Advisory & CFO ecosystem
Fractional CFO, controller & advisory services
Bookkeeping records the past. Advisory shapes the future. Match the right strategic layer to your stage — controller-level oversight, fractional CFO planning, or fully outsourced finance — without paying for a full-time hire.
The cluster
6 pages in the Advisory ecosystem
Fractional CFO
Strategic finance leadership, 10–40 hrs/mo.
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CFO Services
Full-scope CFO engagement: forecasting, fundraising, M&A.
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Outsourced Controller
GAAP close, internal controls, audit prep.
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Business Accountant
Day-to-day accounting plus tax planning.
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Financial Consultant
Project-based modeling, valuation, and decision support.
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Industry CPAs
Industry-specialized advisory across construction, SaaS, more.
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Scope ladder
Bookkeeper → Controller → CFO — what each layer owns
Each layer adds analytical depth and strategic scope. Don't ask a bookkeeper to model a Series A; don't pay a CFO to reconcile bank feeds.
- Bookkeeper — records transactions, runs the monthly close ($300–$2,500/mo)
- Controller — owns GAAP, internal controls, audit prep ($2,500–$8,000/mo)
- CFO — strategy, fundraising, M&A, capital structure ($5,000–$15,000/mo fractional)
- Outsourced finance team — all three on one engagement ($4,000–$25,000/mo)
When to hire a fractional CFO
Six triggers that justify a fractional CFO
Most businesses don't need a full-time CFO until ~$15M revenue. Below that, a fractional CFO at 10–30 hours/month delivers 80% of the impact at 20% of the cost.
- Raising a priced round or debt facility over $1M
- Crossing $2M revenue with 2+ product lines or revenue streams
- Margin compression with no clear root cause
- Multi-entity or international expansion
- Acquisition or exit conversation underway
- Investor reporting required (quarterly board package)
Deliverables
What a real CFO engagement produces
Past the marketing, a CFO engagement is judged by four artifacts that arrive on a predictable cadence.
- Monthly: 3-statement model with variance vs budget
- Quarterly: 13-week cash forecast and KPI dashboard
- Annual: budget, capital plan, and tax projection
- On-demand: fundraising deck, lender package, M&A model
Pricing
Fractional CFO and controller pricing in 2026
Fractional CFO retainers are priced on scope and complexity — not just hours. Expect a 3- to 6-month minimum engagement.
- Outsourced controller: $2,500–$8,000/mo
- Fractional CFO (10 hrs/mo): $3,000–$6,000/mo
- Fractional CFO (20–30 hrs/mo): $6,000–$15,000/mo
- Project (M&A, fundraise, system implementation): $15K–$75K fixed
Adjacent ecosystems
Pair this with the rest of CPAZenith
FAQ
Common questions
What is a fractional CFO?
A fractional CFO is a senior finance executive who works for multiple companies part-time — typically 10–30 hours/month per client. You get CFO-grade strategy without a $250K+ annual hire.
What's the difference between a controller and a CFO?
A controller owns the accuracy of the financials: GAAP close, internal controls, audit prep. A CFO owns the strategy: forecasting, fundraising, M&A, capital structure. Most companies need a controller first and a CFO once strategic complexity exceeds operational complexity.
How much does a fractional CFO cost?
Fractional CFO retainers run $3,000–$15,000/month based on hours and complexity. Project-based engagements (a fundraise, an acquisition, a system implementation) are $15K–$75K fixed.
Do I need a CFO if I have a CPA?
A CPA files your taxes and may handle compliance. A CFO drives the operating plan, forecast, and capital strategy. They solve different problems — most growth-stage companies need both.
What's an outsourced controller?
An outsourced controller is a senior accountant who owns your monthly close, GAAP compliance, internal controls, and audit readiness — without being a full-time hire. Pricing is $2,500–$8,000/month.
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