What is the difference between a fractional and full-time CFO?

A full-time CFO is a salaried, in-house executive responsible for the financial management and strategic planning of a company on a daily basis. They are often part of a company's executive team and have a broader scope of responsibilities that may include managing a finance team, overseeing all financial operations, and being deeply involved in the company's overall strategy. A fractional CFO, on the other hand, provides CFO services on a part-time or as-needed basis. Businesses engage with fractional CFOs when they require strategic financial expertise but either don't have the budget for a full-time CFO or don't need one on a daily basis. A fractional CFO's high-level financial insight, planning, and strategy give you the edge of a regular CFO but operates on a more flexible schedule or contract.

What is the difference between a CFO and a Controller?

A CFO and a controller have distinct roles in an organization, whether fractional or full-time. A CFO is more strategically oriented. They're involved in high-level financial planning, decision-making, forecasting, and often play a role in shaping the company's overall strategy. A CFO looks at the future of the company, helping to steer its direction based on financial insights and projections. A controller, on the other hand, is more operationally focused. They deal with the day-to-day financial activities of the company, ensuring accurate reporting, managing accounts, overseeing the accounting staff, and ensuring compliance with regulations. They're concerned with the present financial state, making sure everything is in order and accurate. When a business engages with a fractional CFO or controller, they're accessing these specific skill sets on a part-time or as-needed basis, catering to their unique financial needs without the commitment of a full-time salary.

Is a Fractional CFO worth it?

If your business is ready, then yes absolutely? A fractional CFO offers businesses the opportunity to tap into expert financial leadership without the cost commitment of a full-time salary. This can be especially valuable for small to medium-sized businesses that are growing rapidly and need strategic financial guidance but aren't quite ready for a full-time CFO. By focusing on key financial strategies, optimizing operations, and identifying growth opportunities, a fractional CFO can provide significant value, helping businesses avoid costly mistakes and capitalize on profitable ventures.

How can a Fractional CFO help in optimizing my business operations?

Think of your fractional CFO as a co-pilot. They're there to provide guidance, expertise, and actionable insights, but you always remain in the driver's seat, making the final decisions for your business. When 98% of business owners report that they wish they had better visibility into cash-flow, it's clear having the right financial executive on your team can fill a tremendous need.

How much do Fractional CFOs cost?

The cost of a fractional CFO varies based on their experience, the complexity and requirements of the business, and the agreed-upon engagement terms. Typically, fractional CFOs might charge an hourly rate, a monthly retainer, or a project-based fee. Rates can range anywhere from $100 to $500 per hour or more, with monthly retainers spanning from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, depending on the scope of work and the size of the business. It's essential to discuss and clarify the terms of engagement upfront to understand the services and value being provided.

Grow Your Business With a Fractional CFO By Your Side

A F ractional CFO helps you optimize the financial levers that scale your business, at a fraction of the cost of a full-time Executive.

What is a Fractional CFO?

We are your company’s financial co-pilot, empowering you to make informed strategic financial decisions that grow your business, and allow you to focus on what you do best.

It’s time to hire a fractional CFO team to care of business. Contact us.

Why Hire Sustain CFO?

Why Hire a Fractional CFO?

Create a Long Term Financial Strategy

Hiring a fractional CFO team helps you develop a comprehensive and tailored long-term financial strategy that aligns with your business goals.

Plan for Exit and/or Raising Capital

We support companies in all stages of the business lifecycle, meeting them where they are, working to clarify and execute their strategic vision.

Build a Strategic Financial Decision Making Process

We help you develop a robust and strategic decision-making process to drive your business towards success and maximize profitability.

Improve Cash Flow

Our team excels in identifying and resolving cash flow challenges, ensuring that your business operates smoothly and efficiently.

Short & Long Term Forecasting

We implement accurate, insightful, and user-friendly forecasting tools, enabling you to make well-informed decisions.

Learn More

Crystal Clear Visibility Into Your Business Finances In 90 Days

Guaranteed

As Seen On

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Satisfaction Guarantee

Here's What You Can Expect Within The First 90 Days

Or We'll Work for Free Until You Do

A Streamlined Financial Operating System
A Clear Rolling Forecast
Deep Financial Analysis
Financial North Star Visioning
Executive Strategy Sessions
Hands-On Financial Operations Meetings

Don't Take Our Word For it, Listen to our Clients

Acquired $10M+ in businesses in 18 months, producing $2.5M+ annual cash flow

Achieved 4X growth in 4 years without raising outside capital

"Without having this in place... I mean I would've been screwed, man"

Our Fractional CFO Business Services

We provide the same level of excellence and core value to every business we work with.
We scale our solutions to meet our clients where they are.

