What makes a best Virtual CFO Service for small businesses and startups?
Startups and small businesses have a lot on their plates. There are a million moving parts from product development to marketing to sales. And that’s not even taking into account the day-to-day financial management of the business. As you scale your business, this is where Virtual CFO Services come in. A good Virtual CFO Service will provide critical financial insights and decision-making support so that you can focus on what you do best – running your business. But with so many options, how do you choose the best one for your company? Here are five things to look for in a Virtual CFO Service:
1) Customized Solutions – Every business is different and therefore has different financial needs. The best CFO Services will offer tailored solutions that fit your business goals and objectives.
2) Flexibility – The ability to adapt and be flexible is crucial in today’s ever-changing business landscape. Make sure that the Virtual CFO Service you choose can adjust its services as your needs evolve.
3) Scalability – As your startup grows, so will your need for more sophisticated financial analysis and planning tools. Choose a CFO Service that can scale up its offerings as your business grows.
4) Industry Expertise – Does the CFO Service have experience working with businesses in your industry? This deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing businesses like yours can be invaluable when making important financial decisions.
5) Transparency & Communication – Open communication is critical to any successful relationship, especially concerning finances. Be sure that the CFO Service you select provides clear and concise reports detailing their progress towards meeting your agreed-upon goals. Also, ensure they are available whenever you need them, whether for a quick question or an emergency.”
The best virtual CFO service offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the specific needs of small businesses and startups.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for startup owners looking for virtual CFO services. The best virtual CFO service is one that offers comprehensive packages tailored to the specific needs of small businesses and startups. A virtual CFO will provide expert knowledge on all the financial facets of your business, from salaries and fees to virtual CFO pricing and solutions. Instead of allocating resources to hiring an executive-level employee, virtual CFO services allow you to outsource your financial management with access to quality advice for a much lower cost. They also come with all the support needed for managing finances, so you no longer have to dedicate much time to budgeting and complex accounts. With a customized virtual CFO package – tailored precisely to your unique business needs – entrepreneurs can easily hire and manage dedicated virtual CFOs at a fraction of the cost.
The best virtual CFO service should have a team of experienced professionals familiar with the financial challenges faced by small businesses and startups.
Finding an exemplary CFO service doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. To ensure your small business or startup has the best virtual CFO on board, look for virtual CFO packages that include experienced professionals familiar with financial challenges in the modern world. Hire virtual CFOs who can provide solutions, including key performance metrics, financial modeling, and data and systems analysis. A good virtual CFO should also be able to monitor finances, stay ahead of activities that cause tax liabilities, and devise custom strategies tailored to each company’s particular needs. Before you hire any virtual CFO services, make sure you’ve chosen an experienced team that understands your business’s unique needs and offers competitive pricing options for virtual CFO packages.
The best virtual CFO service should offer a wide range of services, including bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial planning.
A tremendous virtual CFO service should offer a comprehensive suite of services to meet clients’ financial demands. From tax strategies and planning to budget, forecasting, financial modeling, and revenue measurements, the best CFOs can guide their clients through various financial complexities while providing sound tax advice backed by efficient bookkeeping and competent tax preparation. With the ability to access an all-encompassing range of services virtually, businesses have more leeway in making informed, timely financial decisions. Now all business owners can take advantage of top-notch virtual CFO services – no matter how small or medium their company is!
The best CFO service should be able to provide customized solutions for each client’s unique situation.
Every company is unique and requires customized solutions to meet its specific needs. That’s why finding the best virtual CFO service for you is essential. A trusted team of professionals will understand your requirements, provide transparency, and keep you informed every step of the way. With excellent communication and reliable services, your business will have customized solutions tailored to its situation. Get the most out of your CFO services with a team that offers top-notch customer service!
The best CFO service should be affordable and provide value for money.
