What is a Fractional CFO?
A fractional CFO is an experienced chief financial officer who works inside your business on a part-time or flexible basis. They own your financial strategy, cash forecasting, and capital planning, the same responsibilities as a full-time CFO, without the full-time salary.
Most fractional CFOs work with growing businesses that need CFO-level judgment but not, or not yet, a $250K+ full-time hire. Engagements typically start within a week, and often include a controller and accounting support as part of the same team.
What does a fractional CFO actually do?
Financial strategy.
Builds the roadmap that ties your numbers to your growth goals.
Cash forecasting.
Tells you what your runway looks like before it becomes a problem.
Board and investor reporting.
Turns your numbers into something you can defend in the room.
Capital raising support.
Preps your model and story before you're in front of investors or lenders.
M&A and exit support.
Leads you through diligence, valuation conversations, and the deal itself.
Team leadership.
Manages the controller and accountants who handle the books day-to-day.
Fractional CFO vs Full-Time CFO
Fractional CFO vs Bookkeeper or accountant
A bookkeeper records transactions. An accountant makes sure the numbers are accurate. A fractional CFO uses those numbers to drive decisions: forecasting, planning, fundraising, and the calls that determine whether your business grows or stalls. Most growing companies eventually need all three, and a fractional CFO engagement often brings a controller and accountants along as part of the same team.
Worth knowing before you shop: a lot of companies searching for a fractional CFO actually need the accounting and controller layer first. A CFO can't steer on numbers nobody trusts.
How much does the Fractional CFO cost?
Cost varies based on scope, hours needed per month, and whether the engagement includes a controller or accounting support.
At Ampleo, a dedicated finance executive starts at $4,000 a month, roughly 20 hours with a CFO, VP of Finance, or Sr. Controller. A full finance function, accounting through CFO, starts at $5,000 a month. Accounting and monthly close on its own starts at $1,850 a month. Essentials and Teams are a fixed base plus hourly overage with a price break for commitment.
As a general rule, a fractional CFO costs a fraction of a full-time CFO's salary and benefits. The first consultation with Ampleo Finance is free, with no commitment required.
Signs you need a Fractional CFO
How Ampleo's Fractional CFOs work
Ampleo Finance embeds a fractional CFO, controller, and accounting team directly into your business, backed by Ampleo Intelligence, our AI platform. Your CFO isn't a solo advisor; they lead a team that runs your books, your reporting, and your forecasting, so you get the leadership and the execution, without paying for either full-time.
Ampleo Executives
You can buy the CFO on their own.
Ampleo Teams
You can buy the whole function as one team.
Ampleo Essentials
You can start with the accounting underneath and add the CFO later.
Common questions about Ampleo Finance.
Everything you need to know about our finance division
