What does a fractional CFO do?

A fractional CFO owns the finance function on a part-time basis — closing the books, running the cash forecast, producing board-ready reporting, and preparing the company for a raise, refinance, or exit. It is executive-level work, not bookkeeping.

How much does a fractional CFO cost?

A real fractional CFO engagement in the U.S. mid-market typically runs $8K–$20K per month for a 20-40% time commitment. Rates below $4K per month usually indicate bookkeeping services with an inflated title, not executive-level finance leadership.

When should I hire a fractional CFO?

Hire a fractional CFO when you've outgrown your bookkeeper but cannot justify a full-time CFO at $250K–$400K all-in, when you're preparing for a raise or exit, or when you're between full-time CFOs and need continuity in the seat.

How is a fractional CFO different from a bookkeeper or controller?

A bookkeeper records transactions. A controller closes the books. A fractional CFO owns the strategic finance function: forecasting, unit economics, board reporting, and readiness for a raise, refinance, or exit — the work a full-time CFO would own.

What Is a Fractional CFO? A Plain-English Definition for Mid-Market Owners

A fractional CFO is a part-time senior finance executive who owns the finance function on a defined mandate — not a bookkeeper, not a full-time hire. Here's what they do, what they cost, and when to hire one.

George Fassett, Jr. · July 13, 2026

A fractional CFO is a senior finance executive who works with your company on a part-time, defined-mandate basis — typically one to three days a week over a 3-to-12-month engagement — while owning the outcomes a full-time CFO would own.

That is the short answer. The longer one matters more, because "fractional CFO" gets used to describe three very different arrangements, only one of which is actually executive-level work.

The Three Things People Call a "Fractional CFO"

1. A part-time bookkeeper with an inflated title. This is the most common bait-and-switch in the mid-market. Someone bills you $2,500 a month to reconcile accounts, chase invoices, and email a P&L. That is bookkeeping. It is not a CFO.

2. A finance consultant delivering a project. Useful for a specific lift — a 13-week cash forecast, a data-room build, a comp plan redesign — but they leave when the project ends and they never sat in the seat.

3. A fractional CFO as executive consulting. A senior operator who takes direct authority over the finance function on a defined mandate with a written 30-60-90 plan, weekly working sessions with the CEO, and monthly board-ready reporting. This is what mid-market companies between $5M and $150M in revenue actually need.

What a Real Fractional CFO Owns

The monthly close — closed in 5-7 business days with numbers the CEO can defend.
A rolling 13-week cash forecast tied to AR, AP, payroll, debt service, and capex.
Unit economics — gross margin by product, service line, customer, and channel.
Board and sponsor reporting — KPI scorecard, variance-to-plan, cash and covenant compliance, written CFO commentary.
Diligence readiness for a raise, refinance, or exit.
Coaching and elevation of the internal controller or accounting lead.

What a Fractional CFO Typically Costs

Rates vary widely by scope and geography, but a real fractional CFO engagement in the U.S. mid-market generally sits in a $8K–$20K per month range for a 20-40% time commitment. That compares to a full-time CFO at $250K–$400K all-in.

If you're being quoted $2,500–$4,000 a month for "fractional CFO" services, you are almost certainly buying bookkeeping. That is fine — you just want to know that's what it is.

When to Hire a Fractional CFO

You've outgrown your bookkeeper but cannot yet justify a full-time CFO.
You're preparing for a raise, a bank refinance, an acquisition, or an exit.
Your controller is strong at bookkeeping but has never sat in front of a board.
You're between full-time CFOs and cannot afford six months of drift.
A PE sponsor placed you in a portfolio company and needs a trusted operator inside the business.

When Not to Hire a Fractional CFO

You need someone to keep the books current — hire or upgrade a bookkeeper or controller instead.
You need a one-off project — hire a project-based finance consultant.
Your revenue is above $50M and the finance workload is genuinely full-time — hire a permanent CFO.

Mebuis runs Fractional CFO engagements as executive consulting with direct authority — fixed monthly retainer, defined mandate, documented handoff. If you're weighing the seat, book an operator alignment call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a fractional CFO do?: A fractional CFO owns the finance function on a part-time basis — closing the books, running the cash forecast, producing board-ready reporting, and preparing the company for a raise, refinance, or exit. It is executive-level work, not bookkeeping.
How much does a fractional CFO cost?: A real fractional CFO engagement in the U.S. mid-market typically runs $8K–$20K per month for a 20-40% time commitment. Rates below $4K per month usually indicate bookkeeping services with an inflated title, not executive-level finance leadership.
When should I hire a fractional CFO?: Hire a fractional CFO when you've outgrown your bookkeeper but cannot justify a full-time CFO at $250K–$400K all-in, when you're preparing for a raise or exit, or when you're between full-time CFOs and need continuity in the seat.
How is a fractional CFO different from a bookkeeper or controller?: A bookkeeper records transactions. A controller closes the books. A fractional CFO owns the strategic finance function: forecasting, unit economics, board reporting, and readiness for a raise, refinance, or exit — the work a full-time CFO would own.

All insights · Talk with George