Hey there, San Diego business owner! I get it—running a company in this vibrant city is a wild ride. Whether you’re brewing craft beer in North Park, building cutting-edge biotech in Sorrento Valley, or running a SaaS startup in East Village, you’ve got a lot on your plate. And let’s be real, crunching numbers isn’t why you started your business. That’s where I come in as your fractional CFO, bringing big-league financial know-how without the hefty price tag of a full-time exec. Picture me as your financial sidekick, diving deep into your business to help you make sense of the numbers and plan for growth, all while keeping things local and relatable.
I’m not here to throw around jargon or make you feel like you need an MBA to understand your finances. I’m embedded in San Diego’s unique business scene, from the defense contractors in Kearny Mesa to the laid-back breweries in Little Italy. My job is to understand what makes your business tick and give you the tools to make smarter decisions—without breaking the bank.
Why a Fractional CFO Makes Sense for San Diego Businesses
Let me tell you about a conversation I had last month with a founder in La Jolla. She was pulling in $3 million in revenue, but when it came to her finances, she felt like she was navigating a foggy coastline without a lighthouse. “I know we’re selling,” she said, “but I have no clue if we’re actually making money.” If that sounds like you, you’re not alone.
Maybe your bookkeeper’s got the day-to-day covered, and your controller’s a wizard with the numbers. But who’s turning those numbers into a game plan? If you’re gearing up for a funding round, eyeing an acquisition, or just trying to figure out if your growth is sustainable, a fractional CFO is your secret weapon. I step in to provide strategic financial leadership—think forecasting, cash flow management, and investor prep—at a fraction of the cost of a $250,000-a-year CFO.
What Makes San Diego’s Business Scene Unique (And Why It Matters to Your Wallet)
I’ve been working with San Diego businesses since 2023, and let me tell you, this city isn’t just another dot on the map. Your financial strategy needs to reflect the realities of our local market. Here’s what I mean:
- Local Costs. Hiring top talent in Sorrento Valley? You’re competing with defense giants offering big paychecks. Need warehouse space? Prices in Carlsbad are a whole different ballgame compared to Otay Mesa.
- Cash Flow Timing. If you’re working with government contracts (like those with SPAWAR), you know payments can be slower than a Pacific Beach traffic jam.
- Banking Relationships. You need local banks that get San Diego’s economy, whether you’re a startup or a legacy manufacturer.
I’ve worked with businesses across San Diego’s core industries, so I know the ins and outs:
- Biotech in Torrey Pines. Managing burn rates and planning for FDA milestones is second nature to me.
- SaaS in Downtown. I speak ARR and CAC fluently and can prep you for venture capital pitches.
- Manufacturing in Poway. From contract accounting to supply chain finance, I’ve got you covered.
- Craft Breweries in North Park. I know seasonal cash flow and inventory management like the back of my hand.
What I Bring to the Table as Your Fractional CFO
Strategic Financial Planning That Actually Works
Forget static budgets that gather dust. I’m all about building a financial roadmap that evolves with your business. Take a medical device company in Carlsbad I worked with. They were prepping for a Series A round, but their financials were just numbers on a page. I built a three-year model that showed investors the full story—unit economics, scalability, and capital efficiency. The result? They raised $8 million at a $35 million valuation.
Here’s what you get:
- 13-week cash flow forecasts that keep you ahead of the game.
- Scenario planning for best-case, realistic, and worst-case situations.
- KPI frameworks that drive real decisions, not just look pretty.
- Board-ready presentations that make investors sit up and listen.
Cash Flow Management That Keeps You Breathing
Cash is your business’s oxygen. I worked with a North Park brewery that looked profitable on paper but was weeks away from missing payroll. Their issue? Slow distributor payments and a messy inventory system. I set up weekly cash forecasts, optimized their working capital (freeing up $180,000 from inventory), and renegotiated payment terms. They not only survived their slow season but grew 40% the next year without needing extra funding.
