Need to Hire a Fractional CFO? This is What They Can Do for You

When you're scaling a startup or managing a high-growth business, there’s a moment when spreadsheets, junior accountants, or even a bookkeeper simply aren't enough. You don't just need someone to “close the books”—you need financial strategy, insight, systems, and investor-grade reporting.

That’s where a fractional CFO comes in.

What Is a Fractional CFO, Exactly?

A fractional CFO is a senior finance executive who works with your company part-time or on a project basis. Unlike a full-time CFO, they provide the expertise without the full-time cost. They’ve typically led finance in multiple businesses before—many through fundraising, ERP implementations, global expansion, and exits.

At Valuefinex, we work with capital-backed startups, scale-ups, and PE/VC-funded companies that need exactly that: top-tier CFO leadership, but on flexible terms.

So, What Can a Fractional CFO Do for You?

Let’s break it down by value-added areas:

1. Financial Strategy That Moves the Needle

• Define and track KPIs like CAC, LTV, runway, and gross margin
• Challenge your assumptions, adjust models, and support smarter decisions
• Design short- and long-term forecasting based on realistic scenarios (see our Financial Planning services)

2. Investor-Grade Reporting

• Prepare clean, credible investor reports—monthly or quarterly
• Align financials with board expectations
• Lead due diligence during funding rounds or exit preparation
• Automate reporting processes using Power BI dashboards for finance

3. Systems, Tools, and Process Implementation

Fractional CFOs are not just advisors—they’re operators. They lead implementation of scalable finance systems to replace the spreadsheet chaos:

• ERP setup (like Xero, QuickBooks, or Business Central 365)
• Billing and subscription tools (Chargebee, Stripe, Recurly)
• BI and dashboard integration (e.g., Power BI)
• Cash collection and payment systems

4. Managing Your Finance Team (Or Building One)

• Train or supervise in-house finance teams or external accountants
• Establish financial controls, audit readiness, and compliance
• Build the structure for growth—without over-hiring too early

5. Fundraising Support and Capital Efficiency

• Build the right metrics and story to present to VCs and PE firms
• Work closely with founders to tighten burn and extend runway
• Support in cap table planning, valuation modeling, and investor conversations

When Should You Hire a Fractional CFO?

If you’re facing any of the following, it might be time:

• You’ve raised or are planning a Seed / Series A / Series B
• Your burn rate and runway need better tracking
• You’re preparing for a funding round or exit
• You need to implement financial systems or reporting automation
• You’re expanding into new markets or subsidiaries

We often get called in after fundraising, during international expansion, or when the founding team wants to free up headspace by handing off financial strategy to someone who’s done it before.

How Does a Fractional CFO Engagement Work?

• Time: Usually 1–2 days per week, or project-based over 2–6 months
• Cost: Typically £2,500 to £8,000/month depending on scope and stage (versus £140K+ for a full-time CFO)
• Duration: Flexible—short-term cleanups, or long-term scale-up support

What Makes Valuefinex Fractional CFOs Different?

We focus exclusively on VC/PE-backed startups and scale-ups in London and across Europe. Our team has supported clients in SaaS, e-commerce, fintech, and more.

Whether you’re building out management reporting, implementing financial planning tools, or preparing for Series B, we match you with a CFO who’s seen the journey before.

Final Thought: Financial Leadership Without the Full-Time Commitment

Hiring a fractional CFO is no longer a temporary fix—it’s a smart, scalable solution for modern startups. Whether you need help designing your finance function, preparing for investor scrutiny, or gaining better visibility, the right fractional CFO gives you the edge.

Based in London? Let's Talk

👉 Book a free CFO consultation or meet us at 33 Queen Street, London EC4R 1AP.