A full-time CFO is out of reach for most startups and small businesses. A fractional CFO gives you the same thinking for a few days a month.
Bookkeeper, controller or CFO?
| Role | Focus |
|---|---|
| Bookkeeper | Records transactions accurately |
| Controller | Closes the books, owns accuracy and controls |
| CFO | Uses the numbers to plan cash, raise capital and guide decisions |
Signs it is time
- You are preparing to raise a round or take on debt.
- Your runway is under 12 months and you are not sure exactly how long it is.
- The board or investors want reporting you cannot produce.
- You are pricing a new product or entering a new market.
- Monthly numbers arrive late or do not reconcile.
What a fractional CFO does
- Builds and maintains a financial model and a 13-week cash flow forecast.
- Prepares a monthly board pack with KPIs.
- Sets budgets and tracks spending against them.
- Supports fundraising: data room, investor questions and due diligence.
- Works with your CPA on tax planning.
Making it work
Agree on deliverables, not hours: a monthly report by a set date, a forecast refreshed weekly, and a standing monthly meeting. Make sure the CFO has read access to your accounting and banking systems.
Our Virtual CFO service starts with a free call. Book one here.
Frequently asked questions
Typically a few days a month, with more time around fundraising, budgets or audits.
Yes. The CFO relies on accurate monthly books, which a bookkeeper or controller keeps.
