Fractional Financial Controller
Control it. A fractional financial controller gives you stronger reporting, financial controls and cash management oversight, without the cost of a full-time Controller.
Schedule ConsultationFor growing businesses that need more than bookkeeping
A Controller looks after how your finance function runs: that the numbers are right, the month closes properly, reporting is useful and the right controls are in place. A fractional Controller gives you that experience on a monthly basis instead of a full-time salary.
Support can include:
- Month-end close oversight (how month-end works)
- Management reporting and budget-versus-actual reporting
- Margin and profitability analysis
- Receivables and payables oversight
- Bookkeeping oversight and accounting team oversight
- Cash-flow monitoring and cash management
- Internal controls and process improvement
More control. Better reporting. Greater confidence in your numbers.
Bookkeeper, Controller or CFO?
The simplest way to think about it: the bookkeeper records it, the Controller controls it and the CFO drives it.
A bookkeeper keeps your financial records accurate. A Controller makes sure the finance function is working: reporting, controls and oversight. A CFO uses the numbers to plan ahead and make bigger decisions. You can start at any level and move up as your business grows.
Who it’s for, how it works and what it costs
English Oak Financial works with start-ups and small, growing businesses in most industries. We don’t work with not-for-profit organizations.
We start with a free introductory conversation. If we’re the right fit, we recommend a clear scope of work and a fixed monthly price, and the work runs on a monthly reporting cycle.
The Fractional Financial Controller service starts from $1,500 a month. Pricing is custom to your business and charged as one fixed monthly fee that includes all the work required. See pricing.
What we don’t do
We don’t prepare tax returns, perform audits or give investment advice. Where tax work is needed, we work alongside your CPA or tax professional.
What the controller service adds
You get everything in our bookkeeping service, plus:
- a full month-end close
- accruals and prepayments
- a statement of cash flows
- budget vs actual
- a short written commentary on the month
Your statements include comparisons to the previous month, the same month last year and your budget where one exists.
How we stay in touch
A monthly call to walk through the numbers, plus email. Jake oversees all client work, and everything is reviewed by him before it reaches you.
How we start
Every engagement starts with a free 30-minute discovery call, where we learn about your business, how it is set up today and what you need.
We then send a fixed-fee proposal and engagement letter. Once it is signed, we ask for:
- read access to your bank and credit card accounts
- your accounting software, payroll and any payment processors
- your last tax return and prior-year financials
We review the books, agree a catch-up plan if one is needed and set up your monthly close calendar. Onboarding typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, and your first monthly reporting pack follows the first full month-end close.
Common questions
What is a fractional financial controller?
A fractional financial controller is an experienced finance professional who provides controller-level support, such as reporting, financial controls, cash management and oversight, on a part-time or monthly basis instead of as a full-time hire.
How much does a fractional controller cost?
Our Fractional Financial Controller service starts from $1,500 a month, as one fixed monthly fee for the scope we agree with you.
What’s the difference between a bookkeeper, a controller and a CFO?
The bookkeeper records it, the controller controls it and the CFO drives it. Bookkeeping keeps records accurate; a controller adds reporting, controls and oversight; a CFO adds forward-looking strategy and planning.
Do you prepare tax returns or audits?
No. Tax preparation, audit and investment advice are outside our services. We work alongside your CPA or tax professional.
What do I get beyond bookkeeping?
A full month-end close, accruals and prepayments, a statement of cash flows, budget vs actual and a short written commentary, plus a monthly call to walk through the numbers.
Need more than bookkeeping?
Schedule a free introductory consultation. We’ll recommend the right level of support for your business.