Fractional CFO
A fractional CFO is a finance leader who works for a company permanently but only for part of their working time, typically one to two days a week over several years. The model suits companies that need financial leadership but cannot fill a full-time position.
The principle
Fractional means partial. A fractional CFO is not in the business for a shorter period, but less often – over a long horizon. They know the business, attend the relevant meetings and share responsibility for the numbers, without the company funding a full-time role.
Who it suits
Typically startups after their first funding round, scale-ups with 20 to 150 employees, and mid-sized companies where the managing director has carried finance topics personally. Once investor reporting, cash planning and controlling all arrive at once, bookkeeping is no longer enough, but a dedicated CFO role is not yet fully occupied.
Difference from an interim CFO
The difference is the time axis, not the seniority. An interim CFO bridges a specific situation at a high weekly load and leaves. A fractional CFO stays, at a low load, often for years. Filling a vacancy calls for the first model; building financial leadership calls for the second.
Making it work
Partial leadership needs rhythm: a fixed day, a monthly reporting cycle with a firm completion date, attendance at shareholder meetings, and defined availability in between. Without that cadence, fractional leadership turns into occasional advice.
Cost logic
Engagements are usually billed as a monthly retainer based on an agreed share of time. A fair comparison uses the full cost of an employed CFO – employer contributions, variable pay, absence, and the cost and duration of replacing the role – not the base salary alone.