Elevate

ELEVATE Includes

Select Plan

Propel

ELEVATE Plus

Select Plan

Scale

PROPEL Plus

Select Plan

Schedule a Free Executive Financial Consultation

Interested in having an executive sounding board on the current state of your business finances? You can explore our CFO blueprint to see how we structure clear, confident financial decisions.

No budget for hiring a fractional CFO team of your own, but still want the benefits?

It’s time to ditch the idea of having to manage a chief financial officer and instead outsource to an outsourced CFO who takes take of everything.

No stress. No fuss. Just experienced fractional results any time you need them.

Even if we don’t end up being the right fit for you, we’ll gladly help direct your growing business to the best solution.

Serving Clients Nationwide with Local Expertise

Based in Maryland and New Jersey, Sustain CFO supports businesses across the U.S.

While we proudly work with clients coast-to-coast, we’re happy to offer in-person meetings for those based between Washington DC, and New York City.

Let’s talk and elevate your financial strategy, wherever you are.

Our Process Creates Results

0 ^%

Of Clients

Report better managing their business' financial system

0 ^%

Of Clients

Report better strategic decision making process

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In Successful M&A Deals

For which we have led the valuation & due diligence

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Client Revenue

For which we have overseen financial operations

How We Work

What You Can Expect Working With Us

Schedule a Conversation
Reach out to us for an initial chat. We'll discuss your business's financial landscape, exploring areas where you face challenges, require improvements, or feel pressures from your board of directors. This conversation is the first step towards tailoring our services to your specific needs.
Financial Needs Assessment
Understanding that every business is unique, this stage is all about identifying your specific financial requirements. Our team will conduct a thorough assessment to pinpoint areas where our interim CFO services can bring the most value, ensuring a bespoke approach to your financial management.
Bring us on to get your numbers in order
Once we have a clear understanding of your needs, we begin the process of integrating our services into your business. This includes strategic financial planning, setting up robust financial systems, and aligning your financial goals with your business objectives. Our aim is to bring clarity and control to your financial operations.
Fine Tune Your Financial Operation
With the foundations in place, we focus on fine-tuning your financial operations. This involves regular reviews, adjustments based on your business's performance, and proactive strategies to address emerging challenges. We ensure that your financial systems are agile and responsive to your business's evolving needs.
Scale & Iterate
As your fractional CFO, our goal is to not just stabilize but scale your business. We work closely with you to continually adapt and refine strategies, ensuring your financial operations are always aligned with your growth objectives. This ongoing process involves regular assessments, updates, and strategic pivots to keep your business on a trajectory of growth and profitability.

Grow Your Business With a Fractional CFO By Your Side

What is a Fractional CFO?

Why Hire Sustain CFO?

Why Hire a Fractional CFO?

Create a Long Term Financial Strategy

Plan for Exit and/or Raising Capital

Build a Strategic Financial Decision Making Process

Improve Cash Flow

Short & Long Term Forecasting

Learn More

Crystal Clear Visibility Into Your Business Finances In 90 DaysGuaranteed

As Seen On

Here's What You Can Expect Within The First 90 Days

Or We'll Work for Free Until You Do

Don't Take Our Word For it, Listen to our Clients

Acquired $10M+ in businesses in 18 months, producing $2.5M+ annual cash flow

"I didn't know how much I needed you guys until I started working with you And then I realized how priceless it is."

Achieved 4X growth in 4 years without raising outside capital

"I have such better peace of mind of understanding how our financials work... I just wanted a trusted resource that could help me understand what I needed in order to have the right focus"

"Without having this in place... I mean I would've been screwed, man"

"So it wasn't just about the numbers. It was about, how are you going to feel at the end of the day showing up, running this type of operation and doesn't really fit with the vision overall and not just getting lost in chasing profits."

Our Fractional CFO Business Services

ELEVATE Includes

ELEVATE Plus

PROPEL Plus

Schedule a Free Executive Financial Consultation

Serving Clients Nationwide with Local Expertise

Our Process Creates Results

Of Clients

Of Clients

In Successful M&A Deals

Client Revenue

How We Work

What You Can Expect Working With Us

Schedule a Conversation

Financial Needs Assessment

Bring us on to get your numbers in order

Fine Tune Your Financial Operation

Scale & Iterate

Ready to Elevate Your Financial Strategy?

CFO at Your Service

Follow Us

Crystal Clear Visibility Into Your Business Finances In 90 Days

Guaranteed