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What is a fractional CFO?

A fractional CFO is an experienced finance leader who works for your company part-time, usually a set number of days each month, instead of full-time. You get CFO-level work without paying for a full-time executive.

What a fractional CFO does

The work is a step beyond bookkeeping. A fractional CFO reads your numbers, explains them in plain English, and helps you decide what to do next.

• Reviews your monthly financial statements and explains what changed and why
• Builds a cash forecast and a year-end projection, and keeps both current
• Sets up reporting that shows which jobs, routes, or customers make money
• Plans owner distributions with your CPA so tax and cash needs line up
• Models big decisions before you make them: a new hire, a truck, a loan, an acquisition
• Cleans up accounting and payroll systems so reports are right the first time

How it differs from a bookkeeper and a CPA

These three roles work together. A bookkeeper records what happened. A CPA handles tax filings and compliance. A fractional CFO looks forward: what the numbers mean, where the business is headed, and what to change.

When it makes sense

• The business looks profitable but cash is always tight
• You do not know which jobs or customers earn the most
• Month-end reports arrive late, or you do not trust them
• You are planning to borrow money, buy equipment, or acquire another company
• Owner distributions are set by feel instead of by a plan

When it may be too early

If your bookkeeping is not current yet, start there. A CFO can only work with accurate records, and I will tell you plainly if that is the first thing to fix.

Working with me

I own and help run several businesses myself, so I know the owner's side of these decisions. You can see how an engagement works on the home page, or read about my background in the about section.

Related reading

• Job costing and WIP reporting
• Cash flow forecasting
• Fractional CFO for contractors