Fractional CFO
Fractional CFO services, without the full-time hire
Cash flow, budgets, forecasting and reporting from a CPA-led team, at a fraction of the cost of a full-time CFO. Start with our Launch package, or have a deeper CFO project quoted by scope.
- Weekly cash forecasting in Launch
- CFO projects quoted by scope
- $3,000–$6,000per month for the Launch package
- Weeklycash forecasting and reporting
- Quoted by scopedeeper CFO projects
- Nationwideremote team, clients across the US
For owners
Lots of sales, but not much left over?
A lot of owners build a busy, growing company and still feel cash poor. You’re working hard and winning work, but it’s hard to see where the money goes or which jobs actually make money. Past a certain size, what’s in your head and in the bank account can’t tell you that.
That’s where CFO-level help comes in. We forecast your cash every week, look at margins by job and by customer so you can see which work actually makes money, and help you price with those numbers in front of you. When a big purchase or a new hire is on the table, we plan it with you first, so you know what it does to your cash before you commit.
If your books aren’t clean or current yet, start with monthly accounting. Good forecasts need accurate numbers.
How we help
CFO-level support where it matters most
Help with budgeting, cash flow, financial planning and reporting, when you need it, for small and mid-sized companies.
- Cash flow
Manage cash proactively
Weekly cash forecasting, so you can protect liquidity and plan for growth.
- Planning
Plan for the future
Define success and build a financial plan and annual budget to get there.
- Reporting
Improve reporting
A financial dashboard and reporting your lenders, investors and team can rely on.
- Decisions
Decide with better data
In-depth financial analysis behind decisions on cash, hiring, pricing and acquisitions.
Who we work with
Acquisition entrepreneurs, founders and private equity
- 01Acquisition entrepreneurs
Run the business you just bought on numbers you trust
Many owners start with us on diligence. After the close, the same team can keep the books, forecast cash and support your plan.
Transaction advisory - 02Founders and business owners
Plan through growth and uncertainty
Budgets, cash forecasts and a monthly advisory call for periods of fast growth, tight cash or big decisions.
Launch package - 03Private equity firms
Reporting your stakeholders understand
Reporting and analysis through periods of high growth, uncertainty or an M&A transaction.
Deal support
Pricing
Two ways to work with us
Most owners get CFO-level support through our Launch package. Bigger or one-off CFO projects are quoted by scope, and you don’t need monthly accounting with Midwest CPA to hire us for one.
Launch package
$3,000–$6,000
per month
Ongoing CFO-level insight, plus your accounting and tax
- Monthly advisory calls
- Weekly cash forecasting
- Financial dashboard
- Annual budget creation
- In-depth financial analysis
- Plus everything in Accelerate:
- Full accrual accounting and tax returns
CFO projects
Quoted by scope
scope and price in writing
Deeper CFO work, with or without monthly accounting
- No monthly accounting with us required
- Scoped to your business and timeline
- Quoted in writing before we start
Every monthly package, Launch included, comes with tax planning, your business tax return and the owners’ individual returns.
Fractional vs. full-time
Why hire a fractional CFO instead of a full-time CFO?
You get top-tier financial expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. With a fractional CFO you get most of what a full-time CFO does, at a fraction of the cost.
| Fractional CFO | Full-time CFO | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | A monthly package or a scoped project | A full-time executive salary and benefits |
| Flexibility | Scales up or down as the business changes | Fixed headcount |
| Start | Immediate expertise, no search or ramp-up | A hiring process before any work starts |
| Skills | A team with accounting, tax and transaction experience | One person’s background |
| Fit | Support customized to the stage of your business | A single full-time role |
| Your time | You stay focused on running the business | You still manage the finance function |
Who you’ll work with
From acquisition to exit
Midwest CPA helps entrepreneurs prosper from acquisition to exit. The team behind your forecasts also keeps your books and prepares your returns, so advice is built on numbers we know.
Midwest CPA is a remote CPA firm, founded in 2022, with a team of about 22 people serving owners across the US.
Chris Barrett, CPAManaging Director, Midwest CPA
Client perspectives
From buyers we’ve worked with
“Navigating a business acquisition can be a high-stress endeavor that demands precision, speed, and expertise. In our recent acquisition of a roadside repair company, Chris Barrett proved to be an absolute asset, exceeding all expectations.”
“I highly recommend Chris Barrett and Midwest CPA to anyone looking to acquire a business. Chris is a knowledgeable and reliable partner in a process that can be difficult to navigate. Throughout the process, Chris was clear in his communication and prompt with responses – always available when needed.”
Related services
Works best alongside
Monthly books
Outsourced bookkeeping and accounting
Books reconciled and closed every month, with reports you can read and act on.
Add-on for monthly clients
Payroll services
Payroll through Gusto and payroll tax filings, with a dedicated payroll specialist. Available to monthly accounting clients.
Quoted by scope
Accounting system setup
A new entity, a recent acquisition, or systems you’ve outgrown. We set up accounting that fits how you run the business.
$800–$6,000 a month
Accounting and tax packages
Compare Starter, Accelerate and Launch, and see what’s in every package.
FAQ
Fractional CFO: frequently asked questions
What does a fractional CFO do?
A fractional CFO gives your business CFO-level financial support, such as budgeting, cash flow management, financial planning and reporting, without a full-time hire. You get high-level guidance when you need it, at a cost that fits.
How much do fractional CFO services cost?
Our Launch package runs $3,000 to $6,000 a month and includes monthly advisory calls, weekly cash forecasting, a financial dashboard, an annual budget and in-depth financial analysis, along with your accounting and tax returns. Deeper CFO projects are quoted by scope, with no monthly accounting required. See pricing.
Why hire a fractional CFO instead of a full-time CFO?
Cost, flexibility and speed. You get immediate expertise and specialized skills without a full-time salary, and support that scales with the business. With a fractional CFO you get most of what a full-time CFO does, at a fraction of the cost.
Do I need monthly accounting with Midwest CPA to hire a fractional CFO?
No. CFO projects are quoted by scope and don’t require monthly accounting with us. If you want ongoing CFO-level support with your books and tax returns in one monthly fee, that’s our Launch package.
Who uses fractional CFO services?
Acquisition entrepreneurs, founders and private equity firms, usually at key points like periods of high growth, uncertainty or an M&A transaction.
How often will I get reports?
Fractional CFO clients get weekly reporting, including weekly cash forecasting, on top of the monthly close.
Can you help after I buy a business?
Yes. Many clients start with a quality of earnings report and keep us on after the close for accounting, tax and CFO support. Transaction advisory.