What is an outsourced CFO?
An outsourced CFO, also called a virtual or fractional CFO, is a senior finance leader who works with your business on a part-time, retained or project basis. A bookkeeper records transactions and an accountant reports on what has already happened. An outsourced CFO looks ahead: setting strategy, stress-testing plans, protecting cash and guiding investment decisions.
Who this is for
Owners, directors and founders of trading businesses who want expert support to grow, secure funding or stabilise their finances.
- Technology, manufacturing, retail and construction businesses
- Professional services firms
- Start-ups preparing to raise investment
- SMEs managing rapid growth
- Established family businesses facing a turning point
Benefits
Cost savings
Avoid the salary, bonus, pension, NI and recruitment costs of a full-time CFO. Pay only for the time you need.
Flexibility
Increase support for a funding round or acquisition, then scale back.
Senior expertise from day one
Experienced leaders without a lengthy search, notice period or costly mis-hire.
Stronger cash flow
Rolling 13-week and 12-month forecasts and early-warning triggers.
Investor and board readiness
Investor-grade models, clean data rooms and board packs.
Risk and controls
Stronger internal controls and proactive oversight of financial, regulatory and tax risk.
Service offerings
Financial strategy and planning
Multi-year plans linking ambition to funding, margins and capacity.
Cash flow management
Forecasts, working capital optimisation and covenant monitoring.
Budgeting and financial modelling
Driver-based models and scenario analysis to test decisions first.
Investor relations
Funding readiness, investor materials, negotiation support and reporting.
Mergers and acquisitions
Due diligence, deal modelling, integration planning and tracking.
Board and financial reporting
Timely management accounts and concise board packs.
Exit planning and valuation
Value-building roadmaps and sale readiness.
Interim and emergency cover
Rapid-response leadership for departures, turnarounds or peak periods.
In-house versus outsourced CFO
| Factor | Full-time in-house CFO | Outsourced CFO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Six-figure salary plus bonus, pension, NI and recruitment | Fixed retainer or project fee |
| Flexibility | Fixed capacity, hard to scale | Scale days and scope up or down |
| Time to hire | Several months plus notice | Start within days of agreeing scope |
| Experience | One individual’s background | Senior team with broad experience |
| Risk | Mis-hire and key-person dependency | Low commitment and continuity of cover |
How to get started
Book a free consultation
Tell us about your goals and current challenges.
Receive a tailored proposal
We agree a transparent scope and price.
Complete a discovery review
A rapid financial health assessment shapes the first phase of work.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What does an outsourced CFO do?
Provides senior financial leadership part-time or by project: strategy, cash flow forecasting, budgets, board and investor reporting, risk management and fundraising or M&A support.
How much does a virtual CFO cost?
It depends on scope and time, usually a fraction of a full-time salary, as a monthly retainer, fixed-fee project or hourly engagement.
Is an outsourced CFO right for a small business?
Yes, if you’re making significant decisions about hiring, finance, pricing or expansion and want expert guidance without a full-time salary.
What’s the difference between an accountant and a CFO?
An accountant focuses on compliance and reporting past results. A CFO looks forward, using financial data to shape strategy, cash flow and risk.
Can you work with our existing accountant and bookkeeper?
Yes. We complement your current advisers rather than replace them.