For entrepreneurs and business owners looking for a virtual CFO service to increase profits, cut costs, or improve margins, affordability and value for money should always be critical considerations. An excellent virtual CFO service will tailor their offerings based on the size of your business and goals so that you receive the best advice exactly when you need it – without stretching your budget excessively. It’s essential to do your due diligence by researching multiple CFO services so that you can rest assured knowing you’ve chosen the right one based on its competitive pricing and ability to deliver effective solutions – ultimately helping you increase profits, cut costs, and improve margins.
The best CFO service offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to the specific needs of small businesses and startups. The team should be composed of experienced professionals familiar with the financial challenges faced by startups. A wide range of services should be offered, including bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial planning. Each client’s unique situation is taken into account when providing customized solutions. The service should also be affordable and provide value for money.
Let us know if you’re looking for the best virtual CFO service that meets all these criteria. We would be happy to discuss your specific needs and see how we can help.
Uncovering the Critical Steps for Investors’ Post-Startup Due Diligence: How to Protect Your Investment for Maximum Returns.
Investing in startups can be a lucrative prospect for those with a forward-thinking mindset and the courage to take risks. But, just as important – if not more so – than throwing money into an investment opportunity is ensuring that it’s properly vetted, and managed post-startup due diligence completed. Doing your due diligence after investing in a startup or small business can help to ensure maximum returns while protecting your overall investment portfolio. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how investors should go about completing their post-startup due diligence process and steps they need to take to protect their investments.
What is startup due diligence?
The process of due diligence for startups is the comprehensive analysis of a startup company to assess its viability as an investment. This analysis includes reviewing the company’s financials, products, and competitive landscape. The goal of due diligence is to identify any potential risks or red flags that could impact the success of the company and determine if it is a wise investment.
Investors will typically perform due diligence on a startup before making an investment, but it is also important for founders to do their own research to understand the feasibility of their business idea. The due diligence process can be lengthy and complex, so it’s important to have a good understanding of all aspects of the business.
Some key areas that should be investigated during due diligence include:
1. The team – Do the founders have experience in this industry? Can they execute on their vision?
2. The product – Is the product viable and does it solve a real problem?
3. The market – Is there a market for this product? Is the market size large enough?
4. Competition – Who else is competing in this space and how strong are they?
5. Financials – What is the burn rate? How much money does the company have in the bank? What is the runway?
What should be included in a post-startup due diligence review?
When a startup is starting to gain some buzz and grow in popularity, it’s natural for larger businesses to take notice. In some cases, the startup may be acquired by a larger company, but in other cases, the larger company may just do a post-startup due diligence review. This means taking a look at the company’s financials, business model, intellectual property, and other key areas to determine if it would be a good acquisition target or partnership opportunity.
The goal of a post-startup due diligence review is to figure out the potential risks and rewards of working with the startup. There are many factors that go into this decision, such as the size of the startup, their growth potential, how their business model works, and how much money they’ve raised. If the larger company is interested in acquiring the startup, then the due diligence review will also include a look at their valuation and what kind of return on investment they could expect.
Overall, doing a post-startup due diligence review is an important step in assessing any potential partnership or acquisition opportunity. It allows the larger company to get a better understanding of the risks and rewards involved in working with the startup and can help them make a more informed decision about whether or not to move forward.
What are some key factors to consider when investing in a startup?
When it comes to investing in a startup, there are a few key things you need to take into account. One of the most important factors is the team behind the startup. You want to make sure that the team has the skills and experience necessary to make the business successful.
You should also do your research on the industry that the startup is operating in. Make sure that there is potential for growth in that industry, and that the startup has a solid business plan in place. And finally, be sure to do your due diligence on the financials of the startup. You want to make sure that it is actually worth investing in.
Overall, there are a lot of factors to consider when investing in a startup. But if you take the time to do your homework, you can be confident that you’re making a smart investment.
How can investors protect their investment in startups?
There are a few key things investors can do to protect their investment in a startup. The first is to do their research before investing. This means looking into the company’s management team, their product or service, their competitive landscape, and their financials.
Investors should also ask for a lot of information from the company they’re investing in. This includes things like financials, customer lists, supplier lists, and product roadmaps. It’s also important to get a sense of the company’s culture and team dynamics.
Finally, investors should always have a good understanding of the risks associated with any investment. There is always some risk when investing in a young company, so it’s important to be aware of what those risks are and how they could impact the investment.
What are some common mistakes made during the post-startup due diligence process?
One of the most common mistakes made during the post-startup diligence process is failing to take a holistic view of the company. This means that potential acquirers can miss key considerations, such as the company’s competitive landscape, its overall financial position, and its long-term strategic plans.
Another mistake is not doing enough due diligence on the target company itself. This can include things like performing a financial analysis, evaluating the team’s experience and skills, and assessing the company’s Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio.
Not understanding the target company’s culture can also be a mistake. If the two companies are not a good fit culturally, it could lead to problems down the road.
Finally, some potential acquirers can get caught up in trying to negotiate a lower purchase price, instead of focusing on what is best for the company. This can often lead to missed opportunities and/or delays in closing the deal.
How can Startup Tandem help you as an investor?
Startup Tandem Fractional CFOs can help you as an investor in the vetting process when looking at potential investments by analyzing the risk the startup presents and provide support in the ongoing due diligence process for your startup portfolio. We work with many startups and have experience compiling, analyzing, identifying, and determining of a startup’s potential. Contact Us – Startup Tandem if you are investing and would like some support.
Before we get started about what you can expect when hiring a fractional CFO, we are going to talk about what a fractional CFO is and what they do. This will allow you to better understand what you can expect. Knowing what a CFO consulting firm may do and how they help a business or company can help you better understand how they can help you. Let us wait no further, what is a fractional CFO?
how to find a CFO
What is a Fractional CFO and What Do They Do?
In order to understand what a fractional CFO can help you with, you need to understand what they are and what they do. You will notice that a fractional CFO will do the same job as a CFO hired full-time. The only difference is that a fractional CFO will work more part-time than full-time. In general, you will notice that a CFO oversees many items. These items are essential to the functioning of a company. This could include some of the following.
Financial Operations
Risk Management Operations
Administrative Operations
These operations can include many things. One of the most seen things is long-term options and strategies to perform well. There will also be a system in place that will help gauge how the process is working for the company. You will also expect to see that a CFO will take charge of the systems that are there to help keep the assets of a company preserved. This will help ensure that reports are accurate, and it can help prevent any additional surprises in the future.
PRO TIP: Wanna know who are the best startup accountants in Los Angeles? Read this post! You can also read up on how to hire a CFO to give you guidance on the topic!
The Essential Jobs of a Fractional CFO
In this area, we are going to go into depth about some areas where a fractional CFO will excel. These areas are where the CFO is expected to help a company.
Analysis and Reporting
This is where the fractional CFO ensures that all reports are accurate and done in a timely manner. They will also review and help translate items to ensure that the team better understands what was printed.
Leadership
If you have a good fractional CFO, they will lead you. They will help guide you and provide you with the knowledge to help you make the right decisions within the company. This could include helping you prepare for a hiring situation. This is to ensure that you are hiring only the best candidates.
Cash Flow/Forecasting
Having the best fractional CFO on your side will help your business. They are able to help boost the budgeting and forecasting process. They are able to help you make a timeline to ensure you understand where your cash is and where it is going. They are going to help ensure you are managing all resources properly so that little is wasted.
Management of Teams
This is essential to have when hiring a fractional CFO. They will help manage what is going on with finances. However, they will also help ensure that the work is accurate. They will also oversee other relationships with any external financial partners. This could include banks, tax advisors, and even investors.
Projects
There are many projects that a fractional CFO can assist a company with. This could include mergers, audits, taxes, and more.
Infrastructure
Having a stable financial infrastructure is essential. A fractional CFO can assist a company to help ensure that you have everything you need to build a larger company. This would include people, systems, and more. A CFO will ensure that you can do this safely.
Outsourced CFO
Benefits of a Fractional CFO
A fractional CFO will be an essential part of your team if they are doing their job properly. It is essential that you know the benefits of having a fractional CFO for your business.
