FAQ
The due-diligence room.
A qualified prospect should be able to answer almost every question without talking to us. Three sentences or fewer each, in Chris's voice.
About the firm
Who are you?
CFO Anywhere is Chris Greco and three full-time accountants in Naperville, Illinois. Chris leads every relationship; the team does the monthly work.
How big is the firm?
Four people. One senior person plus a real accounting team. We don't pretend to have a bench of CFOs.
Are you local? Can you work remotely?
Naperville, in person across the Chicago area. The same team on a screen anywhere else.
How long have you been doing this?
Since 2002. Two recessions, a pandemic and a rate cycle.
Are you a CPA firm?
No. We prepare a tax-ready package for your CPA, and we can prepare returns if you'd rather we did.
Do you handle personal finances?
Only inside a family office engagement.
Fit
What size companies do you work with?
Owner-led companies from roughly $2M to $50M in revenue, and families with two or more entities beyond the household.
What industries?
Transportation and logistics, construction and trades, auto dealerships, family-owned real estate, restaurants, retail, manufacturing, professional services, and medical and dental practices. Each has its own page because we have something specific to say about it.
Are we too small? Too big?
Below $2M, start with accounting and a project. Above $50M you may need a full-time CFO, and we'll say so.
Do you work with startups?
Yes, when the company has payroll and a bank relationship, or is about to. We set up the financial foundation and grow with it. A pre-revenue company that needs a few hours a year is usually better served elsewhere.
Do you work with families?
Yes. See Family offices.
The engagement
What does fractional actually mean?
Part-time, not part-way. A standing monthly review, a weekly cash call when it matters, and the phone in between.
Who will actually work on our account?
Chris, and the three accountants in Naperville. You'll know their names.
What happens in the first month?
Access, a look at every balance sheet account, the bank relationship, the reporting, the software. A written baseline of what's right, what's wrong and what's at risk.
Do you replace our controller or bookkeeper?
No. A good one stays and gets better support.
Do you work with our CPA?
Yes, directly. We prepare what they need. CPA bills usually go down.
Do you attend board or family meetings?
Yes, when you want a CFO in the room.
Can you help with our lender?
Yes. Loan packages, covenant reporting, and the call with your banker.
Are engagements temporary or ongoing?
Both. Projects are fixed fee with a finish date. Engagements are month to month.
How quickly can you start?
Usually within two weeks of a signed proposal.
What systems do you know?
QuickBooks and most of what owner-led companies run on. We won't make you switch.
Do you handle payroll and HR administration?
Payroll processing and filings, onboarding paperwork, benefits and 401(k) coordination, commissions and reimbursements. For legal and employment questions, your attorney stays involved.
Do you prepare tax returns?
We keep the business tax-ready and work directly with your CPA. We can prepare returns if you'd rather we did.
Cost
What does it cost?
A fixed monthly fee quoted in writing after we've looked at your numbers. See What drives the cost on How it works.
Is it monthly? Are there minimum terms?
Month to month, 30 days' notice either way.
How much of our time does it take?
About an hour a month with Chris, and almost no time sending us things.
Trust
Who has access to our information?
Named people only, view-only wherever possible, with written approval for every payment.
How do you handle our data?
Through a secure client portal. Never as email attachments.
Will you sign an NDA?
Yes.
Can we talk to a current client?
Yes. References are available privately.
After contact
What happens after I submit the form?
Chris reads it himself and replies within one business day, usually with two or three times to talk.
Will I get a sales call?
You'll get Chris.
What if we're not a fit?
He'll tell you, and often who to call instead.
Tell us what's going on. We'll tell you what we see
One conversation with Chris, no deck. He'll tell you what he sees and what it would take to fix it, including if the answer is that you don't need a CFO yet.
Chris Greco, Founder and President.
Your first call is with him, not a sales team.