All you need is easy access to someone who has done it all before. Someone who has experienced and over come every roadblock or business objective you could face. This may sound expensive but, again, it doesn’t have to be.

Hiring a CFO or Finance Director may seem like an obvious choice for many businesses, but for start-ups and SMEs, that step is often premature, and expensive.

This is where a fractional CFO or fractional Finance Director (FD) comes in. This flexible and cost effective solution might be the ticket your business has been missing.

What is a fractional CFO or FD?

A fractional CFO or FD is a senior finance professional who works with your business on a part-time basis. You pay for the expertise you need, when you need it. This could mean one day a week or even one day a month, or one-off support on specific, time-bound projects like fundraising or annual budgeting.

Unlike your accountant, fractional CFOs and FDs focus on strategic financial oversight. They will help you interpret your numbers, plan for growth, and guide big decisions, like securing loans, evaluating new investments, or preparing for an acquisition.

Think of it like hiring a personal trainer instead of a full-time coach. You get expert guidance when you need it, tailored to your goals, without the ongoing cost and commitment of a permanent hire. You benefit from experience and insight gained from working with multiple businesses, which can bring fresh ideas and practical solutions to your own company.

Why not just hire a full-time CFO or FD?

Hiring a CFO or FD on a full-time basis may feel like an excessive move for a start-up or early stage business.

In the UK in 2025, the average salary for aCFO is £110,000. Once you factor in pension, benefits and bonuses, the price tag could reach£150,000 - £200,000 per year.

If your business is still scaling, many of their skills may go underutilised, and a large portion of your budget could be tied up unnecessarily.

A fractional CFO or FD gives you the guidance you need, only when you need it, so you only pay for the time and expertise you actually use.

‍Benefits of a Fractional CFO or FD

• Budget friendly. Only pay for the expertise and hours you need, making senior financial advice accessible forSMEs. At Ferrock, our CFO and FD engagements start from as little as 1 day per month.
• Strategic insight without the heavy costs. They help with cash flow, financial forecasting, growth strategies, and even preparation for investment.
• Flexible support. Whether it is weekly check ins, monthly planning sessions, or project based work, you choose the schedule.
• Fresh perspective. Having worked across multiple businesses and sectors, they can introduce new ideas, benchmarks, and practical solutions.‍
• Bridging the gap. If your business is not ready for a full-time finance leader, a fractional professional fills the gap effectively.

Are there any downsides?

Of course, no solution is perfect.

• Limited time on site. They will not be in the office every day. If you need hands-on leadership daily, an interim CFO or full-time FD might be better.
• Not a substitute for bookkeeping or day-to-day accounts: They won’t usually process invoices or run payroll.You’ll still need either in-house staff or an outsourced service for that.‍
• May need careful scheduling: Since many fractional CFOs and FDs work with multiple clients, you’ll need to plan ahead to secure their time.

Who should consider a fractional CFO or FD?

• SMEs that are scaling, but not yet ready to justify a full-time finance hire.
• Businesses preparing for investment, bank loans, or a potential sale.
• Owners who feel lost in the numbers, and want jargon free guidance.
• Companies struggling with cash flow forecasting or budgeting.
• UK businesses looking for outsourced FD services, as a cost efficient alternative.

‍Final Thoughts

If you’re asking yourself whether your business needs stronger financial leadership, a fractional CFO or FD lets you take control, make smarter decisions, and plan for growth without the commitment of a six-figure salary.

Common FAQs

How much do fractional CFO services cost in the UK?
Significantly less than a full-time hire. Pricing varies depending on experience and hours needed, often through a monthly retainer or daily rate. At Ferrock, our minimum engagement is 1 day per month, with a starting cost of£1,000+VAT.

What size or stage of business benefits most?
Fractional CFOs and FDs are ideal for SMEs that are scaling, preparing for investment, or looking for better financial oversight without committing to a full-time hire. They can also support businesses that are smaller but want expert guidance on planning and cash flow.

Cana fractional CFO work with my accountant?
Absolutely. Accountants handle the day-to-day,, while a fractional CFO orFD focuses on strategy, planning, and growth. Together they provide a complete financial picture.

Is this support short term or long term?
Both. They can support specific projects, or provide ongoing guidance as a cost-effective alternative to a full-time CFO or FD.

How quickly can a fractional CFO or FD make an impact?
Fractional CFOs and FDs can start adding value almost immediately. Within a few weeks, they can identify opportunities for cash flow improvement.

How do I get started?

‍Email info@ferrock.co.uk and we will book a call with you to learn more about your business, and what you want to achieve with a fractional CFO or FD.