A fractional CFO is an experienced Chief Financial Officer who works with your business on a part-time or flexible basis, rather than as a full-time employee. You get senior, strategic financial leadership — forecasting, cash flow management, fundraising support, board reporting — without the cost of a full-time hire. It's ideal for SMEs that have outgrown a bookkeeper or accountant but don't yet need (or can't yet justify) a full-time CFO.

A fractional CFO takes ownership of your financial strategy: building forecasts and budgets, managing cash flow, preparing you for fundraising or investor conversations, producing board-ready reporting, and advising on key business decisions. Unlike a bookkeeper or part-time finance manager, they operate at a strategic level, working alongside you as a senior finance partner.

No — our flexible finance model means you access a fractional CFO (or part-time finance manager/controller) for as much or as little time as your business needs. Let us know how much support you think you'll require, or book a consultation and we'll help you scope it out.

Our services run monthly, so you are never contracted for more than a month.

Every fractional CFO we place is vetted, qualified, and Big Four-trained. We take the time to understand your business before matching you, and you can see how that plays out in our reviews and testimonials. Our goal is to place someone who feels like a genuine, safe pair of hands guiding your business's finances.

Not necessarily — the core skills of financial strategy, forecasting and cash management apply across sectors. All our fractional CFOs bring Big Four-trained experience, and we focus on matching you with someone whose skill set and working style fit your business, budget and culture, regardless of industry.

You will be appointed a dedicated fractional CFO/finance manager/finance controller (as discussed) who works with your business, so rest assured you won't be getting a different finance professional every week.

We take pride in matching the finance experts to your business so that they can be by your side at each step of your journey. You will be able to build a relationship with this individual and they will become an extended part of your business.

Trial periods with our finance experts are not necessary. This is because our finance experts go through a thorough consultation and recruitment process prior to joining our team. Due to our thorough deep dive and selection process, we can guarantee that your expert will be the ideal fit for your business.

No — because your fractional CFO isn't directly employed by your business, you won't pay holiday, sickness or pension costs. If they're ever unavailable (holiday, illness, etc.), we'll provide cover so your business isn't left without support.

Yes — remote, on-site, or a blend of both, depending on what works best for your business.

Most fractional CFOs can start within a week. Because we've already done the vetting and selection work up front, there's no lengthy recruitment process on your end.

You'll be appointed one dedicated fractional CFO (or finance manager/controller, depending on what you need) — not a rotating cast of people. We deliberately match you with someone who can build a real relationship with your business over time.

The core difference is seniority and scope. A fractional CFO focuses on strategy — growth planning, fundraising, exit readiness, high-level financial decision-making. A part-time finance manager or controller typically focuses on the operational side — day-to-day accounts, reporting, and process. We offer both, and can help you work out which level of support fits where your business is right now.

Costs vary depending on how many days a month you need and the complexity of your business. Because our model is flexible rather than a fixed employment contract, you only pay for the support you use. https://www.thefinancepeopleuk.com/pricing