Fractional EA
C-suite level executive assistant support without a full-time hire
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
A fractional EA gives you C-suite level executive assistant support without a full-time hire. Fractional.quest matches startups and growth companies with vetted fractional EAs using AI-powered skills matching — so you get the right person faster.
What is a Fractional EA?
A fractional EA is an experienced executive assistant who provides part-time support to multiple clients, typically working 1-3 days per week. Unlike traditional EAs who work full-time for one executive, fractional EAs bring senior-level expertise—diary management, stakeholder coordination, travel logistics—on a flexible basis. They're perfect for fast-growing companies that need professional EA support but aren't ready for a £40-60k salary commitment. Most fractional EAs have 10+ years supporting C-suite executives and work remotely using modern collaboration tools.
Who We Work With
Fractional.quest specialises in matching fractional EAs with tech-forward companies. Our clients include Series A-C startups needing executive support as they scale, fintech and SaaS companies with distributed teams requiring remote coordination, founder-led businesses where the CEO needs to focus on strategy not admin, and scale-ups (10-100 employees) experiencing rapid growth. We understand the unique needs of growth companies—from managing investor relations to coordinating board meetings to supporting fundraising sprints. Our fractional EAs have worked with companies like Revolut, Monzo, and Deliveroo during their scaling phases.
Find Your Fractional EA Today
Join 200+ startups and scale-ups who've found their perfect fractional EA match through our platform.
Looking for full EA recruitment?
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
A fractional EA is an experienced executive assistant who provides part-time support, typically 1-3 days per week, to multiple clients. They offer the same high-level support as a full-time EA—diary management, travel coordination, stakeholder communications—but on a flexible, cost-effective basis.
Industry Resources & Authority Links
LinkedIn HR Insights
Executive assistant trends and insights
www.linkedin.com
Harvard Business Review
Executive support best practices
hbr.org
Forbes HR Council
Future of work and fractional employment
www.forbes.com
TechCrunch Startups
Startup scaling and support strategies
techcrunch.com
GOV.UK Employment
UK employment and contractor guidance
www.gov.uk
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
📊 Exec Market Snapshot
💰 Exec Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK Exec roles.
