Services / Fractional CFO
Fractional CFO. A seat at the leadership table, without the full-time cost.
A fractional CFO gives your company senior financial leadership for a set number of days each month. You gain the judgment, discipline and external credibility of an experienced finance executive, at a fraction of the cost of a permanent hire.
When this helps
- Revenue is growing, but profit and cash are not keeping pace
- The board, lenders or investors are asking for more rigorous reporting
- Major decisions are being made without a clear financial case
- Your controller or bookkeeper is stretched beyond their remit
What is included
The scope is agreed around the decisions in front of you. A typical engagement draws on the following.
Financial strategy
Translate the business plan into financial targets, and hold the company to them.
Board and investor reporting
A monthly pack that explains performance, risks and the decisions required.
Budget and forecast ownership
An annual budget and a rolling forecast that management trusts.
Cash and working capital
Visibility over cash, collections and payables, with early warning of pressure points.
Lender and investor relations
Preparation for, and attendance at, meetings with banks, investors and advisers.
Finance team leadership
Direction and coaching for your in-house or outsourced accounting team.
Deliverables
- Monthly management and board pack
- Monthly
- Rolling twelve-month forecast
- Monthly
- Thirteen-week cash forecast
- Weekly or bi-weekly
- KPI scorecard
- Monthly
- Annual budget and operating plan
- Annually
How it works
A clear sequence, so that you see value early and nothing is built that your team cannot own.
Diagnose
Review of financial statements, reporting and systems, and conversations with leadership.
Establish
Reporting pack, forecast model and KPI scorecard built around your decisions.
Lead
Regular leadership meetings, month-end review and board preparation.
Evolve
Scope adjusts as the company grows, raises capital or hires a full-time CFO.
Client example
An ongoing fractional CFO partnership with a Chicago executive coaching and leadership development firm, covering pricing strategy, client proposals and financial modelling.Andrés Tapia Strategy Group
Questions
How much time does a fractional CFO spend with us?
It depends on the level of retainer, typically from a few days a month to a regular weekly presence. The commitment is agreed at the outset and reviewed quarterly.
Do you replace our accountant?
No. We work alongside your bookkeeper, controller or external accountant, and focus on analysis, planning and leadership rather than transaction processing.
Can we stop or change the scope?
Yes. Retainers run month to month after an initial period, and the level can be raised or lowered as needs change.
Other services
Most clients combine two or more services as their needs develop.
Discuss a fractional CFO. Thirty minutes, without obligation.
Tell us where the business is headed and what stands in the way. Or write directly to alberto.salas@blackbearcorp.com.
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