform reconciliation, food cost analysis, California-specific sales tax rules, and the pace at which things move in a restaurant environment. Ask any prospective bookkeeper whether they have active restaurant clients, how they handle platform disputes, and whether they carry any risk-related credentials. The answers will tell you a lot.
Beyond the basics of price and software, ask: How do you handle my sales tax filing and what do you know about CDTFA requirements for restaurants? What happens if I get audited? Do you manage payroll directly or refer that out? How are third-party platform fees and disputes handled in my books? How often will I hear from you, and what does a typical month look like? A bookkeeper who can answer these questions specifically and confidently has earned your business. One who gives vague answers has not.
A general bookkeeper records transactions and produces financial statements. A specialized restaurant bookkeeper does that and understands what those numbers actually mean in your industry: what your food cost percentage should be, how tip income affects payroll tax obligations, why your sales tax calculation differs from a retail business, and how your staffing decisions create workers' compensation and unemployment exposure. Specialization means the work is contextually accurate, not just technically complete.
Transitions between accounting platforms are manageable when handled carefully. We review your historical records before migrating, ensure your chart of accounts is correctly structured in Xero, and validate that your opening balances match. Most clients experience minimal disruption to their day-to-day operations during the transition. If there are records that need to be cleaned up before migration, we address those as part of the onboarding process rather than carrying bad data into a new system.
A few indicators that something may be off: your bank balances in your accounting software don't match your actual bank statements; your financial reports show numbers that don't reflect your experience running the business; you've never had a reconciliation done; your sales tax filings feel like guesswork; or you're not sure what's been deducted and what hasn't. A free consultation can help you assess the current state of your books without any obligation.
Kitchen CFO Launch Program
The program is designed for home-based food entrepreneurs who are actively selling food and working toward a commercial space, whether that is a ghost kitchen, food truck, or storefront. You do not need to have perfect financial systems in place. What matters most is that you are operating with intention, you are willing to do the work the program requires, and your trajectory is pointing toward a legitimate, scalable business. The application is the best way to find out if this is the right fit.
Enrollment is intentionally limited. The program is designed to provide a high level of attention and engagement, which means we accept a small number of participants per cohort. Limiting enrollment ensures that each participant receives meaningful, focused support rather than being part of a large group where individual businesses get lost in the shuffle.
No. The program was created specifically for entrepreneurs who are building their financial foundation from the ground up. Disorganized records, mixed personal and business finances, and the absence of prior bookkeeping are common starting points, not disqualifying factors. We look at the full picture: where you are, where you are headed, and your willingness to follow the structure the program requires.
There is no repayment required for bookkeeping services provided during the program regardless of outcome. The transition to a paid service tier is tied to profitability, if that milestone has not been reached, the conversation about transitioning simply has not started yet. Each participant's situation is evaluated individually, and timelines vary based on the business.
Yes. The program requires active participation from both sides. If a participant consistently fails to upload records, misses scheduled meetings, or does not respond to communication in a timely manner, it compromises the bookkeeper's ability to do the work accurately. Participants who do not hold up their end of the engagement may be removed from the program. This standard exists to protect the integrity of the work and the value of the opportunity for everyone involved.
Tax preparation is not included in the Launch Program. What is included is clean, organized bookkeeping that makes the tax preparation process significantly easier and less expensive when you do work with a preparer. We support you in having the records your tax preparer needs, but the actual preparation and filing of returns is handled separately by a qualified tax professional of your choosing.
The required tech stack exists because the bookkeeping workflow depends on all the pieces working together consistently. Using a standardized set of tools, including accounting software, receipt capture, and a compatible POS system, which allows us to maintain accuracy and efficiency across every client. Participants who prefer to use other tools are welcome to engage through our standard paid services, where more flexibility is available.
Wifey CFO
Not at all. Wifey CFO is built for women who want to understand the financial side of their household and their spouse's business, not for women who already do. The community is designed to meet you where you are, whether that means starting with the basics of cash flow or diving deeper into tax strategy and business structure. Prior knowledge is not a requirement. Curiosity and commitment are.
Not at all. Many women join communities like this to build their own knowledge and confidence before entering that conversation. Understanding the financial side of the business first, and then bringing that clarity into the relationship, and that is one of the most common journeys in this space. You do not need your spouse's involvement or permission to begin learning.
Yes. Wifey CFO was designed with that journey in mind. If you are in a committed relationship with someone who is building a business, or you aspire to that life and want to be prepared for it, this community is a fit. Building financial literacy now means you can step into that role with clarity and confidence rather than playing catch-up later.
No. While The Kitchen CFO specializes in food service businesses, Wifey CFO is open to women regardless of the industry their spouse operates in. The financial principles, including cash flow management, tax positioning, business structure, and wealth building, apply across industries. The community experience is about shared identity and support as much as it is about specific business sectors.
Yes. The community is designed for two types of women: those who support an entrepreneurial spouse, and women who are in business themselves and want to be surrounded by others with a similar mindset. If you are building something of your own and want a space where financial strategy, intentional growth, and real community come together, Wifey CFO is built for that too.
The full program structure is still being finalized as we build toward the pilot launch. What we can share is that it will be intentionally small, community-driven, and focused on real financial education, not surface-level inspiration. If you join the waitlist, you will be among the first to receive full details and will have the opportunity to participate in shaping the experience as a founding member.
Wifey CFO is a free community. There is no cost to join or participate. The goal is to create an accessible space where women can build financial knowledge, connect with others who share a similar experience, and grow together without a financial barrier to entry. For members who are looking for something more personalized, there will be opportunities to work with Erika directly through paid one-on-one services. These private engagements are separate from the community itself and designed for those who are ready for individualized guidance, strategy, or support beyond what the group setting provides.
Legal

Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how The Kitchen CFO collects, uses, and protects information you provide when using our website or submitting an application or inquiry.

Last updated: 2025. Questions? Contact us at erika@thekitchencfo.com

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you voluntarily provide through our website, including but not limited to: your name, email address, phone number, business name, business address, financial information, and any other details submitted through our application forms or contact inquiries.

We may also collect non-personal technical information such as browser type and pages visited, through standard web analytics tools.

2. How We Use Your Information

Information you provide is used to: review and respond to program applications, communicate with you regarding our services, send relevant updates or notifications about programs you have applied for or enrolled in, and improve the quality of our services and communications.

By submitting any form on this website, you consent to be contacted by The Kitchen CFO via email, phone, and text message. Standard message and data rates may apply to text communications.

3. How We Protect Your Information

We take reasonable precautions to protect the information you share with us. Application data is transmitted securely through Formspree, a third-party form processing service that employs industry-standard encryption. We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Third-Party Services

Our website uses the following third-party services: Formspree (form processing and submission delivery), Calendly (appointment scheduling), and Google Fonts (typography). Each of these services operates under their own privacy policies.

In connection with our bookkeeping and back-office services, we may use software platforms such as Xero and Gusto. Use of these platforms is subject to their own terms of service and privacy policies.

5. Financial Information

Information you share regarding your business finances, credit, tax history, or personal financial situation is used solely for the purpose of evaluating your application or providing bookkeeping services. This information is treated with strict confidentiality and is not disclosed to any third party without your consent, except as required by law.

6. Referral Relationships

The Kitchen CFO may receive a financial benefit from referrals to certain software platforms, POS systems, or other tools recommended to clients. Any such benefit is separate from and does not offset fees owed for services. Referral relationships do not influence the professional guidance or recommendations provided.

7. Data Retention

We retain information submitted through our website for as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected, or as required by applicable law. You may request deletion of your information by contacting us directly at erika@thekitchencfo.com.

8. Children's Privacy

This website is intended for adults operating or planning to operate a food business. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18.

9. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be reflected on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of our website following any update constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact

For questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact us at erika@thekitchencfo.com.

Legal

Disclaimer &
Limitations of Service

Please read the following carefully before engaging with The Kitchen CFO or submitting any application, inquiry, or form on this website.

Last updated: 2025. Questions? Contact us at erika@thekitchencfo.com

1. Not a Licensed CPA, EA, or Legal Professional

The Kitchen CFO is a bookkeeping and financial back-office services firm. Erika, the founder, is not a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a licensed attorney, or a licensed financial advisor. The Enrolled Agent (EA) designation is currently pending and has not yet been issued.

