How much does a fractional CFO cost?

Typically $3,000–$15,000 per month for 5–15 hours a week, roughly $150–$400 an hour. Entry or pre-Series-A engagements start near $3,000–$5,000; senior CFOs running a raise or scaling run $10,000–$15,000+. A full-time CFO costs $250,000–$450,000+ in salary plus equity.

When should I hire a fractional CFO?

Common triggers are raising a round, professionalizing finance beyond a bookkeeper, passing roughly $1M ARR, standing up a board or investor reporting cadence, or extending runway. Many startups bring one in around seed to Series A.

What is the difference between a fractional CFO and a controller?

A controller owns the books — accounting, the monthly close, compliance and reporting accuracy (backward-looking). A fractional CFO is forward-looking: the model, the forecast, fundraising and the board narrative.

How many hours a week does a fractional CFO work?

Usually 5–15 hours a week. It flexes up during a fundraise, board prep or an audit, and down in steady-state months.

Can a fractional CFO help me raise money?

Yes — fundraising support is one of the most common reasons to hire one. A fractional CFO builds the model, prepares the data room and metrics, and helps tell the financial story to investors throughout a round.

How much does a fractional CFO cost?

Typically $3,000–$15,000 per month for 5–15 hours a week, roughly $150–$400 an hour. Entry or pre-Series-A engagements start near $3,000–$5,000; senior CFOs running a raise or scaling run $10,000–$15,000+. A full-time CFO costs $250,000–$450,000+ in salary plus equity.

When should I hire a fractional CFO?

Common triggers are raising a round, professionalizing finance beyond a bookkeeper, passing roughly $1M ARR, standing up a board or investor reporting cadence, or extending runway. Many startups bring one in around seed to Series A.

What is the difference between a fractional CFO and a controller?

A controller owns the books — accounting, the monthly close, compliance and reporting accuracy (backward-looking). A fractional CFO is forward-looking: the model, the forecast, fundraising and the board narrative.

How many hours a week does a fractional CFO work?

Usually 5–15 hours a week. It flexes up during a fundraise, board prep or an audit, and down in steady-state months.

Can a fractional CFO help me raise money?

Yes — fundraising support is one of the most common reasons to hire one. A fractional CFO builds the model, prepares the data room and metrics, and helps tell the financial story to investors throughout a round.

Fractional CFO

Fractional CFO Cost & Pricing

Understand fractional CFO pricing, compare costs vs full-time, and find the right investment for your business.

$5,000-15,000/month
10-20 hours/week flexible
Founder-vetted

Find Your Fractional CFO See Pricing

The engagement

Typical retainer: $5,000–$15,000/mo
Commitment: 10–20 h / wk
Time to start: Days, not months
Focus: Industry Expertise

Indicative ranges. You set the rate and terms directly with the operator.

Pricing models

Fractional CFO Pricing Models

Choose the pricing structure that fits your needs and budget.

Monthly Retainer

$5,000 - $15,000/month

Fixed monthly fee for 10-20 hours per week. Best for ongoing strategic leadership.

Hourly Rate

$250 - $500/hour

Pay per hour worked. Best for project-based or advisory engagements.

Project-Based

$10,000 - $60,000

Fixed fee for specific projects like fundraising, M&A prep, or system implementations.

Cost comparison

Fractional vs Full-Time Cost Comparison

Cost Component	Fractional CFO	Full-Time CFO
Base Compensation	$60,000 - $180,000	$250,000 - $400,000
Benefits & Taxes (20-30%)	$0	$50,000 - $120,000
Equity	Optional (0.1-0.5%)	1-3% typical
Signing Bonus	$0	$25,000 - $75,000
Total Annual Cost	$60,000 - $180,000	$350,000 - $600,000+

Potential savings: 60-80% with a fractional CFO vs full-time hire

Pricing factors

What Affects Fractional CFO Pricing

Hours per weekPrimary driver of cost

Industry expertiseSpecialists command 10-20% premium

Company stageLater stage = more complexity = higher rates

Geographic marketSF/NYC premium vs. other markets

Engagement durationLonger terms may include discounts

Scope of workStrategic vs. operational roles differ

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Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about hiring a fractional CFO for your industry.

A fractional CFO is a part-time senior finance executive who owns a company's financial strategy — FP&A, cash flow and runway, fundraising and board reporting — usually a few days a week, giving a founder C-suite financial leadership without a full-time hire.

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Related Resources

How to Hire a Fractional CFO Fractional CFO Cost & Rates Fractional vs Full-Time CFO Fractional CFO for Startups

Fractional CFO Cost & Pricing

Fractional CFO Pricing Models

Monthly Retainer

Hourly Rate

Project-Based

Fractional vs Full-Time Cost Comparison

What Affects Fractional CFO Pricing

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fractional CFO?

How much does a fractional CFO cost?

When should I hire a fractional CFO?

What is the difference between a fractional CFO and a controller?

How many hours a week does a fractional CFO work?

Can a fractional CFO help me raise money?

Ready to Hire Your Fractional CFO?

Related Resources