Remote Fractional CFO Jobs UK: Find Remote CFO Opportunities 2025
Comprehensive guide to finding and succeeding in remote fractional CFO roles. Discover opportunities, optimize your remote setup, and build a thriving location-independent CFO practice.
Remote Fractional CFO Market Overview
85%
of fractional CFO roles now offer remote/hybrid options
£100K-£180K
typical annual earnings for remote fractional CFOs (4-5 clients)
+180%
year-on-year increase in remote fractional CFO job postings
The shift to remote work has dramatically expanded fractional CFO opportunities. Companies nationwide now access top finance talent regardless of location. For CFO professionals, this means freedom to work from anywhere in the UK (or abroad) while serving clients across multiple time zones.
Where to Find Remote Fractional CFO Jobs
Remote fractional CFO opportunities come from multiple channels. Here's where to focus your search:
1. Fractional CFO Platforms & Marketplaces
Specialized platforms connecting fractional CFOs with companies. These typically vet both sides and facilitate matching:
CFO Platform Marketplaces
Highly Recommended
Platforms specifically for fractional finance leaders. Examples include specialized CFO networks, finance talent platforms, and boutique fractional executive services.
→Publish weekly thought leadership content in your sector specialization
→Engage actively on posts from target clients (founders, CEOs in your niche)
→Use "#hiring" and "#fractionalCFO" tags when posting your availability
→Search for: "[Your sector] looking for CFO" or "seed funding" + "[sector]" (companies raising often need CFOs)
→Connect with 20-30 relevant people weekly (founders, finance recruiters, other fractional CFOs)
4. Professional Networks & Referrals
Most lucrative opportunities come through warm introductions:
Existing client referrals: Your best source once established - incentivize with referral arrangements
Accounting firm partnerships: Firms often need CFO-level support for advisory clients
VC/PE networks: Portfolio companies frequently need fractional CFOs
Finance professional communities: CFO roundtables, ICAEW/ACCA events, sector-specific groups
Non-competing consultants: Marketing agencies, HR consultants, IT consultancies serving similar clients
5. Direct Outreach to Target Companies
Proactive approach for ideal clients in your niche:
Target Company Criteria:
• £3M-£30M revenue (prime fractional CFO range)
• Recently raised funding (Series A/B companies often hire CFOs within 6-12 months)
• Remote-first culture (check LinkedIn company page and job listings)
• Your sector specialization (SaaS, ecommerce, professional services, etc.)
• Growing finance team (often signals impending CFO need)
Research via: Companies House (growth indicators), Beauhurst (funding data), LinkedIn (hiring patterns), CrunchBase (startup funding).
Essential Remote CFO Setup
Professional remote CFO work requires investment in infrastructure. Here's what you need:
Technical Infrastructure
Category
Requirement
Estimated Cost
Internet
50Mbps+ broadband (100Mbps+ ideal), backup 4G/5G
£30-£60/month
Computer
Laptop with 16GB RAM minimum, SSD, backup device
£1,000-£2,500
Video Setup
HD webcam, ring light, quality microphone/headset
£200-£500
Workspace
Dedicated office space, ergonomic desk & chair
£500-£2,000
Software
Zoom/Teams, Slack, Google Workspace, VPN, security
£30-£100/month
Phone
Business mobile number, professional voicemail
£15-£40/month
Essential CFO Software & Tools
Accounting & Financial Systems
Core platforms: Xero (most common UK SME), QuickBooks Online, FreeAgent (smaller businesses), NetSuite (larger clients £20M+). You should be proficient in at least 2-3 platforms. Most operate cloud-based enabling full remote access.
FP&A & Forecasting Tools
Excel/Google Sheets: Non-negotiable for modeling. Dedicated platforms: Adaptive Insights, Anaplan, Cube, Jirav, Causal (increasingly popular with startups). Many clients use Excel; propose dedicated FP&A tools as value-add.