High-end CFOs will cost a company an arm and a leg. It is not something that is needed. A fractional CFO does the same job for a fraction of the cost. They will have all the same knowledge that a CFO does as well. It just does not make sense to hire a full-time CFO if the company does not need it.
When hiring a fractional CFO, you are only paying for the services that you need. Plus, they may also help you with other items such as bookkeeping. This will depend on the services that you are hiring from.
Look at Your Needs
A fractional CFO is going to keep your needs in mind. They are there to help you fix or better your situation. Allowing them into your company will allow you to better understand your business and its financials.
Drawbacks of a Fractional CFO
There is only one drawback that can be found. This is because if you rely too much on a fractional CFO, you are going to make it difficult for those in your business to grow. This may eliminate some jobs for people. This means that some people will not have the space to move up in the company in certain departments.
For example, if you hire a fractional CFO and have an accounting team, this means that you would not need any in-house talent for those departments. This could eliminate jobs for the company. In some instances, this may be what they need in order to succeed. However, in some instances, this is not going to be the greatest for people who are looking to move up in the company.
What To Expect When Hiring a Fractional CFO – Cost
You will find that in general, fractional CFOs will charge per hour or per day. This means that the charge each month will be different. It will depend on how much the fractional CFO is needed during the month to assist the business.
For example, you may hire a fractional CFO to help you with a large one-time project that is due. You may not have enough employees to finish it or the expertise to finish it properly and a fractional CFO can assist you. However, you may also choose to hire a fractional CFO on an arrangement so that you can have their advice on a regular basis. This is to help you better your company.
The average cost per month for those who have ongoing relationships with a fractional CFO is a minimum of six thousand dollars a month. In some instances, it may be upwards of twelve thousand dollars a month. If you have a smaller business or company, you can expect to spend around five thousand dollars a month on a fractional CFO.
What To Expect When Hiring a Fractional CFO – Services
A fractional CFO only is a part-time worker. They are not there full-time. Companies will hire a fractional CFO to help a business manage its finances. This could be their daily finances. A business may also need help preparing any type of financial statement or even doing taxes. Some companies may decide to hire a bookkeeper or an accountant for this. These are all the items that a CFO is in charge of. However, a CFO is expensive. Hiring a fractional CFO can eliminate many of the expenses.
A fractional CFO will help with a company’s accounting department. When hiring a fractional CFO, you are hiring a team of professionals that are there to help assist you with all your financial needs and your accounting needs. They are all able to do everything that a CFO can do. However, they are much cheaper and more practical. If you are looking to replace an in-house accounting team for the cheapest price, that is where a fractional CFO can come help.
What To Expect When Hiring a Fractional CFO – Financial Infrastructure
Many small companies rely heavily on their fractional CFO. They are a large and trusted partner in the company. The goal is to ensure that everything goes as planned and that there are no financial surprises. It is essential to have a financial infrastructure that is robust. This will allow the fractional CFO to create different reports. These reports could include forecasts and future items. Below are some items that could be created when financial infrastructure is implemented.
Financial forecasts are more detailed. These forecasts could be short to long-term forecasts. They are going to be more detailed and accurate than ever.
You will also know your KPIs or key performance indicators.
You will also find that fractional CFOs will use efficient systems that are data-driven.
You will be able to see repeat processes and patterns. This will allow you to develop predictions.
You will also have both external and internal reporting.
What To Expect When Hiring a Fractional CFO – Financial Plans
Once a financial infrastructure has been established and is running, this can be implemented. There can be clarity for any financial plan. This allows a company to financially plan for its future and future orders. Having a stable financial infrastructure can allow a fractional CFO to do the following.
Help create growth strategies. This can be for both short and long-term growth.
A fractional CFO can help expand how many employees a company has. They can help ensure that the right people are hired during the interview process. They want to ensure that only the best is working in your company. This allows you to make the most money.
A fractional CFO can help determine how much to market for budgeting.
Having a strong financial infrastructure can help allow a company to offer a generous and motivational compensation plan for employees. This could include stock or even equity.
