Expert CFO Services Without Breaking the Bank
San Diego’s business scene is one of a kind, and your financial strategy should reflect that. Whether you’re running a biotech startup in Sorrento Valley, pouring craft brews in North Park, managing defense contracts in Kearny Mesa, or building a SaaS company in East Village, I get what makes your world spin.
As your fractional CFO in San Diego, I bring big-league financial know-how to growing companies that need sharp guidance but aren’t ready to shell out $250K+ for a full-time CFO. I’m there when you need me, diving deep into your business and the local market quirks that shape your profits.
Why San Diego Businesses Love Fractional CFOs
Last month, I grabbed coffee with a founder in La Jolla who said, “We’re pulling in $3M in revenue, but I’m still guessing on financial decisions. I know what we’re selling, but I’m clueless about our unit economics.”
Ring a bell?
You’ve outgrown basic bookkeeping, but you’re not quite at the point of needing a full-time CFO. Your controller’s got the day-to-day accounting locked down, but you need someone who can turn those numbers into a game plan. Maybe you’re gearing up for a funding round, eyeing a buyout, or just trying to figure out if your growth is actually making you money.
That’s where a fractional CFO steps in.
I bring you the strategic financial leadership you need—think forecasting, scenario planning, investor relations, cash flow management, and growth strategy—without the hefty price tag of a full-time executive.
What Makes San Diego Special (And Why It Shapes Your Finances)
Since 2023, I’ve worked with businesses across San Diego County, and one thing’s clear: local context is everything. Your financial strategy has to account for:
The San Diego Market Vibe
- Talent costs driven up by defense contractors offering juicy premiums in Sorrento Valley
- Real estate choices where Carlsbad warehouse space has a different price tag than Otay Mesa
- Cash flow timing tied to government contracts (like those with SPAWAR, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command)
- Banking relationships with institutions that get San Diego’s economy
Industry-Specific Smarts
I’ve got deep experience with San Diego’s key industries:
- Life Sciences & Biotech (Torrey Pines, Sorrento Mesa) – managing burn rates, capitalizing R&D, planning for FDA milestones
- Technology & SaaS (Downtown, UTC) – nailing SaaS metrics, ARR forecasting, getting venture-ready
- Manufacturing & Defense (Kearny Mesa, Poway) – contract accounting, capacity planning, supply chain finance
- Hospitality & Craft Beverage (North Park, Little Italy) – seasonal cash flow, inventory management, multi-unit economics
What I Bring to the Table as Your San Diego Fractional CFO
Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis
This isn’t about slapping together a budget and calling it a day. Real financial planning means knowing where your business is headed and building a clear path to get there.
Real-world example:
I worked with a Carlsbad medical device company prepping for their Series A. They had financials, but investors wanted the full story. I built a three-year financial model that didn’t just show revenue projections—it highlighted unit economics, scalability metrics, and capital efficiency. They raised $8M at a $35M valuation.
Here’s what I deliver:
- Rolling 13-week cash flow forecasts (because a 12-month plan doesn’t help if you’re broke in week 9)
- Scenario planning for best-case, realistic, and “what keeps you up at night” moments
- Strategic KPI frameworks that actually guide your decisions
- Board-ready financial presentations that tell your story loud and clear
Cash Flow Management & Forecasting
Cash is your business’s oxygen. Revenue looks nice, profit feels good, but cash? That’s what keeps the lights on.
Take a North Park brewery I worked with last year. On paper, they were profitable. In reality, they were 30 days from missing payroll. The issue? Distributor payment terms, seasonal inventory buildups, and no clue about their cash conversion cycle.
Here’s what we did:
- Set up weekly cash forecasting with scenario planning
- Optimized working capital (they freed up $180K from inventory alone)
- Negotiated better payment terms with suppliers and customers
- Built banking relationships with local institutions that understand craft beverage economics
The payoff? They weathered their slowest quarter and grew 40% the next year without needing extra capital.
