About EBCFO
We're a boutique financial services firm dedicated to helping America's nonprofits expand their reach.
With decades of experience in both the business and the non-profit sector, we've helped countless organizations streamline their financial data and strengthen their operations.
501(c)(3) organizations across the country rely on us for reliable, mission-aligned financial management.
Our Mission
To empower nonprofits with the financial clarity, compliance, and strategic insight they need to fulfill their missions and maximize their impact.
Meet Our Team
Experienced financial professionals dedicated to your nonprofit's success.
Dan Schmidt
Founder
Dan was raised in Independence, Missouri, in a family shaped by its agricultural roots and strong community ties.
After earning his accounting degree from Truman State University, he spent years in audit and consulting before launching his own practice in 2009.
Over the years, Dan has supported multiple startups and nonprofits, and has served on several nonprofit boards.
He believes that financial systems should provide clarity, not confusion, and that asking the right questions matters as much as finding the right answers.
Dan lives in Colorado with his wife of 20 years and their three sons. In his spare time, he enjoys playing music, traveling, getting outdoors, and pursuing any hobby that sparks his curiosity.
Arnold Smyth
COO
Arnold grew up on a farm in Ireland in a large entrepreneurial family. With most of his aunts and uncles running their own small businesses and a strong Christian faith woven into daily life, he learned early the value of resourcefulness, community, and helping others.
A hands-on learner with a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Arnold brings a practical, problem-solving mindset to EBCFO.
As COO, Arnold works closely with clients to identify challenges, simplify processes, and create solutions that actually work for their teams. Arnold values early communication, shared expectations, and innovative, people-friendly solutions.
Arnold lives in Kansas City with his wife of nearly 25 years, Lisa, and their two children.
Erin Francis
Staff Accountant
A Kansas City native, Erin began her career as a middle school teacher before transitioning into accounting in search of a more flexible, family-friendly path.
Her background in education makes her a valuable asset for clients seeking to understand how best to use their systems or make sense of their data, and she takes pride in the fact that she gets to support them in their respective missions.
Erin has been married to her husband for 25 years and is the proud mother of three daughters.
She enjoys traveling, reading, embroidery, home décor, and arranging flowers grown in her family’s garden.
Kirk Polo
Controller
Kirk brings more than two decades of experience across financial risk management, mutual fund accounting, and nonprofit financial reporting.
His approach centers on understanding what leaders need from their financial structure and reporting, then ensuring the data they receive is timely, accurate, and genuinely useful.
He holds bachelor’s degrees in Financial Management and Business Administration, as well as an MBA in Accounting, and has spent the past decade working in international nonprofit accounting, including five years as a CFO.
Kirk lives in Kansas City with his wife of more than 26 years and their five children.
Michelle Fees
Nonprofit Controller
Originally from Omaha, Michelle relocated to Kansas City to attend William Jewell College, where she earned her degree in Accounting and Nonprofit Leadership. She also holds an MBA from Valparaiso University.
With a strong technical foundation and a passion for mission-driven work, Michelle specializes in turning complex accounting data into actionable insights that help nonprofit leaders make confident decisions.
She’s deeply motivated by the opportunity to support organizations doing meaningful work and takes a thoughtful, client-focused approach to every engagement.
When she’s not working, Michelle enjoys singing, reading, and spending time with her family, including homeschooling her eight children with her husband.
Natalie Steed
Staff Accountant
Natalie brings a deep appreciation for accuracy, consistency, and follow-through to her work at EBCFO.
With more than 30 years of experience in banking and accounting, she has built a career around turning complex numbers into clear, reliable financial insight.
Natalie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Emporia State University and an MBA from Baker University, combining technical precision with practical business perspective. Known for her methodical, detail-oriented approach, she takes pride in creating financial clarity clients can trust.
Outside of work, she’s a devoted single mom of three daughters, an active volunteer, and a lifelong Kansas City resident.
What Sets Us Apart
Nonprofit Expertise
We work almost exclusively with 501(c)(3) organizations, giving us deep insight into the unique financial challenges nonprofits face.
Integrated Approach
From bookkeeping to fractional CFO services, we offer end-to-end financial management so you have one trusted partner for everything.
Mission Alignment
We understand that your mission drives every decision. Our financial strategies are built to support your goals, not just your bottom line.
Ready to strengthen your nonprofit's financial foundation?
Let's connect and explore how EBCFO can support your organization's financial goals.