How a Fractional Controller Can Improve Cash Flow in 90 Days

Cash flow is the lifeblood of every small business. Even if sales are strong, many owners find themselves wondering where the money went, scrambling to cover payroll, or juggling bills. Poor cash flow management is one of the top reasons businesses struggle—not because they aren’t profitable, but because they don’t have a clear handle on the timing of money coming in versus money going out.

This is where a fractional controller can step in and make a big difference—often within just 90 days.

Why Cash Flow Problems Persist

Small business owners typically wear many hats—CEO, salesperson, HR manager, and sometimes even bookkeeper. With so much on your plate, financial oversight often takes a back seat until there’s an emergency. Without clear visibility, it’s easy to fall into patterns like:

• Waiting too long to invoice clients

• Paying vendors faster than customers pay you

• Guessing at budgets instead of planning

• Overlooking recurring expenses that drain cash

  
  

These habits add up and make cash feel tighter than it needs to be.

How a Fractional Controller Helps Stabilize Cash Flow

A fractional controller is essentially a part-time financial partner who specializes in creating systems and clarity around your company’s money. Here’s how they can improve cash flow within 90 days:

1. Cash Flow Forecasting

Instead of looking only at your bank balance, a fractional controller builds a forward-looking cash flow forecast. This shows you when shortfalls may happen weeks (or months) ahead of time, so you can make proactive decisions instead of reacting under pressure.

2. Optimizing Accounts Receivable

Getting paid on time is one of the fastest ways to improve cash flow. A fractional controller reviews your invoicing and collections process, shortens payment cycles, and sets up reminders or payment plans where needed.

3. Streamlining Accounts Payable

They also look at how and when you pay bills. Sometimes delaying a payment by just a few days—or renegotiating terms with suppliers—can keep thousands of dollars in your account longer, giving you breathing room.

4. Expense Management

Fractional controllers identify hidden leaks in your finances, such as unused subscriptions, overlapping services, or inflated vendor costs. Trimming even 5–10% of unnecessary expenses can have an immediate impact on cash flow.

5. Better Decision-Making

When you have clear financial reports and expert guidance, you can confidently make choices about hiring, marketing investments, or expansion. Instead of feeling unsure, you’ll know if your business can truly afford the move.

What 90 Days Looks Like

In the first month, a fractional controller typically reviews your current financial setup, implements cash flow tracking, and identifies quick wins. By month two, collections and expense management strategies are in place. By month three, you’re seeing a consistent rhythm: improved collections, tighter expense control, and a reliable forecast that helps you plan with confidence.

The Bottom Line

Cash flow issues don’t have to keep you awake at night. With the right systems and expert oversight, you can move from constantly reacting to confidently planning for growth.

At Olly Consulting, we help small business owners take control of their finances with fractional CFO and controller services. If you’re ready to get a handle on your cash flow and set your business up for long-term success, let’s connect.