This can allow a company to potentially invest in more property or equipment for the business.
What To Expect When Hiring a Fractional CFO – Finding the Right Fractional CFO
Finding a fractional CFO that fits your needs can be challenging. That is why we are here to tell you how to find the best company when you are looking to hire a fractional CFO.
The first thing that you need to do is ask questions. You need to make sure that you are asking the right questions to ensure that they are going to be a good fit for your needs. Every business is different, and their expertise may not be what you need. You need to find a fractional CFO that is qualified and has the trust built with past clients. After all, you need to trust the person who will be in charge of your finances. You want to ensure that the CFO that you hire has experience within the industry. You want to see that they have experience with companies in all aspects. From those just starting to those that have been around for sixty years. A well-developed fractional CFO will have helped many companies in various stages of life.
If you want to accomplish something specific within your business, you need to ensure that the fractional CFO has done it before. This means that the fractional CFO has helped another company achieve this goal successfully without any major problems. Look at the results before making final decisions.
Fractional CFO – Who Is The Best Company To Provide This Service
There are many companies in the United States that provide fractional CFO services. However, if you want one of the best fractional CFO consulting firms in Los Angeles, Startup Tandem should be on the top of your list.
They offer many benefits when you choose to work with them. However, their tiered pricing packages are one of the best things about working with Startup Tandem and using their services. Startup Tandem also offers a variety of startup services for your business. In addition to being your go-to startup CFO, they are also your startup accountant, HR services consultant, startup bookkeeping service and more.
You can contact them for a consultation or take a look at their business on the map below.
Wrapping Up: What To Expect When You Hire A Fractional CFO
Taking the time to have someone on your side that will help you with finances, organizing, and many other daily tasks is essential. This is especially true if you are looking to expand a business or company. Taking the time to get everything in order before you proceed with anything is important. Contacting Startup Tandem will ensure that everything is done properly. This includes accounting and even bookkeeping. From helping a business start its finances to helping a business see how much it will cost to expand, Startup Tandem has you covered.
What does a Chief Financial Officer do? This is a question that many small business owners struggle with. Often, the answer is to hire a CFO. But how does one go about finding and hiring the right CFO for their business? Here are some tips to help you out. You can also learn more about what to expect when you hire a CFO in this post.
What is a CFO
A chief financial officer (CFO) is the corporate officer responsible for the financial planning and management of a company’s financial resources. The CFO’s primary responsibilities include creating financial reports, overseeing investment activities, and managing debt.
The CFO also works with the CEO to develop strategic plans and objectives for the company. In larger organizations, the CFO may also be responsible for tax planning and risk management.
A CFO must have strong analytical and communication skills in order to be successful in this role. They must also be able to work effectively with other members of the senior management team.
PRO TIP:Learn more about finding a CFO in this blog post here. It will be valuable in giving you great information and guidance in finding the best CFO consulting firm.
The responsibilities of a CFO
The CFO is responsible for the financial health of an organization. They produce financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop strategies to reduce taxes. The CFO also oversees the accounting, finance, and treasury departments. In smaller organizations, the CFO may also be responsible for human resources and information technology.
The CFO reports to the CEO and is a member of the executive team. The role of the CFO has evolved, and they now play a more strategic role in organizational decision-making. As a result, CFOs must have strong analytical skills and be able to think creatively. They must also be able to communicate complex financial information to non-financial managers.
As the head of a company’s financial department, the CFO is responsible for a wide range of critical tasks. From overseeing the budget to preparing financial reports, the CFO plays a vital role in ensuring that a company runs smoothly and efficiently.
The CFO is often responsible for developing strategies to reduce costs and increase revenue. As a result, having a CFO on staff can be a major asset for any business. Not only does the CFO provide essential financial guidance, but he or she also brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. As a result, businesses that have a CFO on staff are often able to run more smoothly and effectively.
how to choose the best CFO consulting firm
Couldn’t I outsource all of this?
