Senior financial leadership, when and how you need it
Many charities reach a point where they need more than a bookkeeper and an annual accounts service, but are not yet ready to justify a full-time finance director. The fractional CFO model bridges that gap, giving you experienced, senior financial leadership on a flexible, part-time basis, shaped entirely around the charity sector.
What a fractional CFO does for you
The role looks different for every organisation and we shape it around what you actually need. Typically it includes:
- Attending trustee board and finance committee meetings
- Presenting financial reports and advising on their implications
- Overseeing your finance function and any finance staff
- Leading the annual budget process
- Financial input into strategic decisions and funding strategy
- Acting as a sounding board for the CEO or Executive Director
- Managing relationships with auditors, examiners and HMRC
Who this is for
Our fractional CFO service works particularly well for charities with income between £500k and £5m navigating growth or change, organisations where the CEO is carrying too much financial responsibility, charities with complex funding structures, and boards wanting greater financial oversight and governance assurance.
Flexible engagement
We typically work on a retained basis, with a fixed number of days per month agreed in advance, and the flexibility to scale up during busier periods such as year-end, budget-setting or major funding applications. Engagements range from a few hours a month to several days a week.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a fractional CFO?
A fractional CFO gives you experienced, senior financial leadership on a part-time, flexible basis — the strategic input of a finance director without the cost of a full-time hire.
How much time would we need?
Engagements range from a few hours a month to several days a week. We agree a set number of days in advance and can scale up around busy periods such as year end or major funding bids.
Is this suitable for smaller charities?
It works particularly well for charities with income between roughly £500k and £5m, but we shape the role around what your organisation actually needs.
Related services
Accounting records & management accounts
Reliable bookkeeping and clear, timely management reporting for confident decisions.
Independent examination & audit
Independent examinations delivered in-house, with trusted audit partners introduced when a statutory audit is required.
Ad hoc & project support
One-off financial expertise when you need it, from funding bids to governance reviews.
Tell us about your organisation
We'll arrange a free, no-obligation consultation to understand where your finances are and how we can help you get where you want to be.