Fundraising & Investor Relations
Raising money in San Diego means knowing your audience. Local VCs, angel groups, and family offices each have their own language. I help you speak it fluently.
What I do for fundraising:
- Build investor-ready financial models with metrics that matter (not just the shiny ones)
- Manage cap tables and scenario modeling
- Prep and handle due diligence
- Craft pitch deck financials that tell a compelling story
- Provide valuation analysis and negotiation support
A UTC SaaS company brought me in two months before their Series B roadshow. Their financials were accurate but dull. I rebuilt their model to spotlight SaaS metrics investors love: CAC payback period, net dollar retention, magic number, and Rule of 40 compliance. They closed their round $2M above target.
Financial Systems & Process Optimization
Your accounting system should be your ally, not a monthly headache.
I’ve seen it all: QuickBooks held together by sheer will, Excel models that crash if you sneeze, financial close processes that drag on for three weeks, and reports nobody trusts enough to act on.
Here’s how I help:
- Select and implement accounting systems (I’m platform-agnostic but know QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Sage Intacct inside out)
- Restructure charts of accounts for crystal-clear visibility
- Streamline financial close processes (one client went from 21 days to 7)
- Automate routine reporting
- Set up internal controls that work for growing businesses
Part-Time CFO Team Leadership
Your controller’s awesome at closing the books. Your bookkeeper keeps things accurate. But who’s coaching them? Who’s planning what your finance team needs in two years?
I provide:
- Strategic leadership for your existing finance crew
- Hiring guidance when you’re ready to level up
- Process training and best practices
- Career development for your rising stars
When You Need a Fractional CFO in San Diego
You’re probably ready if:
You’re Growing Fast (Maybe Too Fast)
Your revenue’s up 50%+ year-over-year, but profitability’s a bit murky. You’re hiring, expanding, investing—but are the unit economics solid at scale?
You’re Prepping for a Big Move
Fundraising, acquisition, or exit—these moments demand financial polish. Investors and buyers will dig deep, and your financials need to tell a story that holds up.
You’re Navigating New Complexity
New product lines, new markets, or your first big enterprise contract? Suddenly, revenue recognition gets tricky, cost allocation matters, and you need someone who’s been through it.
You Want Strategic Clarity
You’ve got data—tons of it. But which metrics matter? What should you focus on? Where’s the leverage in your business model?
You’re Between Controllers and Full CFOs
Your controller’s killing it on accounting, but you need strategic financial leadership. A $250K+ full-time CFO isn’t in the cards, but you need that expertise.
How I Partner With San Diego Businesses
Discovery & Assessment (Weeks 1-2)
I start by getting to know your business, not just your numbers. What are you trying to achieve? What keeps you awake at night? Where do you see big opportunities?
I’ll dig into:
- Your current financial statements to see what’s really going on
- Your existing systems and processes
- Your strategic goals and growth plans
- Any specific challenges or upcoming turning points
Strategic Financial Plan (Weeks 3-4)
From there, I build a tailored financial roadmap:
- Short-term priorities (0-90 days)
- Medium-term strategic moves (90 days-1 year)
- Long-term financial architecture (1-3 years)
- Clear deliverables and timeline
Ongoing Partnership
I become part of your team with regular check-ins:
- Weekly: Cash flow reviews, urgent issues, quick decisions
- Monthly: Financial close, variance analysis, KPI reviews, strategic talks
- Quarterly: Board prep, strategic planning updates, deep-dive analysis
Availability: I’m reachable via Slack, email, or phone for urgent matters. Need to hash out a big decision? I’m here. Want to model out that next hire? Let’s do it.
In-Person Options: Most of my work is remote for efficiency, but I’m based in San Diego and happy to meet in person for board presentations or planning sessions anywhere from Carlsbad to Chula Vista, La Jolla to El Cajon.
Real Wins From San Diego Companies
Case Study: Sorrento Valley Biotech
Challenge: Pre-revenue biotech prepping for Series A, grappling with complex R&D capitalization and burn rate worries.
