Fractional CFO / Finance Director Support

Senior financial leadership without the full-time commitment. Get strategic financial guidance to make confident decisions, strengthen controls, and build a financial foundation for growth.

Why Businesses Choose This Service

Many growing businesses reach a point where spreadsheets and ad-hoc reporting no longer provide the clarity needed to make strategic decisions. You need more than a bookkeeper, but hiring a full-time CFO feels premature or cost-prohibitive.

Tony provides experienced financial leadership on a flexible basis, bringing strategic thinking, systems expertise, and board-level credibility without the overhead of a permanent executive hire.

What's Included

Financial Planning & Forecasting

Build budgets, forecasts, and scenario models that inform strategic decisions and support investors.

Cashflow Clarity & Management

Gain visibility into cash movements and implement processes to avoid surprises.

Board Reporting & Communications

Present financial performance clearly to boards, investors, and stakeholders.

Controls, Risk & Governance

Establish financial controls, mitigate risk, and build governance structures.

Strategic Financial Guidance

Navigate key decisions with experienced financial insight.

Systems & Process Implementation

Evaluate and implement financial systems and repeatable processes that scale.

The Outcome

Stability, clarity, confidence. A clear picture of position, robust planning, and insight for confident decisions.

Who This Is For

  • Growing businesses needing financial leadership before a full-time CFO
  • Companies preparing for investment, fundraising, or rapid scaling
  • Businesses with financial blind spots, weak controls, or inconsistent reporting
  • Leadership teams needing strategic financial partnership and board-level credibility

Ready to Get Started?

Begin with a Company Health Check to understand your current financial position and priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fractional CFO?

A fractional CFO is a senior financial executive who works with your business on a part-time or project basis. You get board-level financial expertise including strategic planning, cashflow management, financial forecasting, board reporting, risk management, and financial leadership without the cost and commitment of a full-time hire. It's ideal for businesses that need CFO-level guidance but don't yet require or cannot afford a permanent appointment.

How much does a fractional CFO cost compared to a full-time CFO?

A full-time CFO in the UK typically costs £80,000-£150,000+ per year in salary alone, plus benefits, bonuses, and employment costs. A fractional CFO provides the same strategic expertise at a fraction of that cost, typically working 1-3 days per month depending on your needs. You only pay for the time and expertise you actually need, making it a cost-effective solution for growing businesses.

What does a fractional CFO actually do?

A fractional CFO provides strategic financial leadership including: financial planning and forecasting to guide business decisions; cashflow management and working capital optimization; board-level reporting and investor communications; financial controls, governance, and risk management; strategic guidance for growth, fundraising, or exit; and mentoring your finance team. The focus is on strategic oversight and decision support, not day-to-day bookkeeping.

When should a business hire a fractional CFO?

Consider a fractional CFO when you're experiencing rapid growth that's straining your financial systems; preparing for investment, sale, or major transition; struggling with cashflow despite being profitable; need board-level financial reporting and investor communications; facing complex financial decisions without senior guidance; or your business has outgrown your current finance function but you're not ready for a full-time CFO. Most businesses benefit from this support earlier than they think.

What's the difference between a fractional CFO and a bookkeeper or accountant?

Bookkeepers handle day-to-day transaction recording and basic compliance. Accountants typically focus on tax compliance, year-end accounts, and historical reporting. A fractional CFO operates at board level, providing strategic financial leadership, forward-looking planning, risk management, and guidance for major business decisions. They work alongside your bookkeeper and accountant, adding the senior strategic layer that growing businesses need.

How much time does a fractional CFO spend with the business?

This varies based on your business needs and stage. Typical engagements range from 1-3 days per month for ongoing strategic support, with more intensive involvement during specific projects like fundraising, due diligence preparation, or system implementations. The arrangement is flexible and can be adjusted as your business evolves. Some clients need consistent monthly support, while others engage for specific projects or transitional periods.

Can a fractional CFO help with fundraising and investor relations?

Yes. A fractional CFO is invaluable during fundraising, providing: preparation of financial forecasts and models; creation of investor-ready financial materials; due diligence preparation and management; negotiation support and deal structure advice; and ongoing investor reporting and communications. Having experienced CFO-level support significantly strengthens your position with investors and increases the likelihood of successful fundraising.

Will a fractional CFO work with my existing team?

Absolutely. A good fractional CFO integrates seamlessly with your existing finance team, bookkeeper, and accountant. They provide senior oversight and strategic direction while building capability within your team. The goal is to strengthen your overall finance function, not replace existing people. Many fractional CFOs also help recruit and develop your finance team as the business grows.

How long do fractional CFO engagements typically last?

Engagements vary widely. Some are project-based (3-6 months) focused on specific initiatives like system implementation or fundraising preparation. Others are ongoing relationships that last several years, providing continuous strategic financial leadership as the business scales. The arrangement is flexible and can transition from intensive to lighter touch as your business stabilizes or as you eventually bring financial leadership in-house.

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