Complete Guide to Hiring a Fractional CFO

How to Find a
Fractional 
CFO

Get matched with senior leaders
who can own your financial strategy without the
cost or delay of a full-time hire
Book a Call to Start
Not ready for a call? Email us at

hello@fractionaljobs.io 

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Or start a livechat with us (yes, really).

You’ll be working with Fractional Jobs founder

Taylor Crane

What Does A Fractional CFO Do?

Everything a full-time finance leader would do, but on a flexible, part-time basis. Whether you’re exploring where to find a fractional CFO or already in talks with candidates,
‍here’s what you can expect:

Financial Strategy

Develop and implement comprehensive financial strategies that align with corporate objectives, balancing long-term vision with short-term execution to ensure sustainable growth and profitability across changing market conditions.

Fundraising Support

Lead investor relations, capital raising initiatives, and pitch preparation by crafting compelling narratives, engaging prospective partners, and structuring deals that enhance valuation and align with company financing needs.

Cash Flow Management

Monitor liquidity, optimize working capital, and forecast future needs while implementing controls that maximize cash efficiency, ensuring operational stability and the ability to pursue strategic growth opportunities.

FP&A

Develop budgets, build forecasts, and design financial models that drive decision-making, enabling leadership to evaluate performance scenarios, measure outcomes, and align business resources with revenue growth priorities.

Accounting & Compliance

Oversee accounting processes, ensure accurate reporting, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards, audits, and tax obligations while streamlining systems that strengthen transparency and operational credibility.

M&A & Exit Prep

Guide mergers, acquisitions, and exit strategies through due diligence, financial analysis, and negotiations, ensuring alignment with shareholder goals and maximizing long-term enterprise value.

Risk Management

Identify, assess, and mitigate financial, operational, and market risks by implementing frameworks and controls that protect assets, strengthen resilience, and maintain investor and stakeholder confidence.

Investor & Board Confidence

Build trust with investors and boards through clear reporting, transparent performance updates, and strategic insights that demonstrate sound governance and inspire continued long-term confidence.

AI Automation

Bring deep expertise in integrating the latest AI workflows into your finance function. They modernize your stack and drive efficiency by delivering transformative upgrades and new AI-first tools that deliver long after their tenure.

FRACTIONAL CFOs FOR START-UPS AND
EARLY STAGE GROWTH COMPANIES

Cost-Efficient Expertise

Access senior-level financial strategy without the overhead of a full-time hire.

Startups get top-tier experience for a fraction of the cost while still accelerating growth.

Speed to Impact

Plug in quickly with proven strategies, skipping the long ramp-up period of a permanent executive.

This allows startups to act immediately on pressing growth opportunities and market shifts.

Flexible Engagement

Scale scope and hours as your business evolves.

Companies avoid long-term commitments while matching expertise to changing needs across fundraising, launches, and new market entry.

Proven Playbooks

Apply experience from multiple startups and growth phases.
‍
Tested approaches shorten the learning curve and focus efforts on tactics that drive growth.

How it Works

Designed to find
you a
Fractional CFO
that will blow you away.

Tell us who you’re looking for
We send you the best candidates
You hire them directly. Ta da!
Book a Call to Start

You’ll be speaking with Fractional Jobs founder

Taylor Crane

It starts with the largest network of fractionals in the U.S. (& beyond!)

The challenge with most recruiting options is that you’re only reaching a small subset of available talent. However, we have virtually every fractional in our database. Seriously.

Your chance of finding the perfect match is only as good as your top-of-funnel. Our process starts by getting your opportunity in front of virtually everyone that could be a fit.

We’ll handpick the best 5 - 10 options for you.

We do the hard, tedious, work of sifting through all the interested candidates to identify the few that are exceptional fits for your need. We’ll send you their profiles to your email, and you tell us who you want to chat with.

This work is done by humans. We use AI to move faster, but humans outperform AI matching algorithms when quality matters.

Get email intros to the ones you like the most.

We make direct email introductions to the candidates you want to meet with. Then, we get out of the way from there. You can run your interview process however you want.

We’re here to help along the way, too. Use us as a sounding board or thought partner as you hone in on who the perfect fractional is for your needs.

Hire & pay your fractional directly. Not through us.

We are not a middleman! This is the best part about getting help from Fractional Jobs. We don’t take a % fee of the relationship like most marketplaces. You own the relationship with the candidate you hire.

Sign a contract with them directly. Pay them directly. You can even convert them into a full-time employee if there’s mutual interest.

Pricing

Unlike agencies or marketplaces that take an ongoing cut of your hire’s earnings, Fractional Jobs charges employers a one-time referral fee so every dollar you pay your CFO goes directly to them.

1.

Fractional Jobs

How We Charge: One-time referral fee
Cost Over 1 year: $3K - $5K, depending on the role
Ongoing Fees? None, 100% of wages paid directly to your hire

2.

Recruitment Agencies

How They Charge: % of Salary, up front
Cost Over 1 year: $5-30K+ depending on the role
Ongoing Fees? Not ongoing, but fees are based on the negotiated salary

3.