Nothing on this website, in our communications, or within any program or service offered by The Kitchen CFO constitutes legal advice, certified public accounting services, or licensed financial advisory services. Any tax-related guidance provided is general in nature and should not be substituted for advice from a licensed CPA or tax attorney.

2. Scope of Services

The Kitchen CFO provides bookkeeping, financial organization, back-office support, and related services as described on this website. These services do not include the preparation or filing of tax returns (except as coordinated through separate arrangements with qualified tax professionals), securities advice, investment advisory services, or legal representation.

Clients are encouraged to work with a licensed CPA or tax professional for matters requiring certified professional judgment, tax return preparation, or legal compliance advice.

3. Licensed Commercial Claims Adjuster

Erika holds a license as a Commercial Claims Adjuster. This credential informs our risk management perspective and approach to financial record-keeping. It does not constitute an offer of insurance adjusting services and is disclosed solely as part of our professional background.

4. No Guarantee of Results

The Kitchen CFO does not guarantee any specific financial outcome, funding approval, profitability, business growth, or program acceptance. Results vary based on individual business circumstances, market conditions, client participation, and factors beyond our control. Any case studies, testimonials, or examples referenced are not guarantees of similar results.

5. Launch Program Disclaimer

The Kitchen CFO Launch Program provides structured monthly bookkeeping support at no cost during a business's early development and transition phase. This program is application-based and selective. Submission of an application does not guarantee acceptance.

Participants who become consistently profitable prior to completing their business transition may be required to move to a paid service plan at any time. The Kitchen CFO reserves the right to discontinue a participant's enrollment in the program if participation requirements are not met.

6. Wifey CFO Community

Wifey CFO is a free community and does not constitute a financial advisory service, therapeutic service, or legal resource. Content shared within the community is educational and informational in nature. Members are encouraged to consult licensed professionals for personalized advice specific to their situation.

7. Referral Compensation

The Kitchen CFO may receive compensation through referral arrangements with certain software providers, POS systems, or other business tools recommended to clients and program participants. This compensation is separate from and does not reduce any fees owed for bookkeeping or advisory services.

8. Communication Consent

By submitting any form on this website, you agree to be contacted by The Kitchen CFO via email, phone, and text message. Standard message and data rates may apply to text communications. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by contacting us at erika@thekitchencfo.com.

9. Accuracy of Information

We make reasonable efforts to ensure the accuracy of content on this website. However, information may change over time and is provided for general informational purposes only. The Kitchen CFO is not liable for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from reliance on information presented on this website.

10. Governing Law

This disclaimer and all matters relating to The Kitchen CFO's services are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes shall be resolved in Los Angeles County, California.

Legal

Terms &
Conditions

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of this website and any services or programs offered by The Kitchen CFO. By accessing this website or submitting any application or inquiry, you agree to these terms.

Last updated: 2025. Questions? Contact us at erika@thekitchencfo.com

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using this website, submitting any form, or engaging with The Kitchen CFO in any capacity, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree, please do not use this website or submit any application.

2. Services Offered

The Kitchen CFO provides bookkeeping, financial organization, back-office support, fractional CFO services, and related programs as described on this website. All services are subject to a separate service agreement or program enrollment agreement that will be provided upon engagement.

Services described on this website are subject to availability, eligibility, and acceptance at the sole discretion of The Kitchen CFO. We reserve the right to decline service to any individual or entity for any lawful reason.

3. Pricing and Payment

Monthly service rates are based on gross annual revenue as described on the Pricing page of this website. Rates are subject to change with reasonable notice. Specific payment terms, billing cycles, and fee structures will be outlined in your individual service agreement.

Software costs associated with required platforms (such as Xero and approved receipt management software) are the sole responsibility of the client and are not included in The Kitchen CFO's monthly service fee unless explicitly stated otherwise in writing.

4. Kitchen CFO Launch Program

The Kitchen CFO Launch Program is offered at no cost during a participant's early-stage business development phase. No repayment of prior no-cost bookkeeping services is required. However, participants who become consistently profitable may be transitioned to a paid service tier at any time, based on operational complexity, revenue, and bookkeeping support needs.

Continued participation in the Launch Program requires consistent engagement, timely communication, and compliance with all program requirements. The Kitchen CFO reserves the right to remove any participant from the program who fails to meet these requirements. Participants are responsible for their own software subscription costs, estimated at approximately $100 per month.

