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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s Discuss Your Requirements
Have a question about our services? Speak with our team to discuss your engagement, deadlines and the support you need.
What Does an Outsourced CFO Do?
An outsourced CFO provides senior financial leadership on a part-time, retained or project basis, without the cost of a full-time hire. The role covers strategy, cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and board and investor reporting. It also includes managing financial risk and supporting fundraising or M&A activity, so you get expert guidance whenever your business needs it.
How Much Does a Virtual CFO Cost?
The cost depends on the scope of work and the amount of time you need, but it is usually a fraction of a full-time CFO’s salary. You can choose the structure that suits you best, such as a monthly retainer, a fixed-fee project or an hourly engagement. This means you only pay for the support you use, with no extra bonus, pension, NI or recruitment costs.
Is an Outsourced CFO Right for a Small Business?
Yes, an outsourced CFO is a good fit if you are making significant decisions about hiring, finance, pricing or expansion. You get expert guidance at the level you need, without the commitment of a full-time salary. It is especially useful when your business is growing quickly, preparing for investment, or facing a turning point.
What’s the Difference Between an Accountant and a CFO?
An accountant focuses on compliance and reporting, which means they review and report on what has already happened in your business. A CFO looks forward, using your financial data to shape strategy, protect cash flow and manage risk. The two roles complement each other, so many businesses benefit from having both working side by side.
Can you Work with Our Existing Accountant and Bookkeeper?
Yes, we work alongside your current advisers and do not replace them. Your bookkeeper continues to record transactions and your accountant continues to handle compliance, while we focus on strategy and forward planning. This gives you a joined-up finance function, without the disruption of changing the people you already trust.
What Services Does your Outsourced CFO Offer?
We offer a full range of senior finance support, including financial strategy and planning, cash flow management, and budgeting and financial modelling. We also help with investor relations, mergers and acquisitions, board and financial reporting, and exit planning and valuation. Interim and emergency cover is also available if you face a departure, a turnaround or a peak period.
How Does an Outsourced CFO Compare to Hiring a Full-Time CFO?
A full-time in-house CFO usually means a six-figure salary plus bonus, pension, NI and recruitment costs, and capacity that is hard to scale. An outsourced CFO is available for a fixed retainer or project fee, and you can scale days and scope up or down as needed. You can also start within days of agreeing the scope, which avoids a long hiring process and the risk of a costly mis-hire.
How do I Get Started with CFO Services?
The first step is to book a free consultation, where you tell us about your goals and your current challenges. We then send you a tailored proposal with an agreed scope and a transparent price. After that, we complete a rapid discovery review of your financial health, which shapes the first phase of our work together.