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Hire a Fractional CFO – Cost-Effective Financial Leadership from InterimExecs’ RED Team
Looking for strategic financial leadership without the cost or commitment of a full-time CFO? InterimExecs’ RED Team fractional CFOs step in fast with the experience, insight, and track record to drive growth, profitability, and scalability — all on a flexible, part-time basis.
What is a Fractional CFO?
A fractional CFO is a part-time or outsourced Chief Financial Officer who provides senior-level financial strategy without the overhead of a full-time hire. They bring executive experience on a flexible basis — guiding forecasting, cash flow, fundraising, and financial decision-making when your company needs it most.
InterimExecs RED Team fractional CFOs are hand-picked, proven leaders who step in fast to support growth, navigate transitions, or prepare for critical financial milestones like fundraising or M&A.
The RED Team Advantage
At InterimExecs, our RED Team comprises top-tier interim and fractional executives, meticulously chosen from over 7,500 candidates.
This elite group brings unparalleled experience in building, growing, and revitalizing organizations, positioning them as strategic assets to drive your company’s success.
“We needed help because we grew beyond the capacity to understand our company’s financial statements. Our fractional CFO asked questions we would have never asked ourselves, so it turned out to be a great learning experience. I wish I had done something like this sooner.”
-Tom Glavin, Glavin Security Specialists
When to Bring in a Fractional CFO: 6 Times It’s the Right Move
Many companies wait too long — struggling with cash flow, stalled growth, or investor pressure before realizing they need strategic financial leadership. But bringing in a fractional CFO at the right moment can dramatically improve outcomes.
A fractional CFO doesn’t just clean up the numbers — they help you make smarter decisions, faster.
Here are six moments when companies like yours call in the RED Team:
▶ Need for advanced reporting and key performance indicators (KPIs) to support sustainable growth.
▶ Absence of accurate forecasting, hindering risk management and informed decision-making.
▶ Delays or inaccuracies in monthly financial closings.
▶ Plans for expansion, acquisitions, or seeking external funding.
▶ Complex financial transactions requiring expert navigation.
▶ Increased demands from bankers for detailed reports and insights into business drivers.
What Does a Fractional CFO Do?
A fractional CFO brings clarity, structure, and strategic direction to your finances — helping you grow smarter, raise capital, and make confident decisions. Here are six core areas where they lead:
- Strategic planning and forecasting
- Cash flow management and cost control
- Fundraising, M&A, and investor prep
- KPI tracking and dashboard development
- Mentorship of internal finance staff
- Board and CEO-level financial advising
“A great fractional CFO doesn’t just report the numbers — they translate them into smart decisions that move the needle.”
-Robert Jordan, InterimExecs CEO
Industries We Serve
RED Team CFOs have led companies across sectors through rapid growth, transformation, and transition. Here are just a few of the industries where our fractional CFOs bring proven experience:
Software & Tech
Scalable infrastructure, investor reporting, and recurring revenue modeling for SaaS and tech companies.
Manufacturing
ERP systems, cost management, and supply chain finance for precision and profitability.
Business Services
Professional services, consulting, and agencies looking to optimize margins and team efficiency.
Retail & Ecommerce
Inventory planning, unit economics, and omnichannel growth for DTC and retail brands.
Healthcare & Hospitals
Financial leadership in navigating reimbursements, audits, and operational efficiency in healthcare systems.
Private Equity & Family Office
Fractional CFO support across portfolio companies — from diligence to integration and investor reporting.
Why Work With InterimExecs?
Not all CFOs are created equal — and not all search firms are built for speed or specialization.
At InterimExecs, we’ve curated the RED Team: an elite group of expert, battle-tested executives with deep experience in scaling, restructuring, and guiding companies through critical moments.
✅ Specialized Focus: We don’t place full-time hires — everything we do is interim, fractional, or project-based.
✅ Fast Matching: We can introduce you to a top-tier fractional CFO within days, not weeks.
✅ Proven Process: Our RED Team matching system has been refined through thousands of executive screenings.
✅ Flexible Engagements: No long-term contracts, no unnecessary overhead. Just the right leader at the right time.
How Much Does a Fractional CFO Cost?
