Our Story
Built for the people who build things.
North Arrow Financial exists because small business owners deserve a financial partner who actually shows up — not just at tax time, but every single month.
Why We Exist
The back-office shouldn't slow you down.
Most small business owners are great at what they do. They're skilled tradespeople, talented chefs, dedicated service providers. What they didn't sign up for was spending their evenings reconciling bank statements or their weekends trying to figure out payroll.
North Arrow Financial was built around a simple idea: every business owner deserves a trusted financial partner who handles the complexity, keeps the books clean, and shows up every month to make sure you understand your numbers.
The northwoods has always been a place of clarity — where the noise of everyday life fades and you can see what actually matters. That's what we try to bring to your finances. Clear direction. Steady ground. A partner who knows the terrain.
The Person Behind the Work
David Biel
CPA, CMA, MBA
I've spent nearly two decades in finance and accounting — starting as an analyst at Kraft Foods, moving through corporate FP&A, treasury, and controller roles at private equity-backed manufacturers, and eventually stepping into fractional CFO and controller work for small businesses across a range of industries.
That path gave me something most accountants don't have: I've seen how finance works at every level, from a $1.4B cost-of-goods operation down to a sole proprietor trying to figure out their first set of books. I know what good financial management looks like — and I know what it costs a small business when it's missing.
North Arrow Financial is the practice I built around the clients I enjoy working with most: growing businesses between $500K and $2M in revenue that need a real financial partner, not just someone to close the books. Businesses where the work actually matters.
Outside of client work, I serve as a Major in the U.S. Air Force Reserve — a role I've held since 1999. It's shaped how I think about accountability, preparation, and showing up when it counts.
Background
Kraft Foods · Nelson Global · Richelieu Foods
Specialization
Fractional CFO / Controller
Industries
Hospitality · E-Commerce · CPG · Manufacturing
Also serves
U.S. Air Force Reserve, Major
What We Stand For
The values that guide everything we do.
Clarity Over Complexity
Financial information should be understandable. We translate the numbers into plain language — no jargon, no confusion. You should always know exactly where your business stands.
Reliability You Can Count On
Your books are done on time, every month. Your meeting happens every month. You don't have to chase us down or wonder if things are getting done.
Personal Service
You're not a file number. We know your business, your goals, and your situation. The monthly meeting isn't a formality — it's the whole point.
Honest Guidance
We tell you what your numbers actually mean, even when it's not what you want to hear. Good financial partners don't sugarcoat — they help you make better decisions.
How We Work
A real partnership, not just a service.
We work with a focused group of clients. That's intentional. It means we have the time to actually know your business — not just your chart of accounts, but your goals, your challenges, and what success looks like for you.
Every month, we handle your back-office accounting and then sit down with you to walk through the results. We come prepared. We know your numbers before we walk in the door. The meeting is a conversation, not a presentation.
Between meetings, we're available. Questions come up. Decisions need to be made. We're the kind of partner you can call when something doesn't look right or you're not sure what a number means.
Work With Us
Let's find out if we're the right fit.
We start every new relationship with a free conversation. No pressure, no pitch — just an honest talk about your business and whether we can help.