I’ll help you with:
- Weekly cash forecasts to avoid surprises.
- Working capital tweaks to unlock hidden cash.
- Supplier and customer negotiations to improve terms.
- Banking relationships tailored to your industry.
Fundraising That Speaks Investor Language
Raising capital in San Diego means knowing your audience—local VCs, angel groups, or family offices. I helped a UTC SaaS company prep for their Series B. Their financials were solid but didn’t tell a story. I rebuilt their model to highlight metrics investors love—CAC payback, net dollar retention, and Rule of 40 compliance. They closed their round $2 million above their target.
My fundraising support includes:
- Investor-ready financial models with the right metrics.
- Cap table management and scenario modeling.
- Due diligence prep to keep things smooth.
- Pitch deck financials that grab attention.
- Valuation analysis to strengthen your negotiations.
Financial Systems That Don’t Drive You Nuts
I’ve seen accounting systems held together by sheer willpower—QuickBooks that crash, Excel sheets that implode, and financial closes that take weeks. I help you streamline:
- Choosing and setting up the right accounting software (QuickBooks, NetSuite, you name it).
- Restructuring your chart of accounts for clarity.
- Speeding up your financial close (one client went from 21 days to 7).
- Automating reports so you can focus on decisions.
- Setting up internal controls that actually work.
Leading Your Finance Team to Success
Your controller and bookkeeper are great at their jobs, but who’s guiding them to the next level? I step in to:
- Provide strategic leadership for your finance team.
- Help you hire the right talent when it’s time to grow.
- Train your team on best practices.
- Develop your high-potential team members for the future.
When You Know It’s Time for a Fractional CFO
Here’s when I typically get the call:
- You’re Growing Like Crazy. Revenue’s up 50%, but profitability is a mystery. You’re hiring and expanding, but are the economics sustainable?
- You’re Prepping for a Big Move. Fundraising, acquisition, or exit? Investors will dig deep, and your financials need to shine.
- Things Are Getting Complicated. New product lines, new markets, or big contracts mean your finances aren’t simple anymore.
- You’re Drowning in Data. You’ve got numbers, but which ones matter? I’ll help you find the signal in the noise.
- You Need More Than a Controller. Your controller’s great at accounting, but you need someone thinking about strategy.
How I Work With You
Getting to Know You (Weeks 1-2)
I don’t just dive into your books—I want to understand your business. What’s your big vision? What keeps you up at night? I’ll review your financials, systems, and goals to get the full picture.
Building Your Financial Roadmap (Weeks 3-4)
Next, I create a plan tailored to your business—short-term fixes, medium-term strategies, and a long-term vision to keep you on track.
Partnering for the Long Haul
I’m not a drive-by consultant. I’m with you regularly:
- Weekly. Cash flow check-ins and quick decisions.
- Monthly. Deep dives into financials, KPIs, and strategy.
- Quarterly. Board prep and big-picture planning.
I’m available via Slack, email, or phone when you need me. Want to model out a big hire? I’m on it. Need me in person for a board meeting in La Jolla or Carlsbad? I’m there.
Real San Diego Success Stories
Sorrento Valley Biotech
A pre-revenue biotech was stressing about their Series A. Their R&D costs were complex, and investors wanted clarity. I built a three-year model with R&D scenarios, milestone-based budgets, and investor-ready projections. They closed a $12 million round with an 18-month runway to hit their clinical milestones.
Downtown SaaS Startup
A SaaS company with $5 million ARR was growing fast but had murky unit economics. I rebuilt their model around cohort analysis, set up weekly cash forecasting, and optimized their pricing to boost their LTV:CAC ratio from 2.1x to 4.3x. They hit profitability in six months and cut their burn by 40%.
Kearny Mesa Manufacturer
A defense contractor had lumpy revenue and cash flow swings. I set up project-based accounting, tied cash flow to contract milestones, and negotiated better payment terms. They smoothed out their cash flow, boosted margins by 8%, and invested in new equipment.