Fractional CFO costs can vary depending on your company’s size, needs, and the scope of the engagement. Whether you’re looking for a few hours a week or more hands-on, ongoing leadership, our RED Team CFOs are matched based on exactly what your situation requires — no more, no less.
Most engagements fall into one of three categories:
- Hourly — ideal for short-term projects or advisory
- Weekly or monthly retainers — for ongoing part-time support
- Project-based — focused on fundraising, M&A, turnaround, or systems
You get senior-level expertise without the six-figure salary or long-term contract of a full-time hire.
Transitioning a company to the next generation can be beyond challenging. We have found that hiring a fractional CFO from InterimExecs RED Team has been critical in our transition process to make sure we have the appropriate expertise and at the same time can remain nimble.
-Beth Kraszewski, President, Purposeful Wealth Advisors
Interim CFO vs. Fractional CFO – What’s the Difference?
Not sure whether you need an interim CFO or a fractional CFO? Here’s a quick comparison to help you determine the right fit based on your company’s needs and stage:
| Interim CFO | Fractional CFO | |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Companies in transition – CEO or CFO resignation, M&A, turnaround, IPO prep.You need an emergency surgeon to stabilize, lead, and move fast | Companies that need strategic finance support, but not full-time. You may be in growth mode and need a high level CFO to help build the foundation for the future. |
| Commitment | Full-time or defined period | Part-time or flexible hours |
| Duration | Short-term, typically 3–18 months | Ongoing, long-term relationship |
| Use Cases | Leadership transitions, crisis management, operational improvements, exits, restructures, SEC filings | Scaling operations, fundraising, forecasting, budget planning |
💡 Still not sure? Check our our Ultimate Guide to Interim Management or get in touch and we’ll help you match with the right financial leader for your business.
Outsource Your CFO Services
Engaging a fractional CFO offers flexible, high-level financial expertise tailored to your organization’s unique needs. Hear from our RED Team CFOs about the transformative impact they bring:
“The fractional model lets companies get top-tier CFO support without paying for full-time. I focus only on what truly needs my level of expertise.”
Dave InterimExecs RED Team CFO
“A fractional CFO assesses the situation, builds and executes a plan, then mentors or transitions the team as needed.”
Yoav InterimExecs RED Team CFO
“When reporting gets more complex or leadership lacks the time or skills in-house, that’s the moment to bring in a fractional CFO.”
Vic InterimExecs RED Team CFO
“Being a fractional CFO is challenging work. I love the flexibility, the variety, the continued growth, and the opportunity to meet so many great people!”
Shauna InterimExecs RED Team CFOOur 5-Step Path to Fractional CFO Success
The right CFO can be solving problems inside your organization in as little as 48 hours. Our proven process makes it easy to get started — and even easier to get results.
Profile Evaluation
We assess your company’s goals, challenges, and financial needs.
Executive Match
From our vetted RED Team, we identify the right-fit fractional CFO.
Statement of Work
We define expectations, deliverables, and the scope of engagement.
Operational Roadmap
Your CFO crafts a strategic plan tailored to your organization.
Implementation
With the roadmap in place, your CFO begins executing on day one.
The CFO jumped in eagerly, making sure the business continued to function smoothly, and then helped to efficiently manage the process of successfully selling the company. It was a great outcome and I thank InterimExecs for providing expert leadership fast.
-Dan Felix, Master Trustee
FAQs: How to Hire a Fractional CFO Through InterimExecs
▶ Does your company specialize in Fractional CFO services?
▶ Are you a retained search firm?
▶ How much does a fractional CFO cost?
▶ How do you get paid for your CFO search services?
▶ What’s the difference between a fractional CFO and consulting CFO?
▶ How long is a typical fractional CFO services assignment?
▶ How are contracts with a part-time or fractional CFO structured?
▶ Is my CFO in-person or virtual?
▶ How do I know if my company is ready for a fractional CFO?
▶ What industries do your fractional CFOs serve?
▶ Can a fractional CFO help raise capital or prep for M&A?
▶ What’s the difference between fractional, interim, and part-time CFOs?
Does your company specialize in fractional CFOs?