5. Wifey CFO Community

Wifey CFO is a free community. Membership does not establish a client relationship with The Kitchen CFO for professional bookkeeping or advisory services. Content shared within the community is educational in nature and does not constitute certified financial, legal, or tax advice. Optional paid one-on-one services may be available separately and are subject to a separate agreement.

6. Client Responsibilities

Clients and program participants are responsible for providing accurate, complete, and timely information necessary for the delivery of services. The Kitchen CFO is not liable for errors, delays, or service interruptions resulting from inaccurate, incomplete, or untimely information provided by the client. Clients must maintain a separate business bank account and provide access to required financial records and platforms as needed for service delivery.

7. Confidentiality

All financial, personal, and business information shared with The Kitchen CFO is treated as confidential. We do not disclose client information to third parties except as required by law, as necessary for the delivery of services (such as authorized software platforms), or with your explicit written consent.

8. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, design, graphics, and branding, is the property of The Kitchen CFO. No content may be reproduced, distributed, or used without prior written permission. The Kitchen CFO™, Wifey CFO™, and Kitchen CFO Launch Program are proprietary brands of The Kitchen CFO.

9. Referral Compensation Disclosure

The Kitchen CFO may receive financial compensation through referral arrangements with certain software providers, POS systems, or other tools recommended to clients. This compensation is separate from and cannot be applied toward any service fees owed. Referral relationships do not influence the quality or objectivity of our recommendations.

10. Limitation of Liability

The Kitchen CFO shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use of our services, programs, or website. Our total liability to any client shall not exceed the total fees paid to The Kitchen CFO in the three months preceding the claim.

11. Termination of Services

Either party may terminate a service engagement with written notice as specified in the individual service agreement. The Kitchen CFO reserves the right to terminate services immediately in cases of non-payment, misrepresentation of information, or failure to comply with program or service requirements. Termination does not relieve the client of any outstanding financial obligations.

12. Communication Consent

By submitting any form on this website, you consent to be contacted by The Kitchen CFO via email, phone, and text message. Standard message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by contacting erika@thekitchencfo.com.

13. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of California. Any disputes arising from these terms or from any service engagement shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation. If unresolved, disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Los Angeles County, California, in accordance with applicable arbitration rules.

14. Amendments

The Kitchen CFO reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of this website or any program following an update constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

15. Contact

For questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at erika@thekitchencfo.com or visit www.thekitchencfo.com.

Accessibility

Accessibility
Statement

The Kitchen CFO is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We continually improve the user experience for everyone and apply relevant accessibility standards.

Our Commitment

We are committed to making our website accessible and usable for all visitors, including those with disabilities. We aim to meet or exceed the requirements of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA, which are internationally recognized standards for web accessibility.

Measures We Have Taken

We have taken the following steps to improve accessibility on this website:

  • All images include descriptive alternative text
  • All form fields are properly labeled for screen readers
  • The website can be navigated using a keyboard alone
  • A skip-to-content link is available at the top of each page
  • Interactive elements include appropriate ARIA labels and roles
  • Accordion menus communicate their expanded or collapsed state
  • Color contrast ratios meet the minimum 4.5:1 standard for normal text
  • The page language is declared in the HTML to support screen readers
  • Focus indicators are visible for keyboard navigation
  • Forms include error identification and descriptive instructions

Known Limitations

While we strive to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards, some content may not yet fully conform. We are actively working to identify and resolve any accessibility barriers. Third-party content and tools embedded on this site, such as our scheduling system, are subject to their own accessibility standards.

Assistive Technology Support

This website is designed to be compatible with the following assistive technologies: screen readers (including NVDA, JAWS, and VoiceOver), keyboard-only navigation, browser zoom up to 200%, and high-contrast display modes.

Feedback and Contact

We welcome feedback on the accessibility of this website. If you experience any accessibility barriers, need information in an alternative format, or would like to report an issue, please contact us:

Email: erika@thekitchencfo.com
We aim to respond to accessibility feedback within 3 business days.

Formal Complaints

If you are not satisfied with our response to your accessibility concern, you may contact the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division or file a complaint with the relevant state accessibility authority.

This statement was last reviewed in 2025. We conduct periodic accessibility reviews and update our practices accordingly.