What I did:
- Built a three-year financial model with multiple R&D scenarios
- Set up milestone-based budgeting tied to development stages
- Created investor-ready projections showing the path to clinical trials
- Managed due diligence with three potential lead investors
Result: They closed a $12M Series A at a strong valuation, with an 18-month runway to key clinical milestones.
Case Study: Downtown SaaS Company
Challenge: Growing SaaS business with $5M ARR but fuzzy unit economics and unpredictable cash flow.
What I did:
- Rebuilt their financial model around cohort analysis and SaaS metrics
- Set up weekly cash forecasting to eliminate monthly surprises
- Analyzed CAC by channel (found two channels bleeding cash)
- Restructured pricing to boost LTV:CAC ratio from 2.1x to 4.3x
Result: Hit profitability in six months, cut burn by 40%, and set up for sustainable growth without more funding.
Case Study: Kearny Mesa Manufacturing
Challenge: Defense contractor with uneven contract revenue, cash flow swings, and limited financial visibility.
What I did:
- Set up project-based accounting and profitability tracking
- Built cash flow forecasting tied to contract milestones and payment terms
- Developed a capacity planning model for production scheduling
- Negotiated better payment terms with three major customers
Result: Smoothed out cash flow, boosted gross margins by 8 percentage points, and enabled strategic equipment investments.
Fractional CFO vs. Full-Time CFO: What’s Right for You?
Go with a Full-Time CFO when:
- You’re pulling in $25M+ in revenue with complex multi-entity setups
- You’re public or planning an IPO in the next 12-18 months
- You need someone in the office 50+ hours a week
- You’ve got a big finance team needing daily leadership
- Your business model demands constant, complex financial engineering
Choose a Fractional CFO when:
- You’re between $2M-$25M in revenue with a straightforward structure
- You need CFO-level expertise but not 40 hours a week
- Saving $100K-$150K+ a year compared to a full-time CFO matters
- You want flexibility to dial involvement up or down
- You need strategic expertise without building out a full C-suite yet
The truth for most San Diego growth companies: You need CFO-level thinking for maybe 10-20 hours a week. Why pay for 40?
What to Look for in a San Diego Fractional CFO
Not all fractional CFOs are created equal. Here’s what you should care about:
Relevant Industry Experience
A CFO who’s only done manufacturing won’t get SaaS metrics on instinct. A retail CFO might fumble R&D capitalization. You need someone who’s walked in your shoes.
Local Market Know-How
San Diego isn’t Silicon Valley or LA. Local banking relationships matter. Regional compensation benchmarks matter. Knowing which investors are active here matters.
Strategic, Not Just Number-Crunching
Anyone can spit out financial statements. You need someone who turns numbers into strategy, asking “What does this mean for your business?” not just “Does this balance?”
Clear Communication
Your fractional CFO should make complex financial stuff easy to grasp. If you’re more confused after meetings than before, that’s a red flag.
Availability & Responsiveness
Fractional doesn’t mean ghosting you. You need clear communication channels and reasonable response times.
Chemistry & Trust
You’ll share sensitive financial details and make big decisions together. The vibe has to click.
My Approach: Financial Strategy That Fuels Growth
I don’t believe financial leadership is about making you feel clueless—it’s about giving you clarity to make smarter calls.
My philosophy:
- Context over complexity: I speak plain English, not accounting gibberish
- Strategy over spreadsheets: Numbers matter, but understanding their story is key
- Partnership over preaching: I advise, you decide—it’s your business
- Proactive over reactive: I spot issues before they’re emergencies
- Education over gatekeeping: I want you to understand your financials, not rely on me forever
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fractional CFO cost in San Diego?
Most engagements in San Diego run $3,500-$12,000 per month, depending on complexity, time commitment, and scope. That’s 70-85% cheaper than a full-time CFO with salary, benefits, and equity.
How much time will you spend with my business?
Typically 10-30 hours per month. I scale up for big projects like fundraising and dial back during steady periods.
Do you work on-site or remotely?
