Fractional CFO
Access senior financial leadership without the commitment of a full-time hire. Whether you are scaling, preparing for funding, or navigating increasing complexity, a Fractional CFO brings the expertise of a seasoned finance leader on a flexible basis.
Senior finance leadership. Sector-led insight. Exactly when you need it.
Many growing organisations reach a point where financial leadership becomes critical to the next stage of growth.
Decisions around funding, pricing, expansion, tax, governance and risk require experienced judgement, yet hiring a full-time Chief Financial Officer may not be commercially viable.
What is a Fractional CFO?
A Fractional CFO is an experienced finance leader who works with your business on a flexible basis, providing the strategic oversight and financial leadership normally delivered by a full-time CFO. This model allows organisations to access senior expertise at key moments in their growth journey without the cost of a permanent executive appointment.
Full-time CFO vs Fractional CFO
A full-time CFO is often the right choice for large organisations with complex finance functions and continuous executive leadership needs. However, many growth-stage businesses do not yet require this level of permanent resource.
A Fractional CFO offers the same strategic thinking and leadership, but on a part-time or flexible basis. This allows businesses to access high-level financial expertise while maintaining cost control and operational flexibility.
How We Can Help
HaysMac’s Fractional CFO service supports organisations at different stages of growth. Our service is therefore structured around three levels of support, allowing businesses to access the right level of financial leadership as their needs evolve.
Get in touchCFO Advisory & Coaching
For organisations that already have a CFO in place, our Fractional CFOs act as a trusted advisor and strategic sounding board. The CFO role can be demanding and often isolating, particularly in fast-growing businesses where the stakes are high and decisions carry significant financial implications.
Our advisors provide strategic challenge, second opinions and specialist input in areas where CFOs may not have deep expertise, such as tax, structuring or complex financial decisions.
They also offer board-level perspective and support around investor communication, acquisitions, pricing strategy and financial planning. The result is stronger decision making, greater confidence and better alignment between finance, strategy and external advisors.
Technical & Strategic Support
For growing businesses with a finance lead but no CFO, our Fractional CFOs provide senior financial leadership alongside the existing team. This model strengthens the finance function while allowing the organisation to retain the operational capability already in place.
Support typically includes oversight of management reporting, input on tax and structuring, financial modelling and scenario planning, and preparation for funding, audit or due diligence processes.
By bringing experienced strategic leadership into the finance function, businesses gain improved financial visibility, stronger controls and increased confidence from founders, boards and stakeholders.
End to end CFO Support
For founder-led and entrepreneurial businesses without an established finance leadership team, our Fractional CFOs provide end-to-end CFO leadership on a flexible basis.
This includes shaping financial strategy, building robust financial processes, modelling cash flow and profitability, and acting as the senior financial voice within the organisation. Our CFOs also work closely with lenders, investors and advisors, ensuring the business is well positioned for funding, growth or future exit opportunities.
By embedding experienced financial leadership at this stage, organisations gain the clarity and structure needed to scale with confidence.
Part Time CFO Service FAQs
What is a Chief Financial Officer?
A Chief Financial Officer is a senior executive responsible for the financial leadership of an organisation. The CFO oversees financial strategy, reporting, forecasting, risk management and financial governance. They play a critical role in helping leadership teams make informed strategic decisions.
What does a Fractional CFO do?
A Fractional CFO performs many of the same strategic functions as a full-time CFO, but on a flexible basis. This can include financial planning, forecasting, investor support, improving financial reporting, strengthening governance frameworks and advising leadership teams on key financial decisions.
Is a Fractional CFO worth it?
For many growing businesses, a Fractional CFO offers significant value. It provides access to experienced financial leadership without the cost of hiring a full-time executive. This flexibility allows organisations to benefit from strategic insight and technical expertise while maintaining financial discipline.
How is a fractional CFO different from an accountant?
An accountant typically focuses on financial reporting, compliance and historical financial data. A CFO focuses on forward-looking strategy. They help organisations interpret financial information, plan for future growth, manage risk and guide major business decisions. In many cases, the two roles complement each other. Accountants ensure accuracy and compliance, while a CFO provides strategic leadership and direction.
Can a fractional CFO work alongside my finance director or CFO?
Yes. Many organisations engage a Fractional CFO to support an existing finance team. This can provide valuable additional experience, strategic challenge and specialist expertise in areas such as funding, tax structuring or financial transformation.
How much does a fractional CFO cost in the UK?
The cost of a Fractional CFO typically depends on the level of support required and the time commitment each month. HaysMac offers transparent pricing with flexible engagement models. Businesses can access CFO support for a small number of days per month or scale the level of involvement as the organisation grows.
Why Choose a HaysMac Fractional CFO?
Sector expertise
Our Fractional CFOs are deliberately aligned to the sectors where HaysMac has deep expertise, including Creative, Media and Technology and Social Purpose organisations.
Carefully matched CFOs
Every engagement is carefully matched to ensure the right expertise, experience and working style for your business. Find out more about our matching and on-boarding process here.
Strategic leadership
Our CFOs focus on insight, judgement and decision-making, not just financial oversight.
Access to wider expertise
Unlike standalone fractional CFO providers, HaysMac clients benefit from direct access to the wider expertise of our firm. Our CFOs work closely with specialists across tax, audit, transactions, risk assurance and outsourcing, ensuring financial advice is fully joined up with the broader needs of the business.
Transparent pricing
Clear day rates and defined scope give businesses flexibility and certainty over the support they receive. Find out more about our pricing and packages by clicking the button below.
Our Fractional CFOs
Chris
Strategic Advisor for the Not-for-Profit Sector
Craig
Strategic Partner for Series A/B Readiness, Integration, and Sustainable Scale
Jeremy
Strategic Partner for Growth, Investment, and Successful Exits
Kadia
Fractional CFO & Systems Specialist
Manny
Growth Accelerator for Creative & Ambitious Ventures
Mark
Strategic Financial Partner for Growth
Olivia
Strategic Partner for Growth in Media, Advertising & Creative Agencies
Raakhi
Strategic Partner for Transformational Growth in Not-for-Profits and Ambitious Ventures
Sophie
Strategic Partner for High-Growth Start-ups and International Expansion
Tony
Financial and Strategic Insight for Creative Growth
Key contact
Elena Ramkalawon Partner, Head of Outsourcing
Contact us today to speak with a CFO who understands your needs, and can deliver the support that makes a difference.
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