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Everything employers need to know about fractional CFO costs in 2025. Monthly fees, annual totals, and how you save 45-70% vs full-time.
UK fractional CFOs cost £3,000-£10,000 per month or £36,000-£120,000 annually, depending on days worked (1-3 days/week) and seniority. This is 45-70% cheaper than a full-time CFO at £150,000-£250,000+ per year when including salary, bonus, benefits, and equity.
Let's compare the TRUE all-in cost of fractional vs full-time, including hidden expenses most companies forget. According to HMRC guidance, employer costs extend well beyond salary:
| Seniority | Day Rate | 1 Day/Week | 2 Days/Week | 3 Days/Week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Junior CFO 8-12 years exp | £700-£950 | £36k-£49k/year | £73k-£99k/year | £109k-£148k/year |
Mid-Level CFO 12-18 years exp | £950-£1,250 | £49k-£65k/year | £99k-£130k/year | £148k-£195k/year |
Senior CFO 18+ years exp | £1,250-£1,500 | £65k-£78k/year | £130k-£156k/year | £195k-£234k/year |
Most common: Mid-level CFO (12-18 years exp) at 2 days/week = £99k-£130k annually. This saves £77k-£134k vs full-time CFO (£207k-£264k total cost).
Beyond direct salary savings, fractional CFOs provide cost advantages most companies overlook:
Full-Time CFO Recruitment:
Fractional: £0 recruitment fees. Start within 1-2 weeks.
Full-Time CFO Lock-In:
Fractional: 30-day notice. Scale from 1 to 3 days/week monthly. No redundancy liability.
Experience Paradox:
At £150k full-time salary, you get a CFO with 10-15 years experience. For £100k fractional (2 days/week), you get a CFO with 18+ years and multiple prior CFO roles. Better talent, lower cost.
Fractional CFOs are typically more senior because they've "graduated" to fractional after successful full-time CFO careers.
Full-Time CFO Equity:
Fractional: Rarely ask for equity. Cash-only compensation.
Full-Time CFO Ramp Time:
4-6 months to hire + 3-6 months to ramp = 7-12 months before delivering value. That's £87k-£150k in salary before they're fully productive.
Fractional: Productive from week 1. Hit the ground running with immediate impact.
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.
Fractional CFOs typically deliver 3-10x ROI. Here are real examples:
Cost: £40,000 (6-month engagement, 2 days/week)
Value Delivered: Built investor model, managed due diligence, supported Series A pitch
Outcome: Raised £5M Series A at £25M valuation (vs potential £3M at £18M without CFO)
ROI: 125x (£2M additional capital raised + £7M valuation increase)
Cost: £54,600 (12-month engagement, 1 day/week)
Value Delivered: Implemented 13-week cash forecasting, renegotiated payment terms, optimized inventory
Outcome: Extended runway from 8 to 18 months (avoided emergency fundraise at terrible terms), freed £200k working capital
ROI: 5.7x (£200k cash freed + avoided £100k dilution from emergency round)
Cost: £30,000 (fixed fee, 3-month project)
Value Delivered: Led buy-side due diligence on acquisition target
Outcome: Identified £500k working capital hole and £300k revenue overstatement. Renegotiated price from £2M to £1.4M
ROI: 28x (£600k purchase price reduction + avoided £500k surprise cash call)
Find experienced fractional CFOs at £3k-£10k/month. Save 45-70% vs full-time while getting senior expertise.