Senior Financial Leadership When You Need it
Growing businesses eventually reach a point where the numbers need more than basic accounting. You might already have bookkeeping in place. You may even have a Finance Manager or Financial Controller.
But when decisions about growth, funding or profitability start to matter more, businesses often realise they need senior financial leadership. That’s where Fractional CFO services come in. Instead of hiring a full-time Chief Financial Officer, businesses bring in experienced financial leadership on a part-time or flexible basis.
What Are Fractional CFO Services?
Fractional CFO services give businesses access to senior financial leadership on a part-time or flexible basis. Instead of hiring a full-time CFO, companies use fractional support for strategy, forecasting, reporting and financial decision-making.
A Fractional CFO works alongside your leadership team to provide:
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Financial strategy and planning
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Cashflow forecasting and financial modelling
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Performance reporting and analysis
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Support with funding, lending or investment
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Oversight of financial controls and processes
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Commercial advice on growth decisions
In simple terms, a Fractional CFO provides the strategic financial thinking of a CFO, without the cost or commitment of a permanent executive hire.
When Do Businesses Use Fractional CFOs...
Most businesses don’t need a full-time CFO right away, but there comes a time when you need greater financial leadership from a professional. That’s where a fractional CFO comes in. Common triggers for hiring externally include:
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Rapid growth or scaling operations
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Preparing for investment or funding
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Improving profitability and financial visibility
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Managing more complex cashflow
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Expanding into new markets or locations
At any of these stages, proper financial guidance is needed, but often the cost of hiring someone full time can’t be justified. A CFO acts as the middle ground.
What a Fractional CFO Typically Handles
A Fractional CFO focusses on the bigger picture, acting as part of the leadership team to guide financial decisions. Their responsibilities usually include:
Financial strategy
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Long-term financial planning
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Supporting business growth strategy
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Scenario planning and forecasting
Financial reporting
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Reviewing management accounts
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Building reporting for leadership teams
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Tracking KPIs and business performance
Cashflow & forecasting
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Cashflow forecasting and planning
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Working capital management
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Identifying financial risks early
Funding and investment
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Preparing financial models for investors
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Supporting funding discussions
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Managing lender relationships
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A happy client - Gentoo Racing
Full-time vs Fractional CFO: Cost Comparison
Hiring a full time CFO is a big commitment and often commands a six figure salary. Not only that, but it also includes:
- Recruitment and onboarding time
- National Insurance and Pension contribution on top
- A role that may not be fully utilised yet
- Down time during holidays, sickness and any other absences
A Fractional CFO however offers access to senior financial leadership on a flexible basis, without committing to a full-time executive salary.
For many companies, this approach provides the insight they need while keeping the finance function proportionate to the size of the business.
How it Works in Practice
A Fractional CFO will generally head up a wider finance team which may include:
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Existing bookkeepers, credit controllers, accounts payable controllers
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External accountants handling compliance
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A Financial Controller managing day-to-day reporting
The Fractional CFO provides strategic guidance and oversight, ensuring the numbers support the business’s long-term goals.
This structure allows businesses to access the right level of financial expertise without building a large internal finance team.
Fractional CFO Services vs Outsourced Finance
A Fractional CFO focuses mainly on financial leadership and decision making, however outsourced finance focusses on full coverage of the day to day finance operations. Instead of relying on a single individual, businesses gain access to:
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Bookkeeping & bank reconciliations
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Sales invoicing & accounts receivable, including credit control/collections
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Supplier bills & accounts payable, including payment runs and approvals
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Payroll, PAYE and pensions, to ensure staff are paid on time
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VAT returns (MTD), including partial exemption and group VAT
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Monthly management accounts with clear commentary
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Cash-flow forecasting and scenario planning
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Budgeting & variance analysis, including rolling forecasts
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KPI dashboards & board-level reports tailored to your business
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Year-end statutory accounts preparation
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Corporation tax coordination and R&D tax relief support
For companies that want both strategic guidance and operational finance support, this model can provide a more complete finance function.
Does My Business Need a Fractional CFO?
A Fractional CFO might not be for every business, but from our experience, it tends to suit companies that:
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Are growing and need better financial visibility
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Want strategic financial input without hiring full-time
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Need support with funding or expansion
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Want stronger financial reporting for decision-making
For many of our clients, hiring a Fractional CFO is the cherry on the cake of a fully formed finance team which gives them strategic direction and oversight of the numbers.
What services does a Fractional CFO provide?
A Fractional CFO provides top-level strategy and financial insight.
Usually this includes financial planning, cashflow forecasting, performance reporting, budgeting and support with key decisions such as funding or growth. The focus is on helping the business understand its numbers, use them properly and be an authoritative senior voice that guides business decisions based on the numbers.
How much does a Fractional CFO charge?
In the UK, the salary for a full-time CFO can be upwards of £100,000.
For a Fractional CFO, fees vary depending on the level of involvement, but most businesses pay either a monthly retainer or a day rate. In the UK, this often works out significantly lower than hiring a full-time CFO, as you’re only paying for the level of support you actually need. For our clients, the cost of a Fractional CFO is usually 40% cheaper.
Is a Fractional CFO worth it?
For lots of growing businesses, yes.
A fractional CFO can improve financial visibility, support better decision-making and help avoid costly mistakes. The value usually comes from having the right financial insight at the right time, without committing to a full-time hire.
When should you hire a fractional CFO?
Businesses usually consider a fractional CFO when finances become more complex, for example during growth, when preparing for investment, or when cashflow needs closer management. It’s often the stage after basic accounting is in place but before a full-time CFO is needed.
Can a fractional CFO work alongside my existing team?
Yes, in fact it works well for a lot of our clients.
Lots of businesses use fractional CFO support alongside internal staff such as bookkeepers or finance managers. The role is designed to complement, not replace, your existing setup, building a strong finance team without paying the cost of full-time hires.
Is a fractional CFO suitable for small businesses?
Absolutely.
Fractional CFO services are often used by growing businesses that need better financial insight but don’t yet need a full-time CFO. The level of support can also be tailored depending on budget, and you can decide how involved you’d like the Fractional CFO to be.
Do I still need an accountant if I have a Fractional CFO?
Yes, even with a Fractional CFO onboard, an accountant should still handle compliance and year-end work. A fractional CFO focuses on strategy, reporting and helping you make better financial decisions throughout the year, adding a layer of seniority and decision making to your existing finance team.
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