Fractional CFO for Startups
A fractional CFO for startups gives a young company CFO-level finance thinking without a full-time hire: a cash forecast, a budget, investor-ready reporting and help preparing for funding. At English Oak Financial that sits on top of controller-level reporting, and Jake McKenna personally leads every CFO engagement.
What does a startup need from a CFO?
Most startups do not need a CFO on day one. They need accurate books first, then reliable monthly reporting, and a CFO once the decisions get bigger. If you are earlier than that, begin with bookkeeping or the fractional controller and add CFO support when you need it. You can also start with the CFO service directly.
The questions that usually bring a startup to a CFO are about the future rather than the past:
- How long will our cash last at the current rate of spending?
- What does next year's budget look like, and how do we track against it?
- What numbers will an investor, lender or board member ask to see?
- Are we ready to raise money or take on financing?
You can get a rough answer to the first with our cash runway calculator. A CFO builds the fuller version.
What does our CFO service include each month?
The CFO service includes everything in the controller service, plus:
- A rolling 13-week cash forecast. The 13-week cash flow forecast guide explains the method.
- Annual budget and forecast updates
- Board or investor reporting where needed
The wider scope includes forecasting and scenario planning, strategic financial planning, budget development, KPI development, pricing and profitability advice and funding readiness support. See forecasting and cash flow planning and financing support.
How often will we talk?
CFO clients have a monthly strategy meeting, calls as needed between meetings, and we attend board meetings if required.
What does it cost?
Fractional CFO and Advisory starts from $2,500 a month. Your price is custom to your business and charged as one fixed monthly fee that includes all the work required. See pricing.
What do we not do?
We do not prepare tax returns, perform audits or give investment advice. Funding readiness support means getting your financial information in order, not advising you on investments. We work alongside your CPA or tax professional and your lawyer.
Need this done for you? See our Fractional CFO & Advisory service, or pricing. English Oak Financial does not prepare tax returns, perform audits or give investment advice. This guide is general information, not tax, legal or investment advice.
Related pages
Common questions
Does a startup need a fractional CFO?
Not always. If your books are still catching up, start with bookkeeping or a controller. Many startups add a CFO when they need a forecast, a budget or investor reporting. Read when to hire a fractional CFO.
What is the difference between a fractional CFO and a full-time CFO?
A fractional CFO provides the same kind of work part time, at the level your business needs, instead of as a full-time employee. The fractional vs full-time CFO guide compares them.
Can you help us get ready to raise or borrow money?
We help with funding readiness: getting the financial information, forecasts and reporting in order. We do not give investment advice.
Talk it through with us
Schedule a free introductory consultation. No surprise bills. No unnecessary services.
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