Communication & Collaboration
Video: Zoom (most professional), Microsoft Teams (corporate clients), Google Meet (startups). Messaging: Slack (tech companies), Teams, WhatsApp Business. Documentation: Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for shared documents and collaboration.
Security & Compliance
VPN: Essential for secure client data access. Password manager: 1Password or LastPass (for managing multiple client logins). Encryption: For sensitive financial data in transit/storage. 2FA: Enable on all financial systems.
Remote CFO Best Practices
Working remotely requires discipline and systems. Here's how top remote fractional CFOs operate:
Communication Cadence with Clients
Recommended Schedule (2 days/week engagement):
→Weekly: 60-minute strategic meeting with CEO/founder (video call)
→Weekly: 30-minute finance team sync (if applicable)
→Monthly: Board/investor reporting and pack review
→Quarterly: Strategic planning and forecast review sessions
→Async: Slack/Teams for quick questions (set response SLA: 4-hour working hours)
Pro tip: Block fixed meeting times (e.g., every Tuesday 10am) to build routine and make scheduling across clients easier.
Managing Multiple Remote Clients
Time blocking: Assign specific days to specific clients (e.g., Client A: Mondays, Client B: Tuesdays)
Clear boundaries: Set and communicate your working hours and response times
Separate workstreams: Use different browser profiles or workspaces for each client
Documentation obsession: Over-document everything - you can't rely on watercooler catch-ups
Async-first: Default to async communication (email, Slack) for non-urgent matters; reserve calls for strategic discussions
Calendar discipline: Use separate calendars for each client with clear color coding
Building Trust Remotely
Remote CFOs must work harder to build credibility and trust:
✓ Over-communicate Early
First 90 days: weekly written updates on progress, quick wins, and upcoming priorities. Build confidence through visibility.
✓ Video-First for Important Conversations
Always use video for board meetings, sensitive topics, or complex strategic discussions. Build personal connection through face-to-face (virtual) interaction.
✓ Deliver Quick Wins
Identify and deliver 2-3 quick wins in first 30 days (process improvement, cost saving, insight generation) to establish value immediately.
✓ Occasional On-Site Presence
Even for fully remote roles, consider quarterly on-site visits for team building, strategy sessions, or key meetings. Strengthens relationships significantly.
Remote Fractional CFO Rates & Earnings
Remote work doesn't reduce rates - you're paid for expertise, not location. Here's the rate landscape:
Experience Level
Daily Rate (Remote)
Annual (2 days/wk, 4 clients)
Client Profile
Entry (10-15 yrs)
£800-£1,000
£77K-£96K
£2M-£8M revenue
Mid-level (15-20 yrs)
£1,000-£1,400
£96K-£134K
£5M-£20M revenue
Senior (20+ yrs)
£1,400-£1,800
£134K-£173K
£15M-£50M revenue
Specialist (niche expert)
£1,600-£2,000+
£154K-£192K+
IPO prep, PE portfolio, complex M&A
Note: Rates assume 48 working weeks (accounting for holidays). See comprehensive rate benchmarks in our CFO hourly rate guide.
Location Arbitrage Opportunity
Remote CFOs based in lower cost-of-living areas (North England, Scotland, Wales, rural areas) can achieve excellent lifestyle while earning London-level rates by serving remote-first companies nationally. £120K income goes much further in Newcastle or Edinburgh than London.
IR35 & Tax Considerations for Remote CFOs
Operating remotely as a fractional CFO requires careful IR35 planning:
✓Remote work using your own equipment and workspace
✓Control over working methods and deliverables
✓Flexibility to use substitutes (though rarely practical for CFO work)
✓Fixed-term engagements with clear end dates
✓No benefits, pension, or sick pay from clients
✓Business liability insurance and professional indemnity cover
⚠️ Important: IR35 Responsibility
For medium/large company clients (£10.2M+ revenue), IR35 determination is their responsibility (off-payroll rules). For small company clients, you determine your status. Always seek professional tax advice and maintain evidence supporting outside IR35 status. Remote work can strengthen your position but doesn't guarantee it.
