Best Fractional CFO Companies UK
Compare fractional CFO providers: independent CFOs, boutique firms, and Big 4 practices. Find the right fractional CFO company for your business.
Key Takeaways
- 1Fractional CFOs work 1-3 days per week, providing senior expertise without full-time costs
- 2UK day rates range from £800 to £1500, depending on experience and sector
- 3Typical engagements save 50-70% compared to full-time executive hires
- 4Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing strategic leadership
- 5No employment overhead: no pension, NI, benefits, or notice periods
Types of Fractional CFO Providers
The "best" fractional CFO company depends entirely on your specific situation. A high-growth SaaS company preparing for Series B has very different needs than a traditional manufacturing business needing compliance support.
Independent Fractional CFOs
Individual CFOs working independently or through their own limited company. Direct senior access, lower cost (£800-£1,200/day), flexible terms. Best for SMEs, startups, straightforward requirements.
Boutique Fractional CFO Firms
Specialised firms of 5-20 fractional CFOs with shared services. Backup coverage, quality assurance, broader expertise (£900-£1,400/day). Best for scale-ups, PE-backed companies, complex needs.
Big 4 & Large Firms
CFO advisory practices from major accounting/consulting firms. Brand credibility, deep resources, global coverage (£1,500-£2,500/day). Best for pre-IPO, complex transactions, large enterprises.
Fractional CFO Marketplaces
Platforms connecting businesses with vetted fractional CFOs. Easy comparison, vetted candidates, reviews/ratings (£850-£1,300/day). Best for first-time buyers, quick needs.
How to Evaluate Fractional CFO Companies
- Sector Experience (Critical) - Have they worked in your industry?
- Stage Experience (Critical) - Have they worked with companies at your stage?
- Specific Skills (High) - Do they have the expertise you need?
- Client References (High) - Can they provide relevant, contactable references?
- Chemistry (High) - Do you and your team like working with them?
- Backup Coverage (Medium) - What happens if they are ill or on holiday?
- Pricing Transparency (Medium) - Is pricing clear?
- Contract Flexibility (Medium) - Can you scale up/down?
Questions to Ask Potential Providers
- Who specifically will I work with? (Get the actual CFO name, not just the firm)
- What is their relevant experience? (Sector, stage, specific skills)
- Can I speak to 2-3 references? (Similar companies to yours)
- What is the backup plan? (If they are ill, on holiday, or leave)
- How do you charge? (Day rate vs retainer, expenses, scope changes)
- What is the minimum commitment? (Trial period, notice periods)
- What is included and excluded? (Ad-hoc calls, board attendance, expenses)
- How do you communicate? (Weekly calls, Slack, email response times)
Red Flags to Watch For
- Cannot meet the actual CFO - You are sold by a partner but work with someone junior
- No references - Unable or unwilling to provide contactable clients
- Long lock-in periods - Requiring 12-month minimum with no out clause
- Vague pricing - Unable to give clear cost estimate upfront
- One-size-fits-all - Same approach regardless of your specific needs
- Overselling - Pushing services you do not need
Cost Comparison
Fractional vs Full-Time Executive
Your Potential Savings
£180k+
Time Allocation
How fractional executives spend their time
UK Fractional Executive Day Rates
Compare day rates across C-suite roles
Fractional vs Interim vs Full-Time
Choose the right engagement model
| Aspect | Fractional | Interim | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 1-3 days/week | 4-5 days/week | 5 days/week |
| Duration | Ongoing/flexible | 3-12 months | Permanent |
| Annual Cost | £50-150k | £150-300k | £200-400k+ |
| Best For | SMEs, startups, scale-ups | Crisis, transitions | Large enterprises |
| Flexibility | ★★★ High | ★★☆ Medium | ★☆☆ Low |
Costs are indicative UK market rates. Actual costs vary by role, experience, and sector.
Calculate Your Day Rate
Calculate Your Potential Income
Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CFO UK average day rate: £1000.
BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions.
Related Executive Roles
Complementary leadership for your organisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Both have merits. Firms offer backup coverage, broader expertise, and often fixed pricing. Independents typically cost less, offer more personal relationships, and have greater flexibility. Choose a firm for reliability and breadth; choose an independent for cost and direct access to a senior professional.
Industry Resources & Authority Links
Related Pages
The Fractional Executive Trend
Industry data on the rise of fractional leadership
of executives who moved to fractional work report higher job satisfaction
Source: Harvard Business Review ↗Platform Stats
Founder's background
📊 CFO Market Snapshot
💰 CFO Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK CFO roles.
