Your Dedicated Financial Partners for Growth

At AquiferCFO, we transform financial management for startups, enabling growth and strategic decision-making.

Financial expertise and consulting
Our Impact
Proven Track Record
Numbers that showcase our commitment to startup success
150+
Startups Supported
$500M+
Capital Raised
98%
Client Satisfaction
7
Expert Team Members
Our Story
Built by Founders, for Founders
AquiferCFO was founded in 2020 by Rich Zhou, who experienced firsthand the challenges early-stage startups face in accessing quality financial guidance. As an entrepreneur himself, Rich understood that growing companies need CFO-level expertise but can't always afford a full-time executive.
What started as a one-person operation has evolved into a team of seven seasoned financial professionals. We've helped over 150 startups navigate critical financial decisions, prepare for successful fundraising rounds, and build sustainable growth trajectories. Our clients have collectively raised over $500M in capital.
Today, we serve as trusted partners to startups across diverse industries—from SaaS to fintech, healthcare to e-commerce. We're not just accountants; we're strategic partners invested in your long-term success.
Why AquiferCFO
What Sets Us Apart
Three core advantages that make us the right financial partner for your business
Startup DNA
We understand early-stage challenges because we've lived them. Our founder-led approach means you get practical, battle-tested guidance—not just textbook advice.
Founder-led company
Real startup experience
Growth-focused mindset
Fractional Flexibility
Get CFO-level expertise at a fraction of the cost. Scale our involvement up or down as your needs evolve, with no long-term commitments required.
Flexible engagement models
Scale with your needs
No long-term lock-in
Fundraising Expertise
We specialize in preparing companies for successful funding rounds. With $500M+ raised by our clients, we know exactly what investors want to see.
$500M+ raised by clients
Investor-ready financials
Pitch deck support
Our Team
Meet Your CFO Partners
Our experienced team brings decades of expertise to help your business thrive
Founder
Rich Zhou
Founder
Rich brings 15+ years of experience in financial reporting, audit readiness, and GAAP compliance for high-growth companies.
Core Expertise
Financial Reporting
Audit Preparation
GAAP Compliance
Revenue Recognition
CEO
Terence Papadacos
Chief Executive Officer
Terence specializes in financial planning, modeling, and fundraising support for companies from seed stage through IPO.
Core Expertise
FP&A
Financial Modeling
Fundraising Support
KPI Development
Director of Accounting North America
Alexander Williamson
Director of Accounting North America
Alexander specializes in accounting system implementation and automation to help companies scale their finance operations.
Core Expertise
System Implementation
Process Automation
Tech Integration
Data Analytics
Financial Modeling Expert
Witton Leung
Financial Modeling Expert
Witton manages comprehensive payroll operations and HR integrations, ensuring accurate compliance for Canadian and U.S. companies.
Core Expertise
Payroll Processing
Compliance
HR Systems
Cross-border Payroll
Director of Accounting Asia Pacific
Lydia Yu
Director of Accounting Asia Pacific
Lydia leads bookkeeping and accounting operations with meticulous attention to detail and real-time financial visibility.
Core Expertise
Bookkeeping
AP/AR Management
Reconciliations
Month-end Control
Accounting & Operations manager
Mhilanie Belleza
Accounting & Operations manager
Mhilanie ensures seamless client experiences, coordinating between clients and technical teams for exceptional service delivery.
Core Expertise
Client Relations
Project Management
Process Automation
Quality Assurance

Ready to Partner with AquiferCFO?

Schedule a free consultation to discuss how we can support your financial goals and drive sustainable growth.