One of the most common questions I hear from business owners is:
“We’re not a huge company… is a CFO really worth it?”
It’s a fair question, and a smart one. Every investment you make in your business should pay off. And the good news is: when you bring in the right financial support at the right time, the return can be substantial.
Because a CFO isn’t just there to “do the numbers” we help you make better decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and unlock more value from the business you’ve worked so hard to build.
It’s More Affordable Than You Might Think
Hiring a full-time CFO might not be viable for many SMEs, but that’s where Fractional CFOs come in.
You get senior-level expertise without the full-time salary. Flexible support, tailored to your needs, whether that’s a couple of days a month or more involved during key periods like growth, funding, or exit prep.
It’s not about cost, it’s about value.
How a CFO Delivers ROI
Here are just a few of the ways I’ve helped clients see real return on investment:
- Identifying underperforming services dragging down profits
- Improving cash flow through better forecasting and credit control
- Preparing the business for exit and increasing sale value
- Helping avoid bad investments by stress-testing assumptions
- Supporting better pricing decisions based on margin clarity
- Giving business owners back headspace, confidence, and control
A Quick Example
A client was gearing up to grow their service offering, investing in new hires, systems and marketing. On paper, it looked viable. But once we dug into the numbers, the margins on their new service line were razor thin, and they hadn’t factored in overheads correctly.
We re-ran the forecast, adjusted the pricing, and reworked the plan. The growth went ahead, but with a better structure and better returns.
That’s the kind of insight that easily pays for itself.
What Does It Cost Not to Have a CFO?
This is the question I often ask.
What’s the cost of:
- Missing early signs of declining profitability?
- Having no clear financial plan in place during growth?
- Entering negotiations without proper preparation?
- Over-relying on gut feel instead of real numbers?
Sometimes, the most expensive decisions are the ones made without the right support.
The Right Fit, at the Right Time
You don’t need a CFO all the time, but when you’re planning to grow, exit, or just take more control of your finances, having that input can make a significant difference.
And with fractional support, you get the benefit without the overhead.
Curious What It Might Look Like for You?
Let’s explore what a Fractional CFO could do for your business..
