In-House Controller vs Fractional Controller: What’s Right for Growing Businesses?
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 23
As a founder, there’s a moment when bookkeeping alone is no longer enough. Your business is growing. Transactions are increasing. Decisions feel heavier. And suddenly, the question comes up:
“Do I need a Controller?”
For many founders, the next question is even more important:
“Do I need to hire one full-time, or is there a better option?”
This article breaks down the real differences between an In-House Controller and a Fractional Controller, so you can make a confident, cost‑effective decision that supports growth, not stress.
What Does a Controller Actually Do?
A Controller sits between bookkeeping and CFO-level strategy. Their role typically includes:
Overseeing day-to-day accounting accuracy
Producing reliable monthly financial statements
Managing cash flow and working capital
Implementing financial controls and processes
Supporting budgeting, forecasting, and reporting
In short, a Controller ensures your financial foundation is solid and decision‑ready.
Option 1: Hiring an In-House Controller
Hiring an internal Controller can make sense for the right business, at the right stage.
The Pros
Dedicated, full-time focus on your company
Embedded in day-to-day operations
Immediate availability
The Real Costs (Beyond Salary)
This is where many founders are caught off guard. A typical in-house Controller in Canada costs:
$95k–$140k+ CAD annual salary (often higher in major markets)
Employer CPP and EI contributions
Benefits, bonuses, and payroll administration
Onboarding and ramp-up time
Ongoing management overhead
That’s before considering whether you actually need 40 hours per week of Controller-level work. For many growing businesses, the answer is no.
Option 2: Working With a Fractional Controller
A Fractional Controller provides the same core expertise without the full-time commitment. You get senior-level financial oversight on a part-time, flexible basis.
The Key Benefits
1. Significant Cost Savings
Instead of a six-figure hire, you pay only for what you need. Most founders save 50–70% compared to a full-time Controller while still getting experienced support.
2. Immediate Impact, No Ramp-Up
Fractional Controllers are already experienced. That means:
No long learning curve
Faster cleanup of messy finances
Immediate improvements to reporting and controls
You get clarity quickly, often within the first month.
3. Scalable Support as You Grow
Your needs today won’t be the same six or twelve months from now. With a Fractional Controller:
Scale support up during busy periods
Scale down when things stabilize
Avoid locking yourself into fixed overhead
This flexibility is especially valuable for founder-led businesses.
4. Stronger Financial Discipline
Fractional Controllers bring best practices from multiple businesses. They help you:
Implement clean processes and controls
Improve cash flow visibility
Reduce errors and financial surprises
This creates confidence for you, your team, and external partners.
In-House vs Fractional Controller: A Simple Comparison
Area | In-House Controller | Fractional Controller |
Cost | High fixed salary | Lower, flexible cost |
Commitment | Full-time | Part-time / scalable |
Experience | Depends on hire | Senior, proven expertise |
Flexibility | Low | High |
Speed to Value | Slower ramp-up | Immediate impact |
For most growing businesses, the Fractional Controller model wins on both cost and effectiveness.
When a Fractional Controller Makes the Most Sense
This approach is ideal if:
You have consistent revenue but limited financial clarity
Your books are accurate, but reporting feels unclear or late
Cash flow surprises keep popping up
You’re not ready for (or don’t need) a full-time hire
If that sounds familiar, you’re exactly who fractional support is built for.
How Olly Consulting Supports Founders
At Olly Consulting, we act as your trusted financial partner. Our Fractional Controller services help founders:
Gain clear, reliable financial reporting
Improve cash flow visibility
Put strong financial processes in place
Make confident decisions backed by numbers
We work alongside you not just behind the scenes.
Book a Free Fractional Controller Consultation
If you’re weighing an in-house hire versus fractional support, the best next step is a conversation.
We’ll:
Review your current financial setup
Identify gaps and risks
Help you decide if a Fractional Controller is the right fit
Comments