Because of the critical nature of the role, many businesses choose to outsource their CFO. However, there are several reasons why this can be a mistake.
First, an outsourced CFO may not have the same level of knowledge about the company’s specific industry. This can lead to decisions that are not well-informed and could potentially put the business at risk.
Second, an outsourced CFO may not be as invested in the company’s success. They may be more likely to take risks that could endanger the business in order to increase their own profits.
Finally, an outsourced CFO may not have the same level of access to the company’s financial data. This could make it difficult for them to make accurate and timely decisions. This information should help you learn how to hire a CFO!
PRO TIP: Learn when to hire a CFO before you start. We know it will be super helpful!
How To Find A Good CFO
Here are some tips on how to find a CFO who will be a valuable asset to your team:
1. Look for someone with experience in your industry. They will understand the unique challenges and opportunities that your business faces.
2. Look for someone with a strong analytical background. They will be able to understand and interpret financial data quickly and accurately.
3. Look for someone who is a good communicator. They should be able to explain complex financial concepts to non-financial managers in a way that is easy to understand.
4. Look for someone who is a strategic thinker. They should be able to develop creative solutions to financial problems.
5. Look for someone who is a good team player. They should be able to work effectively with other members of the senior management team.
How to find the right CFO for your business
with so many qualified candidates out there, it can be difficult to know how to find the right CFO for your business.
Consider what you need from a CFO. Do you need someone who is primarily focused on financial reporting and compliance? Or are you looking for someone who can also provide strategic insights and contribute to long-term planning?
Once you have a clear idea of the role you need the CFO to play, you can start to narrow down your search.
Next, take a close look at the qualifications and experience of each candidate. Does their background align with the role you have in mind? Are they certified public accountants? Do they have an MBA?
Finally, consider the personality of each candidate. Do they seem like someone who would be a good fit for your company culture? Are they easy to work with? Do they have a sense of humor?
By taking the time to find the right CFO for your business, you can ensure that they will be a valuable asset to your team.
How to work with a CFO once you’ve hired them
After you’ve hired a CFO, it’s important to establish a good working relationship with them. You’ll need to clearly define your expectations and objectives. What are your goals for the company, and how do you expect the CFO to help you achieve them?
It’s also important to keep lines of communication open; regular meetings will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that any problems can be quickly addressed.
Remember to give the CFO the autonomy they need to do their job effectively. Trust them to make decisions in line with your objectives, and don’t micromanage their work.
What to do if you’re not happy with your CFO
Your CFO is responsible for making sure that your company’s finances are in order, but what do you do if you’re not happy with their performance?
Take a step back and assess the situation. Is your CFO not meeting your expectations in specific areas or are they falling short across the board?
If it’s the latter, then it may be time to consider replacing them.
However, if there are specific areas where they’re not meeting your expectations, try working with them to come up with a plan to improve their performance.
TIP 1: Define your goals and objectives for working with a CFO
Before you can begin working with a CFO, it is important to have a clear understanding of your goals and objectives.
Once you know what you want to get out of the relationship, you will be able to better communicate your needs to the CFO. In turn, this will allow the CFO to tailor their advice and assistance to help you achieve your goals. With a shared understanding of what you hope to accomplish, you can work together more effectively to create a bright future for your business.
TIP 2: Establish clear lines of communication and expectations early on
Communication is key to a successful team. By establishing clear lines of communication and expectations at the start of a project, you can avoid misunderstandings and potential conflict down the road.
When everyone knows who is responsible for what, and when they are supposed to check-in, there is less room for error.
TIP 3: Be prepared to make decisions as a team and be open to feedback
Good decision-making is a key part of any successful team. When faced with a problem or challenge, it is important to be able to come together and make a decision that is in the best interests of the group.
However, making decisions as a team can be difficult. Different people will have different opinions, and it can be hard to reach a consensus.
