Loading...
Loading...
Interactive graph loading...
The definitive guide to Fractional CFOs. Whether you're looking to hire, become, or understand what a fractional CFO does—this guide covers it all.
Definition, responsibilities, and when to hire
Cost comparison and decision framework
8 scenarios where you need a fractional CFO
Day rates, retainers, and pricing models
Career path and requirements
Job boards and opportunities
Featured Snippet Definition
A Fractional CFO is an experienced Chief Financial Officer who provides strategic financial leadership to companies on a part-time basis—typically working 1-3 days per week. Unlike consultants, fractional CFOs become embedded members of your leadership team, managing your finance function and driving outcomes at 50-70% less cost than a full-time hire.
Think of a fractional CFO as your company's senior financial leader—just not five days a week. They attend board meetings, manage your finance team, build investor relationships, oversee fundraising, and take full ownership of financial strategy and outcomes.
| Model | Time Commitment | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | 5-20 hours/month | £150-£500/hour | Advisory, specific projects |
| Day Rate | 1-3 days/week | £700-£1,500/day | Ongoing strategic support |
| Monthly Retainer | 40-60 hours/month | £3,000-£8,000/month | Embedded leadership |
| Project-Based | 3-6 months | £15,000-£50,000 | Fundraising, M&A, IPO prep |
Want to learn more?
Read our comprehensive guide on what fractional CFOs do, day-to-day responsibilities, and real-world examples.
Read Full Guide →The choice between a fractional and full-time CFO comes down to three factors: time requirements, budget constraints, and business stage. Here's how they compare.
| Factor | Fractional CFO | Full-Time CFO |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | £36,000-£120,000 | £150,000-£250,000+ |
| Time Commitment | 1-3 days/week | 5 days/week |
| Flexibility | Scale up/down monthly | Fixed commitment |
| Notice Period | 30 days typical | 3-6 months |
| Equity Required | Rarely | Often 0.5-2% |
| Start Timeline | 1-2 weeks | 3-6 months |
| Experience Level | Very senior (15+ years) | Varies (8+ years) |
| Best For | £1M-£20M revenue, project-based needs | £20M+ revenue, complex operations |
Need help deciding?
Read our detailed comparison guide with real cost breakdowns and decision framework.
Compare in Detail →Most companies hire a fractional CFO during critical growth phases or strategic events. Here are the 8 most common scenarios:
You're planning a seed, Series A, or growth round and need investor-ready financials, a compelling financial model, and someone who can speak credibly to VCs and angels.
Revenue is growing 3x+ year-over-year, you're hiring fast, and your founder-led finance function can't keep up. You need systems, processes, and strategic financial leadership.
You're acquiring companies, being acquired, or considering strategic partnerships. You need someone to lead due diligence, valuation, and integration.
Cash runway is <12 months, you're burning faster than planned, or you need to extend your runway. A fractional CFO can implement cash management discipline and build credible forecasts.
Your investors want better reporting, unit economics analysis, scenario planning, or quarterly business reviews. You need someone who speaks their language.
You're moving from spreadsheets to proper FP&A, implementing NetSuite or Xero, building a finance team, or establishing financial controls and policies.
You're opening in new markets, dealing with multi-currency complexity, international tax, transfer pricing, or setting up foreign entities.
Your CFO left, is on leave, or you're in transition. You need immediate senior finance leadership while searching for the right full-time hire.
Quick Decision Framework
If you answered "yes" to 2+ scenarios above, you likely need fractional CFO support. Most companies engage a fractional CFO for 6-18 months, then either transition to full-time or continue fractionally as needed.
Fractional CFO pricing in the UK varies by experience level, industry complexity, and engagement model. Here's what to expect:
Best for ad-hoc advisory, board meeting attendance, or very small engagements. Less common for ongoing fractional work due to admin overhead.
The standard model. You book 1-3 days per week, paying only for days worked. Provides predictability while allowing flexibility to scale up/down monthly.
Fixed monthly fee for a defined scope (e.g., 40 hours, board reporting, fundraising support). Common for 6-12 month engagements with clear deliverables.
Fixed fee for specific projects like Series A raise (£25-50k), acquisition due diligence (£15-30k), or IPO readiness (£50-75k). Typically 3-6 month projects.
Explore detailed pricing breakdowns
Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CMO UK average day rate: £950.
BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions. Consult with a qualified accountant for accurate financial planning.
Transitioning to fractional CFO work requires senior experience, a strong network, and the ability to sell and deliver results independently. Here's the typical path:
Start in audit, FP&A, or corporate finance. Progress to Finance Director or VP Finance. Get exposure to fundraising, M&A, board reporting, and strategic projects.
Join a startup, scale-up, or SME as CFO. Lead at least one major project (fundraise, acquisition, international expansion). Build credibility and a track record.
Become known for something—SaaS metrics, fundraising, M&A, turnarounds, international expansion. This differentiates you in a crowded market.
Most fractional work comes through referrals. Cultivate relationships with VCs, PE firms, startup founders, recruiters, and other fractional executives who can refer overflow work.
Start with one part-time client (often 1-2 days/week) while still employed, or take the leap full-time. Your first client typically comes from your network or a recruiter.
Most fractional CFOs have 2-4 simultaneous clients. This diversifies income, spreads risk, and keeps work interesting. Each client gets 1-3 days/week.
Ready to make the transition?
Read our complete guide on becoming a fractional CFO, including how to price yourself, find clients, and build your practice.
Read Career Guide →The fractional CFO job market is growing rapidly—up 50%+ year-over-year. Here's where to find opportunities and how to position yourself.
720+ fractional CFO jobs updated daily. Filter by location, remote, experience level, and industry.
Browse CFO Jobs →140+ remote fractional CFO roles—work from anywhere with UK, EU, or US companies.
View Remote Jobs →Similar to fractional but often W-2/PAYE employment
Fixed-term contracts, typically 6-18 months
Step up from Controller to fractional CFO roles
Temporary full-time coverage during transitions
For companies looking to engage fractional CFO services
Comprehensive day rate and salary benchmarks by experience
Annual market research and compensation trends
Courses, programs, and skills development for aspiring fractionals
Join discussions, share experiences, learn from peers
Comprehensive definition and role overview
Whether you're hiring a fractional CFO or becoming one, we have the resources and job board to help you succeed.