Fractional CFO vs. Full-Time CFO
A full-time CFO makes sense if you’re a $25 million+ company with complex structures or IPO plans. But for most San Diego businesses, a fractional CFO is the smarter play. You get high-level expertise for 10-20 hours a week, saving you $100,000-$150,000 a year compared to a full-time hire.
What to Look for in a Fractional CFO
Not all fractional CFOs are created equal. Here’s what you need:
- Industry Experience. A manufacturing CFO won’t get SaaS metrics, and a retail expert might fumble biotech.
- San Diego Know-How. This isn’t Silicon Valley. Local banking and investor relationships matter.
- Big-Picture Thinking. You need someone who turns numbers into strategy, not just reports.
- Clear Communication. If you’re confused after a meeting, that’s a red flag.
- Availability. Fractional doesn’t mean absent. You need quick responses.
- Trust. You’re sharing sensitive info—chemistry is everything.
My Approach to Financial Leadership
I’m not here to make you feel bad about what you don’t know. My job is to give you clarity so you can make confident decisions. I believe in plain English over jargon, strategy over spreadsheets, and partnership over preaching. I’m proactive, spotting issues before they blow up, and I want you to understand your financials, not just rely on me.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fractional CFO cost?
In San Diego, you’re looking at $3,500-$12,000 a month, depending on your needs. That’s 70-85% less than a full-time CFO’s salary, benefits, and equity.
How much time will you spend with me?
Typically 10-30 hours a month, scaling up for big projects like fundraising or down for steady operations.
Do you work on-site?
Most work is remote for efficiency, but I’m local and happy to meet in person across San Diego County.
What size companies do you work with?
I focus on businesses with $2 million to $25 million in revenue—big enough to need CFO expertise, but not ready for a full-time hire.
What industries do you know?
I’m deep in San Diego’s big players—biotech, SaaS, manufacturing, and craft beverage—but good financial principles work across the board.
How long do we work together?
Most clients stick with me for 12-36 months. Some projects are short-term, others are ongoing. No long-term contracts—if I’m not adding value, you should walk.
What’s the difference between a CFO and a controller?
Controllers handle the past—accurate books and reports. I focus on the future—forecasting, strategy, and big decisions.
Do I need you if I have a controller?
Probably. Your controller’s great at accounting, but I’m here for strategy and planning.
Can you help with taxes?
I focus on strategy, but I’ll work with your CPA to ensure tax-efficient planning.
What if I need more help later?
I scale with you. Need more time? I’m there. Ready for a full-time CFO? I’ll help you hire and transition.
Serving All of San Diego County
From Downtown’s startup buzz to Carlsbad’s coastal innovation, I work with businesses everywhere—North Park, La Jolla, Chula Vista, Poway, you name it.
Industries I Serve
- Biotech. R&D budgets, milestone planning, investor prep.
- SaaS. ARR, CAC, LTV, and all the metrics that drive growth.
- Manufacturing. Contract accounting and capacity planning.
- Professional Services. Utilization rates and project profitability.
- Craft Beverage. Seasonal cash flow and inventory management.
- Healthcare. Reimbursement strategies and practice growth.
Ready to Level Up Your Finances?
Great companies don’t just stumble into success—they have a clear financial roadmap. If you’re ready to make smarter decisions without the cost of a full-time CFO, let’s chat.
Free Financial Health Assessment
I’m offering a no-strings-attached 45-minute financial health check for San Diego businesses. We’ll dig into your cash runway, key metrics, and priorities for the next year. No hard sell—just honest insights.
I’m here to help San Diego businesses grow smarter, from Coronado to Escondido. Let’s make your financials work as hard as you do.
Ascension CFO is your San Diego-based partner for strategic financial leadership, serving growing businesses in biotech, tech, manufacturing, and more.