It is important to be prepared to compromise and be open to feedback. If someone on the team has a different opinion, listen to their reasoning and try to understand their perspective. By being open to new ideas and willing to change your own opinion, you can make sure that the team makes the best possible decision.
how to find the best CFO consulting firm in Los Angeles
TIP 4: Trust your CFO’s judgment and give them the freedom to do their job
Many CEOs micro manage their CFOs, second-guessing their decisions and preventing them from taking risks. This can stifle creativity and prevent the CFO from doing their job effectively. It’s important to trust your CFO’s judgment and give them the freedom to make decisions. After all, they’re the experts when it comes to financial matters.
TIP 5: Celebrate successes together!
Congratulations on making it through the hiring process and finding the best CFO for your business! Now that you’ve got them on board, it’s important to work together to ensure your company’s success.
Celebrate successes together! When a CFO joins your company, it is a time to celebrate. You have brought on an experienced professional who can help you grow and manage your finances. Make sure to take some time to appreciate the work that has been done and look forward to future successes. Congratulations on making a great decision for your business!
Conclusion: How To Hire A CFO
Hiring a Chief Financial Officer is only half the battle. These steps will help you to choose the best CFO for your business no matter what type of CFO you need.
Are you wondering, “How do I choose a part-time CFO for my startup?”. This post will answer all your questions and give insight on choosing the best fractional CFO to work with your business.
In Order To Grow – You Need To Hire A CFO!
No matter the industry, from tech to marketing to manufacturing, there comes a point in every small to mid-size company’s journey where they’re faced with a crucial decision: To CFO or not to CFO?
The benefits of a dedicated CFO are clear: expert financial strategy is invaluable for any company looking to grow – doubly so if you have this level of expertise on retainer. However, for many growing companies, CFOs are expensive, and the good ones can be hard to find. Depending on your budget, your workload, and your business goals, a fractional CFO might be exactly what you need to elevate your company’s operations to the next level.
PRO TIP: Companies such as Startup Tandem can provide an outsourced or fractional CFO to help your business get to that next level! Please take a look their services and contact them for a consultation. You can also read this great article and learn how to hire a CFO before you start!
Outsourced CFO
What Is A Fractional CFO?
Think of a fractional CFO like a short-term rental home. Put plainly, these are qualified financial experts who offer their expertise to multiple companies on a part-time basis.
For some companies at an earlier stage of their growth, it is simply not cost-effective to employ a CFO full-time. Instead, fractional CFOs devote their time and skillset in short bursts to multiple companies when the companies reach a crucial stage in their fiscal decision-making. It may not be the perfect solution for every business, but a skilled financial expert can make a huge difference in your company’s trajectory when you need it most.
What Are The Benefits Of Hiring A Part-Time, CFO?
There are many benefits of hiring a part-time (or fractional) CFO. For one, if your business is growing but you don’t want to invest in a full time chief financial officer, this might be the option to get your business to that next level.
A fractional CFO can provide a level of expertise that most companies need to scale but many don’t have the budget for on a full time basis. However, finding a really good fractional CFO may be just what you need to take your business to that next level.
how to choose the best CFO consulting firm
Some of the benefits of investing in a fractional CFO include:
eliminate cash burn
increase cash flow
identify potential issues
hone in on areas of potential growth
streamline operational processes
financial analysis and evaluation of important metrics
When Should A Startup Hire A CFO?
Full-time or fractional, hiring a CFO is a big decision with a big risk. To ensure a suitably big reward, it’s important to first consider your company’s current needs as well as its future goals. There are a couple mile markers to keep in mind to be certain that your company is ready to take full advantage of a CFO’s services before you start scouring the classifieds. Read some of the insights below to learn more about the right time to hire a CFO.
Annual Revenue
The big question, as you might expect, is cost. While fractional CFOs cost less, they are still expensive. Hiring one at the wrong stage could end up doing more harm than good to your company’s bottom line.
First, let’s consider the average salary of a full-time CFO in the US. In 2022, This number tends to range between $150,000 to $300,000.
A Fractional CFO might charge an hourly rate of $50-$60. Annually, the salary for a part-time CFO might be anywhere from $85,000 to $150,000 depending on the projects they invest in, and the workloads they take on.
