How a Fractional CFO Can Help Your Business Grow

Mark Ollerton
Oct 22
3 min read

Running a small business means wearing many hats — from sales and marketing to operations and finance. But as your business grows, managing the financial side becomes more complex. Cash flow gets tighter, margins fluctuate, and you start asking questions like:

“Are we actually profitable?”

“How can we grow without running out of cash?”

“What should we be tracking to make smarter decisions?”

That’s where a Fractional CFO comes in.

What Is a Fractional CFO?

A Fractional CFO is a senior finance expert who provides high-level financial strategy and management — without the full-time salary of a traditional CFO. They typically work with small and medium-sized businesses on a part-time, project, or retainer basis.

In other words, you get the strategic insight of a seasoned finance leader fractionally — tailored to your budget and stage of growth.

The Key Ways a Fractional CFO Helps Small Businesses

1. Clarity on Your Financial Health

Most business owners rely on their bookkeeper or accountant for compliance and tax work — but that only shows what’s happened in the past. A Fractional CFO helps you understand what’s happening right now and where you’re heading next.

They’ll translate your numbers into clear insights, so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

2. Cash Flow Planning and Forecasting

Cash flow is the lifeblood of your business. A CFO helps you build cash flow models that show how much money is coming in, how much is going out, and when. They’ll identify potential shortfalls in advance — so you can plan for growth without running out of cash.

3. Profitability and Cost Analysis

Many small businesses generate revenue but struggle with thin margins. A Fractional CFO reviews your pricing, expenses, and operations to pinpoint where profit is leaking — and where to focus for higher returns.

4. Budgeting and Financial Planning

A CFO builds a financial roadmap aligned with your goals. They’ll help you set quarterly and annual budgets, monitor performance, and adjust your strategy as conditions change.

5. KPI Tracking and Reporting

They’ll design dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) that give you visibility into the metrics that matter most — from revenue growth and margins to customer acquisition cost and lifetime value.

6. Fundraising and Financing Support

If you’re seeking investment, loans, or credit lines, a Fractional CFO prepares the financial models, forecasts, and reports that lenders and investors want to see — presenting your business in the best possible light.

7. Systems and Processes

A good CFO streamlines your financial systems — integrating accounting tools, automating reporting, and setting up processes that make your finance function run like clockwork.

Why Hire a Fractional CFO Instead of a Full-Time Hire?

Hiring a full-time CFO can cost upwards of $150,000–$250,000 per year — often unrealistic for small businesses.

A Fractional CFO gives you access to the same level of strategic expertise for a fraction of that cost, often structured as a monthly retainer or project fee.

You get flexible, scalable support — and a finance expert who’s truly invested in helping your business grow.

When to Bring in a Fractional CFO

You might be ready for a Fractional CFO if:

Your revenue is growing, but profits aren’t.
You’re not sure where your cash is going.
You’re planning to scale, raise capital, or launch new products.
You want better financial reporting and forecasting.
You’re spending too much time on spreadsheets instead of strategy.

How Olly Consulting Can Help

At Olly Consulting, we help small business owners take control of their finances and plan for growth. We act as your trusted Finance Partner and Fractional CFO — helping you: