Connect with a proven fractional CFO who brings board-level thinking, strategic oversight and commercial clarity — exactly when you need it.
Looking for a fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO)? We will help you find what you are looking for and aid you in getting the model working successfully in your organisation.
Welcome to the Fractional CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Hiring Guide.
Here you’ll find everything you need to identify and hire the right financial leader — serious talent that is flexible and, of course, without the full-time price tag.
With over 20 years’ experience in executive and interim search, we’ve helped organisations unlock growth, control and clarity through fractional CFOs.
This guide shows you how.
A fractional CFO is a senior finance executive who works with your organisation on a part-time, flexible or project basis, delivering high-level financial leadership without the commitment of a full-time hire.
Unlike an interim CFO, who typically steps in full-time to cover a gap or lead a transformation, a fractional CFO supports the business for a set number of days per week or month. They are embedded enough to drive strategy and deliver outcomes, but without the overhead of a permanent role.
They’re not consultants in the traditional sense either. While consultants advise, fractional CFOs take ownership and execute — working closely with your leadership team to shape strategy, improve financial control and support growth.
Businesses often consider a fractional CFO when:
It’s strategic leadership, sized to fit your business.
The fractional CFO meaning goes beyond simply working fewer hours. It reflects a broader shift in how businesses access senior leadership. Today, organisations are rethinking the traditional full-time executive model, opting instead for flexible, outcome-focused expertise that aligns with changing demands.
In this model, value isn’t tied to time spent in the office. It’s measured by impact. A fractional CFO brings strategic oversight, financial clarity and commercial insight, but on terms that suit your business.
Whether it’s preparing for investment, navigating volatility or driving efficiency, a fractional CFO gives you access to the calibre of leadership you need without the long-term cost or commitment of a permanent hire.
It is a smarter way to lead, built for the way modern businesses grow.
Drive growth, improve control and unlock smarter financial strategy — without the full-time cost. Speak to us today about finding the right fractional CFO for your business.
So, what does a fractional CFO do in practice? Quite a lot, and often with outsized impact. They provide the financial leadership your business needs to grow, adapt or gain control, without the cost of a full-time CFO.
Typical responsibilities include:
A fractional CFO acts as a trusted partner to the CEO and leadership team, helping to steer the business through change, growth or challenge with confidence and clarity.
There are many types of fractional CFOs, each bringing different strengths depending on your business stage, sector and challenges. Choosing the right type can make all the difference to the outcomes you achieve.
Here are some of the most common profiles:
Whatever your situation, there is a fractional CFO with the right blend of experience and focus to help you move forward.
Our fractional CFO services are designed to give you the financial leadership you need, on terms that work for your business. Whether you’re looking for part-time support, a project-based engagement or strategic advice, we’ll connect you with a proven CFO who fits your needs.
What we offer:
You’ll get strategic financial expertise without the long-term overhead, backed by over 20 years of leadership hiring experience.
Ready to find the right CFO for your business?
The key advantages of hiring a fractional CFO lie in their ability to deliver real impact quickly, without long-term commitment. It is a smarter, more agile way to access top-tier financial leadership.
Here’s what makes fractional CFOs a compelling choice:
It is all the financial firepower, without the fixed cost or commitment.
Knowing how to hire the right fractional CFO is key to making the most of this flexible model. The best fit isn’t just about experience — it’s about alignment with your business, your goals and your team.
Here’s what to consider:
At Practicus, we take the guesswork out of hiring. Our approach is built on understanding your brief, your culture and your priorities — then matching you with a fractional CFO who can deliver real impact from day one.
So, what does a fractional CFO do in practice? Quite a lot, and often with outsized impact. They provide the financial leadership your business needs to grow, adapt or gain control, without the cost of a full-time CFO.
Typical responsibilities include:
A fractional CFO acts as a trusted partner to the CEO and leadership team, helping to steer the business through change, growth or challenge with confidence and clarity.
There are many types of fractional CFOs, each bringing different strengths depending on your business stage, sector and challenges. Choosing the right type can make all the difference to the outcomes you achieve.
Here are some of the most common profiles:
Whatever your situation, there is a fractional CFO with the right blend of experience and focus to help you move forward.
Head of Delivery
Michael heads up our Executive Search practice. His job title is Head of Delivery because that is exactly what he and his team do for our clients.
Answers to popular questions.
The earnings of a fractional CFO can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, industry, location and the scope of the engagement. In the UK in 2025, a fractional CFO typically earns somewhere between £600 and £1,500 per day, though rates may be higher for those with specialist expertise or private equity experience. And, of course, there is a London premium.
Unlike full-time roles, fractional CFOs are usually paid on a day-rate or retainer basis and may work with multiple clients at once. This portfolio model allows them to command premium rates while offering businesses flexible access to senior financial leadership.
Yes, a fractional CFO is often worth it for businesses that need senior financial expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. Fractional CFOs provide strategic support on key areas like cashflow management, fundraising, financial modelling and business planning — typically on a part-time or project basis.
They are especially valuable for start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs that are growing fast, preparing for investment, or navigating complex financial decisions. With flexible terms and focused delivery, a fractional CFO helps improve financial control, support decision-making and drive growth – all at a fraction of the cost of a permanent executive.
In short, if you need board-level financial leadership but not five days a week, hiring a fractional CFO can be a highly cost-effective and impactful solution.
The cost of a fractional CFO in the UK typically ranges from £600 to £1,500 per day in 2025, depending on the CFO’s experience, the complexity of the work, and the size and sector of the business. In London and for specialist assignments, rates can reach £2,000 per day or more.
Some fractional CFOs work on a monthly retainer, which usually falls between £2,000 and £10,000, offering flexibility and ongoing support without the full-time commitment. Hourly rates are also available for ad hoc support and tend to range from £100 to £300 per hour.
Compared to hiring a full-time CFO — which often costs £150,000 to £200,000+ per year — a fractional CFO offers a more cost-effective solution for accessing senior financial leadership when and where it’s needed.
A fractional CFO typically works between one and three days per week, which equates to 8 to 24 hours, depending on the needs of the business. Some engagements may involve just a few hours per week for advisory support, while others require more hands-on involvement during critical periods like fundraising, audits or system rollouts.
The hours are flexible and tailored to each organisation — that’s what makes the fractional model attractive. Unlike full-time CFOs, fractional CFOs focus on high-impact work, often delivering strategic outcomes in less time by concentrating on what matters most.
For businesses that do not need or cannot justify a full-time CFO, a fractional CFO offers a scalable and efficient alternative.
A bookkeeper and a fractional CMO serve completely different purposes, so one is not “better” than the other — it depends on your business needs.
A bookkeeper manages day-to-day financial records, including invoices, expenses and bank reconciliations. Their role is essential for maintaining accurate financial data and supporting compliance.
A fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer), on the other hand, provides high-level marketing strategy and leadership. They focus on brand positioning, campaign planning, digital growth and aligning marketing with business goals — typically on a part-time or flexible basis.
If your priority is maintaining accurate accounts, a bookkeeper is the right choice. If you’re aiming to grow your brand, generate leads or improve marketing ROI, a fractional CMO is more appropriate. Many businesses benefit from having both.
See our candidate section with links to our current roles:
Synonyms
ALTERNATIVES
You may also be interested in our LinkedIn page
