Senior financial guidance, at the level the business needs today.
A fractional CFO engagement gives ownership a senior finance partner who understands the numbers, the operations and the decisions ahead, on a part-time basis and without the cost of a full-time executive.
The business has outgrown the owner's spreadsheet, but not yet the need for a full-time CFO.
As a company grows, financial decisions become larger and less reversible: hiring, pricing, financing, expansion. Often there is no one whose job is to look ahead, model the options and say plainly what the numbers suggest.
Common signs
- Cash surprises happen even when the business looks profitable
- There is no budget, or the budget is not used after January
- Lenders or partners ask for forecasts that do not yet exist
- Big decisions are made on instinct because analysis is not available
A structured approach, led by the principal.
- 01
Establish the baseline
Understand the business model, current reporting and the decisions ownership is facing over the next twelve months.
- 02
Build visibility
Put in place a cash-flow forecast, a budget and a monthly reporting rhythm that management can use.
- 03
Review every month
Meet regularly to walk through results, variances, cash and the questions the numbers raise.
- 04
Support the decisions
Model scenarios for hiring, pricing, capital spending and growth, and give a clear, reasoned view.
What you receive.
- 0113-week and 12-month cash-flow forecasts
- 02Annual budget and rolling forecast
- 03Monthly management reporting package
- 04KPI dashboard aligned to business priorities
- 05Scenario and sensitivity models
- 06Working-capital analysis
- 07Monthly financial review meeting
- 08Decision memos for major commitments
Final scope is agreed in writing for each engagement.
- Owner-led businesses that need senior financial thinking a few days a month
- Companies preparing for growth, new financing or a significant investment
- Leadership teams that want an independent, experienced finance voice in the room
How the work is usually arranged.
Monthly retainer
A defined scope of ongoing work and a regular review cadence, adjusted as needs change.
Interim support
Focused support through a transition, financing process or period of change.
Starting point
Many engagements begin with a Financial Clarity Review to agree priorities first.
Discuss fractional cfo for your business.
A first conversation is an opportunity to describe where the business is, what is not working, and what you need. You will speak directly with the principal.