With all of this in mind, the cost benefit of an expert fractional CFO becomes clear. But if your company’s revenue is less than $1,000,000, it may not be in your best interest to hire a part-time CFO just yet. On the other hand, if your annual revenue surpasses $30,000,000, chances are good that you have more than enough financials to manage on a daily basis, and you could likely utilize a CFO in a full-time role.
Company Size
Every company will of course vary in their specific needs, but a good rule of thumb for a company size that will really utilize a fractional CFO’s value is somewhere between 10 and 100 employees. Much larger than this, and you start approaching a workload that’s better suited for a full-time employee. But if your company is any smaller than this, it may not be worth the CFO’s time. And likewise, it might simply be more efficient (and certainly more cost-effective) to handle any bookkeeping duties in-house.
Day-To-Day Bookkeeping
To get the most use out of a high-value financial expert, it’s important not to slow them down with the more functional, operational tasks that come up every day. Instead, consider delegating the day-to-day bookkeeping to someone in-house. As we’ve established, CFOs aren’t cheap, so it’s best to let them focus on the macro-level, strategic decisions – after all, that’s their area of expertise, and it’s why they command such a high price point in the first place.
Project Goals
After you’ve considered all of the guidance above, it’s time to start thinking about what problems this fractional CFO is actually going to solve. Perhaps you’re a startup entering a round of funding, or a mid-size company looking to upscale quickly. Like a short-term rental home, the beauty of a fractional CFO is that you aren’t paying to utilize them when there’s nothing to be done. You can hire an expert to tackle specific projects at crucial points in your company’s growth.
Once you’ve decided on the right time to hire, the challenge then becomes finding the right individual to suit your company’s needs.
when is the best time to hire a CFO
Choosing The Best Part-Time CFO Is Important
If you’ve made the decision to hire a fractional CFO, you want someone who will integrate seamlessly into your company’s work environment, servicing your company’s needs expertly and efficiently. But depending on your industry, and your goals, a fractional CFO can provide a range of services. So, if you want the most mileage out of the role, it’s important to find an individual with the perfect mix of attitude and experience.
CFOs can track all of your financials and develop an effective system for accounting. Some are equipped with fundraising experience, and others have experience with company scaling. You may need a part-time CFO to tackle debt negotiations, offer investment advice, or assist with high-concept strategic thinking when it’s time to go public.
It is rare that any one CFO is adept in all of these areas. When you’re making your decision, it’s vital that you refine your search by keeping in mind the precise problem areas that this fractional CFO will solve.
Here are 3 easy steps for choosing a fractional CFO. Read on to learn everything and get started!
Step 1: Establish your company’s current position, and consider its future needs.
While it may not be as big of a commitment as hiring a full-time CFO, it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. Make sure your business is poised to take full advantage of the services that a fractional CFO can provide.
Step 2: Identify specific project goals.
A part-time CFO doesn’t need to be a Jack-of-all-trades role, and that’s exactly what makes them so valuable. Determine the most important holes in your business that a master CFO can fill, and leave the smaller tasks to someone else.
Step 3: Shop around.
The best CFO for one company may not be the right fit for yours. It’s a big investment with the potential to transform your business in a big way. There are plenty of experts in the field, so there’s no reason to settle. Explore all of your options until you find the perfect individual to complement and elevate your business.
CONCLUSION: How Do I Choose A Part-Time CFO?
Building a business is never easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long, winding highway with plenty of challenging roadblocks and difficult decisions along the way. Having a skilled CFO can not only ease the burden, but also propel your business to new heights. Beware, though, as it is a serious commitment – one that requires careful consideration and strategy to be truly effective. If you’re properly prepared, and if you can afford it, it has all of the potential to be the best investment you could ever make.
Companies such as Startup Tandem offer fractional CFO consulting services. They work with startups in many different industries and help hundreds of companies manage and analyze financials. Take a look at their locations below and reach out to them when you have a chance.
You should now have a much better understanding on how do I choose a part-time CFO and we wish you all the best.
