How much does a fractional CFO cost, and what should you get for it
By Chris Greco, Founder and President.
A fractional CFO for an owner-led company costs a fixed monthly fee set by how much of the finance function they take on, the number of entities, the state of the books, and how many decisions the next year holds. Anyone who quotes you before looking at your numbers is guessing.
Ask what the monthly rhythm includes. A close within 15 days, a forecast updated weekly, a scorecard, a standing review, and a person who takes the call from your banker are the minimum. A quarterly meeting and a PDF are not a CFO.
Ask one more question: who closes the books the forecast is built on? If the answer is "your bookkeeper," the advice is built on numbers nobody reviewed. See what drives the cost on the Engagements and fees page.

Chris Greco
Founder and President, CFO Anywhere. CFO for owner-led companies since 2002. Executive MBA, Gies College of Business, University of Illinois.
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