What a Fractional CFO Does
A fractional CFO helps you see beyond the numbers. We work alongside your leadership team to improve cash flow, understand profitability, and turn financial information into a plan for growth.
Our fractional CFO services cover the work that sits above the general ledger:
- Cash management: a rolling 13-week forecast, working capital targets, and a weekly cash call with the CEO.
- Planning: an annual budget built on drivers (headcount, pricing, volume, churn) rather than last year plus 10%.
- Reporting: a monthly board package with a one-page summary, variance commentary, and KPIs defined the same way every month.
- Capital: lender relationships, covenant tracking, refinancing, and preparing the data room before an equity raise or sale.
- Team: hiring and coaching the controller and staff accountants so the function outgrows us.
When Fractional CFO Services Make Sense
A clear sign that your business may need a fractional CFO is when an outside stakeholder requests financial information your team cannot readily produce. A private equity sponsor may need a monthly reporting package, a lender may require quarterly covenant reports, or a potential buyer may request three years of financial statements reconciled to tax returns. When those demands fall on a controller already managing the month-end close, reporting and daily operations can both suffer.
Other signs include an owner still acting as the CFO, a growing company relying heavily on spreadsheets, an upcoming first-time audit, or a vacant CFO position that may take months to fill. In each situation, BP CFO Services can bridge the gap with experienced financial leadership tailored to your business—without the immediate commitment of a full-time salary, bonus, and equity package.
What Progress Can Look Like After 90 Days
After 90 days, you should have a clearer view of where your business stands and where it’s headed. How much cash will be available over the next eight weeks? How did performance compare with your plan? Which metrics need attention? Are you meeting your lender covenants?
Depending on your priorities, progress may include a 13-week cash flow forecast, a more efficient month-end close, consistent leadership reporting, and strategies underway to improve performance. We continue implementing those strategies and tracking results as your business evolves.
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Fractional CFO
- Hiring for the title alone: Look for strategic leadership and experience relevant to your business.
- Leaving expectations unclear: Agree on priorities, responsibilities, meetings, and deliverables.
- Skipping the assessment: Understand the business and its financial challenges before building a plan.
- Limiting access to leadership: Give your CFO the information and relationships needed to guide decisions.
- Overlooking the long term: Consider whether you need ongoing support or help through a transition.
A fractional CFO should have a seat at the leadership table, the insight to guide critical decisions, and the ability to turn strategy into action. With the right leadership in place, your finance function becomes a driving force behind stronger cash flow, better decisions, and profitable growth.