Other Marketplaces

How They Charge: % commission on earnings
Cost Over 1 year: $10-50K+ depending on the role
Ongoing Fees? 10-20% ongoing markup of total fees paid

Get a list of the top 5 fractionals that match your needs.

Book a Call to Start

with Fractional Jobs founder

Taylor Crane

Open Jobs

Contentful - Head of Marketing
(contentful.com)
10hrs / up to $10k monthly / New York (remote)
added 4 days ago
Contentful - Head of Marketing
(contentful.com)
10hrs / up to $10k monthly / New York (remote)
added 4 days ago
Contentful - Head of Marketing
(contentful.com)
10hrs / up to $10k monthly / New York (remote)
added 4 days ago
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
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View 24 more jobs

Hiring?

Fractional talent is ready today
Mid-level - executive talent only
Convert to full-time when ready
Ditch the W2 salaries, payroll tax, etc.
The list goes on. Read more here
Post a fractional job
$100/post, money back guarantee

Wall of Love

Companies love us for three reasons.

They love the candidates we send.
They love how much time we save them.
They love how fast we move.
"
I just did a deep dive on the profiles you sent. All of them are high-caliber operations leaders, without a doubt.
"
Ante Rejo
Head of Operations
"
I think what we're actually finding is that the candidates are all exceptional. I appreciate all your support. Such an excellent process and very fast.
"
Aaron Montgomery
CEO & Co-Founder
"
We've been super pleased with the candidates thus far - really awesome - thank you again!
"
Eddie Bearnot
CEO
"
C***s has been great for us. Almost too great - the amount of demo volume we've had come in has spiked since he arrived, and I've had to jump into inside sales and take a dozen or so demos a week to help the team. Great problem to have though! I'm sure there are going to be additional fractional needs coming soon here. You guys will be the place I go.
"
Richard Wagner
CEO
"
We were looking for part-time senior product leadership, and Taylor delivered quickly. The candidates he introduced were so strong it was genuinely hard to choose. Our new hire starts today, and we couldn’t be more excited.
"
Nicole Mavraganis
Head of Sales
"
I have never had a more seamless hiring experience. I'm so impressed by your network of candidates and the process you've designed. It's simple, efficient, and very effective.
"
Natalie Fretwell
Founder
"
Really impressed with the quality of this list - seems really promising. Thanks Taylor.
"
Misha Tsidulko
CEO
"
As I'm sure you know, businesses looking to hire fractional work need results immediately. And to be frank, the candidates you brought me were a different level, so I'm excited to re-engage with you."
"
David Seconi
Founder
"
Fractional Jobs was an easy process, we quickly got connected with multiple tech leaders of such high caliber and ended up finding a great fit for our company.
"
Kurt Chisholm
CEO
At Fractional Jobs, we’ve made hundreds of placements that have had an outsized impact on our client’s organizations.

White Glove Support

The work is done by  humans. We’re supported by our in-house, best-in-class AI matching algorithm, but real people are going through every profile to ensure it’s a fit for your needs.

Technology is great, but we every one of our client’s is unique. We find and fix the gaps before you see them.

Largest Global Network

Fractional Jobs maintains the largest network of Fractional Talent, globally. Beyond our database, our founder Taylor Crane manages a fractional newsletter read by 25,000+ senior fractionals across the world.

Seriously, book a call and let us show you why our clients are so consistently impressed by the quantity and caliber of the talent in our network.

Comprehensive Resources

We provide dedicated support for every fractional hire, from onboarding to contract negotiation to templates.

We are a go-to resource for Fractional CFOs and maintain a toolkit that supports them through every step of the journey. Fractional Jobs is the trusted source for fractional resources.

Own Your Relationship

Unlike other agencies or marketplaces, Fractional Jobs believes in letting you and your fractional talent completely own the relationship.

Set your contract terms, agree on a rate, and pay them directly! Fractional Jobs will never take a cut of your hire’s earnings.

LEARN

Everything there is to know about hiring fractional talent.

Start here!

The Complete Guide

From zero to hero, the Complete Guide covers everything there is to know about fractional work, for talent and companies.
Browse The Guide
Written by Fractional Jobs founder

In-depth Playbooks

Deep dives into the most critical parts of fractional work. We cover everything from finding clients to minimizing taxes, & more.
Get the Playbooks
Written by Fractional Jobs founder

Our Blog

Our latest thoughts, news and ideas on fractional work and the fractional world in general. Written by us, and outside experts.
Read The Blog

LEARN MORE

Want to Read More?

The best practices and case studies for companies to make fractional hiring successful.
Browse the Blog

MEET OUR FRACTIONAL CfOs

We have virtually every
Fractional CFO
in our database. Seriously.