Yes. InterimExecs is dedicated to fractional, interim, and project-based leadership across the C-suite — with CFO services at the core.
▶ A CFO retires, resigns, or is terminated
▶ A company is preparing for growth and needs better financial systems
▶ There’s a need for accountability and expertise, but not a full-time hire
We’ve screened thousands of executives to curate the RED Team — the best of the best CFOs from around the globe.
Are you a retained search firm?
Nope. We’re not a retained recruiter, and we won’t flood you with resumes.
Our model is simple and fast: after an initial briefing, we can present RED Team CFOs who are vetted, available, and tailored to your needs — often within 48 hours.
We guide you through a proprietary process to ensure the right fit.
How much does a fractional CFO cost?
Rates vary depending on the CFO’s experience, your company’s needs, and the scope of the engagement. Most charge hourly, monthly, or project-based fees.
See our full breakdown of fractional CFO pricing →
How do you get paid for your CFO search services?
We act as the agent for the executive. You’ll receive a clear statement of work and rate schedule that includes the executive’s fee plus a markup to cover our services.
Simple. No retainers or upfront fees.
What’s the difference between a fractional CFO and a consulting CFO?
The best fractional CFOs don’t just advise — they lead.
Fractional CFOs embed within your team, own P&L responsibility, and are accountable for results. Many also hire, mentor, and manage teams under the direction of ownership or the board.
“Consulting CFO” is often just a title. But RED Team CFOs don’t just consult — they roll up their sleeves and drive execution.
How long is a typical fractional CFO services assignment?
It depends on your goals.
Some fractional CFOs engage for a few hours a week over many months or years. Others step in for high-impact projects like fundraising, restructuring, or system implementation.
All RED Team engagements are flexible, with no severance or long-term obligations. When it’s time to hire full-time, your fractional CFO can help recruit and onboard their permanent replacement.
How are contracts with a part-time or fractional CFO structured?
All RED Team executives are placed through InterimExecs.
You’re not hiring an employee — you’re engaging an executive through a structured agreement focused on outcomes. Most contracts include a 30-day cancellation clause so you can scale up or down as needed.
Low risk. High value. No red tape.
Is my CFO in-person or virtual?
That depends on your needs.
Some CFOs are local or travel to the assignment. Others work virtually or on a hybrid basis. Many clients choose virtual CFOs for specialized expertise — regardless of location.
Even remotely, RED Team CFOs are responsive and integrated. You won’t be waiting days to hear back — just text, call, or Slack, and your CFO is on it.
How do I know if my company is ready for a fractional CFO?
If you’re facing financial complexity, gearing up for growth, thinking about fundraising, or struggling with visibility into cash flow — it’s time to consider fractional CFO support.
We can help assess where your organization is and match you with the right-level executive.
What industries do your fractional CFOs serve?
Our RED Team CFOs have served companies in tech, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, retail, and beyond — from early-stage startups to private equity-backed growth companies. We’ll match you with someone who’s been in your world before.
Can a fractional CFO help raise capital or prep for M&A?
Absolutely. Many of our RED Team CFOs specialize in raising debt or equity, prepping financials for due diligence, and guiding companies through M&A transactions.
If you’re planning a capital event, we’ll match you with someone who’s done it before — successfully. And if you are an owner thinking about exit check out our Business Exit Strategy Guide for Owners.
What’s the difference between fractional, interim, and part-time CFOs?
All three terms refer to flexible financial leadership, but with nuances.
“Fractional” typically means part-time over a longer period. “Interim” often implies short-term or transitional. “Part-time” is the most general. We focus on right-time, right-fit leadership — no matter the label.
You can read more in our Interim vs. Fractional Comparison or explore our Ultimate Guide to Interim Management.
Do all fractional CFOs also have CPA credentials?
No. Completely depends on the gig. Especially if the engagement involves M&A negotiations, fundraising, company sale or recap, its more likely the CFO has background and orientation for those skills versus up the ranks in accounting. They’ll still understand and supervise all accounting functions, but in many cases the role doesn’t necessitate CPA credentials. Ultimately this is a judgement from the owners and board — what specific skills, background and experience the CFO must have to be effective.
