Many growing Indian businesses have an accountant who keeps the books and files returns, but nobody who turns those numbers into decisions. That gap is what a Virtual CFO fills, part-time and at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.
Six signs you need one
- Cash surprises. You find out about a shortfall when a payment bounces, not weeks ahead.
- Monthly numbers arrive late, or only at year-end.
- You cannot say which product, customer or branch makes money.
- A bank or investor asks for projections and nobody can build them.
- GST, TDS and ROC deadlines are managed by memory, not a calendar.
- You are planning a big decision, such as a new unit, a loan or a fundraise.
What a Virtual CFO does each month
- Closes the books on a fixed date and reviews them.
- Prepares a short MIS: profit, cash, receivables, payables and key ratios against budget.
- Keeps a rolling 13-week cash flow forecast.
- Tracks statutory deadlines and reviews the tax position.
- Meets the promoters to agree actions.
How to choose one
- Ask for a sample monthly report and see whether you understand it in five minutes.
- Check that a chartered accountant reviews the work.
- Agree what is included: number of meetings, reports and response times.
- Make sure they can work in your accounting software, whether that is Tally, Zoho Books or another system.
Our Virtual CFO service starts with a free call. Book one here.
Frequently asked questions
No. An accountant records transactions and files returns. A Virtual CFO uses those numbers to plan cash, set budgets and support decisions.
Usually monthly, with more time around budgets, audits or fundraising.
