What a fractional CFO actually does
- Strategic finance: 3-year plans, scenario modelling, unit economics, pricing strategy.
- Cash management: 13-week cash forecast, working capital optimisation, supplier negotiation.
- Board reporting: monthly board pack, KPI dashboards, narrative commentary.
- Fundraising: deck numbers, financial model that holds up to investor diligence, term-sheet review.
- Finance team: hiring and managing junior finance staff (FC, FA, bookkeeper).
- Compliance oversight: annual accounts, Corporation Tax, VAT, PAYE — coordinating with your accountant or firm.
- Strategic projects: M&A diligence, R&D tax claims, share scheme design (EMI, SEIS).
When to hire one (and when not to)
Hire when:
- You're past £1M revenue and your finance is held together with spreadsheets.
- You're 6-12 months from raising and need investor-grade numbers.
- Your bookkeeper or FC is doing their best but you need someone who can challenge the CEO at board.
- You're contemplating a transaction (acquisition, sale, restructure).
Don't hire when:
- You're pre-revenue and need a bookkeeper, not a CFO.
- You can afford a permanent finance hire for the same money — at that point you usually want them full-time.
- The need is one-off and tactical (e.g. one fundraise) — a project CFO engagement is a better fit.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can a fractional CFO start?+
Usually within 2-3 weeks. We can match you within 48 hours; the discovery and onboarding then takes 1-2 weeks once you've chosen the CFO.
Do fractional CFOs work with my existing accountant?+
Yes — a fractional CFO sits above the accountant and bookkeeper, providing strategy and oversight. They don't replace the compliance function.
Are fractional CFOs employees or contractors?+
Almost always engaged as contractors via their own limited company or a CFO services firm. IR35 rarely applies because of the genuine multiple-client model.
Book a CFO discovery call
Tell us about your situation. We'll match you with the right specialist.
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