I’m flexible. Most work is remote for efficiency, but I’m in San Diego and can meet in person for board presentations or planning sessions across the county.
What size companies do you work with?
I focus on companies with $2M-$25M in revenue. Below $2M, you might not need CFO-level help yet. Above $25M, you’re likely ready for a full-time CFO.
What industries do you specialize in?
I’m deep in San Diego’s core industries: life sciences/biotech, tech/SaaS, manufacturing/defense, and hospitality/craft beverage. But solid financial principles work across the board.
How long is a typical engagement?
Most clients stick with me for 12-36 months. Some projects are short-term (like fundraising), others are ongoing partnerships. No long-term contracts—if I’m not adding value, you should move on.
What’s the difference between a fractional CFO and a controller?
Controllers are tactical, handling accurate books and accounting processes. CFOs are strategic, focusing on forecasting, capital raises, and big decisions. Many businesses need both but can’t afford full-time for each.
Do I need a fractional CFO if I have a controller?
Often, yes. Your controller handles the past (last month’s numbers), while I focus on the future (next quarter, next year). We’re a perfect tag team.
Can you help with tax planning and preparation?
I focus on strategic financial planning and management. For tax prep and detailed tax strategy, I team up with your CPA to ensure tax-efficient structuring, but I’m not a tax preparer.
What if I need more help as we grow?
That’s the beauty of fractional services—I scale with you. Need more time during fundraising or busy season? I step up. Ready for a full-time CFO? I’ll help you hire them and ensure a smooth handoff.
Serving San Diego Businesses Countywide
I work with companies across San Diego’s vibrant business landscape:
Central San Diego: Downtown, Little Italy, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, North Park, South Park, Golden Hill
Coastal Communities: La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, Coronado, Imperial Beach
North County Coastal: Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Leucadia, Carlsbad, Oceanside
North County Inland: Rancho Bernardo, Poway, Rancho Penasquitos, Scripps Ranch, Carmel Valley, Rancho Santa Fe, Escondido, San Marcos, Vista
East County: La Mesa, El Cajon, Santee, Lakeside, Alpine, Ramona
South Bay: Chula Vista, National City, Bonita, Imperial Beach, San Ysidro, Otay Mesa
Industries I Serve in San Diego
Life Sciences & Biotechnology
From early-stage research to clinical trials, I get R&D capitalization, milestone-based budgeting, and what investors want from biotech financials.
Technology & SaaS
ARR, MRR, CAC, LTV, magic number, Rule of 40—I speak SaaS fluently and help you optimize metrics for growth and fundraising.
Manufacturing & Defense Contractors
Project accounting, capacity planning, contract profitability, and navigating government contract revenue recognition.
Professional Services
Utilization rates, realization rates, project profitability, and scaling services businesses sustainably.
Craft Beverage & Hospitality
Inventory management, seasonal cash flow planning, multi-location economics, and distributor relationship management.
Healthcare & Medical Practices
Reimbursement complexities, payer negotiations, practice profitability, and expansion planning.
Ready to Level Up Your Financial Strategy?
The difference between companies that soar and those that stumble often boils down to financial clarity. Not just having numbers—knowing what they mean and how to act on them.
If you’re ready for strategic financial leadership without the full-time cost, let’s chat.
Free Financial Health Assessment
I offer a no-strings-attached 45-minute financial health assessment for San Diego businesses. We’ll dive into:
- Your current financial position and cash runway
- Key metrics and what they say about your business
- Strategic financial priorities for the next 12 months
- Whether a fractional CFO makes sense for your stage
No hard sell. No pressure. Just straight-up insights into your financial picture.
Get in Touch
Serving growing businesses throughout San Diego County with strategic financial leadership that drives real results.
Ascension CFO is a fractional CFO services firm providing strategic financial leadership to growing businesses throughout San Diego, California. We specialize in financial planning & analysis, fundraising support, cash flow management, and strategic advisory for companies in life sciences, technology, manufacturing, and professional services.