Capital Markets Advisor
CHRO
Accounting Manager
Head of Financial Strategy
Marketing Director
Risk & Compliance Director
M&A Specialist
Marketing Director
VP Marketing
Fundraising & Investor Relations Lead
Head of Lifecycle
HR Director
Controller
VP Marketing
CMO
Corporate Treasurer
Head of GTM
CCO
CFO
CMO
Creative Director
VP Finance
Paid Media Specialist
Paid Media Specialist
Finance Director
Head of Brand
VP Social
Head of FP&A
VP Social
AI Engineer
Ali Byrd
Fractional CFO
(prev.) CoverWallet
Samuel Dietschi
Fractional CFO
(prev.) Spotify
Jeannine Regalia
Fractional CFO
(prev.) Airbnb
Stephen Cho
Fractional CFO
(prev.) Acorns
20,000+
fractional leaders in our network... and counting.

Senior Talent Only

Think c-suite execs, heads of, directors, and senior individual contributors.

We’re not a great fit if you’re looking for a junior freelancer. For that, you can try Upwork or Toptal.

Every Industry Covered

Anything tech & SaaS, eCommerce & DTC, professional services, SMBs, and more.

We can get really niche too, like “remote patient monitoring expertise in healthtech.”

Available Part-time

You could hire someone for 2, 10, 20 hrs per week, or anything in between. Up to you!

Some folks will even have capacity for 40 hrs per week interim roles.

All Major Geographies

Our network is primarily from the U.S. and Canada, with experience at U.S.-based companies.

But we have talent around the world, including the UK, EU, MENA, and elsewhere.
If you let us help your fractional search, there’s an 86% chance that you’ll hire one of the candidates we introduced you to.

You’re probably wondering...

What does a fractional CFO do?

A fractional CFO provides executive-level financial leadership on a part-time basis. They manage the same responsibilities as a full-time Chief Financial Officer, including financial strategy, cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting, fundraising support, investor relations, and financial reporting. The difference is a flexible engagement that matches your company's current stage. Fractional CFOs bring strategic financial thinking to startups that have outgrown basic bookkeeping but are not yet ready for a full-time finance executive.

Link to this question

What is the difference between a fractional CFO and a bookkeeper or accountant?

A bookkeeper records transactions and maintains your ledger. An accountant prepares financial statements and handles tax compliance. A fractional CFO operates at the strategic level. They interpret your financial data to guide business decisions, build financial models, manage cash runway, prepare for fundraising, and advise the CEO on growth investments. Think of the bookkeeper and accountant as maintaining the scoreboard, while the fractional CFO uses the scoreboard to help you win the game.

Link to this question

When should a startup hire a fractional CFO?

Startups typically hire a fractional CFO when they are preparing for a funding round, experiencing rapid revenue growth, managing increasingly complex financial operations, or when the founder can no longer handle financial planning alongside other responsibilities. Other common triggers include needing board-ready financial reporting, evaluating pricing strategies, planning for a major hire or expansion, or realizing that financial decisions are being made without adequate data. Most companies reach this point between seed and Series B stages.

Link to this question

How much does it cost to hire a fractional CFO with Fractional Jobs?

Fractional Jobs charges a one-time referral fee of $3,000 to $5,000 with zero ongoing fees. Unlike recruitment agencies that charge a percentage of salary upfront, or marketplaces that take an ongoing 10 to 20 percent commission on all earnings, Fractional Jobs does not act as a middleman. You sign a contract with your fractional CFO directly, pay them directly, and own the relationship from the start.

Link to this question

What is the difference between an interim CFO and a fractional CFO?

An interim CFO is a temporary full-time hire brought in to fill a gap, often after a departure or during a transition period. They work full-time hours for a defined period until a permanent replacement is hired. A fractional CFO works part-time on an ongoing basis, serving as a long-term member of your leadership team while also working with other companies. The fractional model is designed for companies that need strategic financial leadership but do not need or cannot afford a full-time finance executive.

Link to this question

Can a fractional CFO help with fundraising?

Yes. Fundraising support is one of the most common reasons startups hire a fractional CFO. They help build financial models and projections for investor presentations, prepare data rooms, structure deal terms, and coach founders on financial storytelling. A strong fractional CFO adds credibility during the due diligence process and can often accelerate timelines by ensuring your financials are organized, defensible, and investor-ready before you begin outreach. Many fractional CFOs also bring relationships with investors and can help facilitate introductions.

Link to this question

Read more FAQs

Contact Us

For Companies

Book a call with us to get started.

Not ready for a call? Send us an email to start a conversation at

hello@fractionaljobs.io 

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For Talent

Sign up here to join our network. It’s easy!

Have questions? Feedback? Send us an email to

hello@fractionaljobs.io 

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For Partnerships

We also work with companies that want to advertise to an audience of fractional executives and other fractional talent.

‍To learn more, send us an email to
‍

hello@fractionaljobs.io 

Email Copied! 

Fractional Jobs is the talent network for fractional leaders and the companies looking to hire them. For talent, we offer the resources to break into fractional work successfully, and introductions to potential clients. For companies, we’ll help you hire fractional talent across 10+ different function areas.

Founded by Taylor Crane 

(Twitter & Linkedin)

+ a fractional team of developers, 

marketers, and more.

Learn More

Want to Read More?

Everything you need to go from zero to fractional operator, quickly.
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