Optimal Tax Structure for Remote CFOs
Most UK-based remote fractional CFOs operate through limited companies:
Limited company benefits: 19% corporation tax on profits, dividend tax efficiency, expense deductions, professional credibility
Typical structure: £12,570 salary (personal allowance) + dividends for remaining income
Deductible expenses: Home office costs, equipment, software, professional development, business travel, insurance
VAT: Register voluntarily or when revenue exceeds £90K (can reclaim VAT on business expenses)
See detailed guidance from HMRC on IR35 and always consult an accountant specialized in contractor taxation.
Remote Work-Life Balance for Fractional CFOs
Remote fractional work offers exceptional lifestyle flexibility - if you manage it properly:
Benefits of Remote Fractional Work
✓ No commute (save 10-15 hours/week)
✓ Live anywhere in UK (or abroad with tax planning)
✓ Flexible scheduling around family commitments
✓ Lower costs (no commute, lunch, work wardrobe)
✓ Control over work environment and setup
✓ Can work compressed weeks (e.g., Mon-Thu)
Challenges to Manage
⚠ Boundary blurring (work invades personal time)
⚠ Professional isolation (missing office interactions)
⚠ Difficulty "switching off" (home = office)
⚠ Client expectation of constant availability
⚠ Video call fatigue (back-to-back meetings)
⚠ Ergonomic issues without proper setup
Strategies for Sustainable Remote CFO Practice
Fixed working hours: Set and communicate clear availability (e.g., 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, not evenings/weekends)
Dedicated workspace: Separate office space you can physically leave at end of day
Client boundaries: Educate clients on your response SLAs from day one
Regular breaks: Use Pomodoro technique, walk breaks, no lunch at desk
Social connection: Join co-working spaces 1-2 days/week, CFO peer groups, or professional networks
Capacity limits: Cap at 4-6 clients maximum to maintain quality and avoid burnout
Ready to Find Remote Fractional CFO Opportunities?
Fractional Quest connects experienced finance professionals with remote fractional CFO opportunities across the UK. Join our network to access vetted opportunities.
Yes, most fractional CFO work can be done remotely (80-100%). Some clients prefer occasional on-site presence for board meetings or strategic sessions, but day-to-day work including financial modeling, reporting, and video-call meetings is effectively managed remotely. Remote-first companies particularly value location-independent CFO expertise.
Remote fractional CFOs typically earn £80K-£200K annually depending on client portfolio (3-6 clients), day rates (£800-£1,800), and time commitment. Remote work doesn't typically command lower rates - clients pay for expertise regardless of location. Some CFOs charge premium rates for complete flexibility.
Best sources: LinkedIn networking and direct outreach, fractional CFO platforms (CFO.com, Fractional Finance, etc.), remote job boards (Remote.co, We Work Remotely), finance professional networks, referrals from existing clients, and partnerships with accountancy firms seeking CFO services for their clients.
Yes, IR35 applies to all UK-based contractors regardless of location. Operating through a limited company gives you more control. Remote work actually strengthens your IR35 position (demonstrates independence) if you genuinely work for multiple clients, use your own equipment, and control your working methods. Always seek professional IR35 advice.
Essential: reliable broadband (50Mbps+), professional video setup (good webcam, lighting, microphone), cloud accounting platforms (Xero, QuickBooks), video conferencing (Zoom, Teams), collaboration tools (Slack, Google Workspace), financial modeling tools (Excel/Google Sheets, FP&A platforms), and secure file sharing (Dropbox, Google Drive with encryption).
Yes, though UK-based CFOs typically serve UK/European clients for time zone alignment. Some work with US East Coast clients (5-hour difference is manageable). Most fractional CFOs limit themselves to ±3 hour time zones to maintain work-life balance and enable real-time collaboration when needed.