What qualifications does a Fractional FD need?

Most Fractional FDs are qualified accountants (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 15+ years experience including senior finance roles. Industry-specific experience is valued depending on the sector.

When should I hire a Fractional FD vs CFO?

The choice is often about title preference rather than role difference. If you're working with UK banks, PE firms, or traditional businesses, FD may be preferred. VC-backed or US-influenced companies often prefer CFO.

Finance Leadership UK

What is a Fractional FD?

A Fractional Finance Director provides senior financial leadership on a part-time basis. In the UK, FD and CFO roles often overlap, particularly in mid-market companies.

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A Fractional FD (Finance Director) is a senior finance professional who provides part-time financial leadership. In the UK, the FD title is often used interchangeably with CFO, particularly in mid-market and PE-backed companies.

£900-£1,400

Daily Rate

1-3 days

Per Week

£100-150k

FTE Equivalent

15+ years

Typical Experience

In the UK market:

FD (Finance Director): Common title in UK private companies, PE-backed businesses, and mid-market. Often board-level with strategic and operational finance responsibility.
CFO (Chief Financial Officer): More common in US-influenced companies, larger enterprises, and VC-backed startups. May have broader scope including investor relations.

In practice, the roles are often equivalent. The title choice often reflects company culture or investor preference.

Key responsibilities include:

Financial strategy and planning
Management reporting and KPIs
Cash flow management
Banking and funder relationships
Board reporting and governance
M&A and transaction support

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

In the UK, FD and CFO are often used interchangeably. FD is more traditional in UK private companies; CFO is more common in US-style, VC-backed businesses. The responsibilities are typically very similar.