Make a Payment 801-833-0991

Fractional CFO

Fractional CFO services

Strategic financial leadership, without a $200,000 salary on the payroll.

Quick answer

A fractional CFO is an experienced chief financial officer who works with your business part-time, giving you strategic financial leadership without a full-time salary that typically exceeds $200,000 a year. Ascension CFO provides fractional CFO services from South Jordan, Utah, on monthly advisory plans or at $250 per hour.

On this page 8 sections
  1. Why You Need a Financial Strategist (Not Just…
  2. What You Get with Fractional CFO Services
  3. How We’ll Work Together
  4. How Much Does Strategic Financial Leadership…
  5. Why This Works for You
  6. Your Questions, Answered
  7. Ready to Take Control of Your Finances?
  8. +1 801-833-0991

Picture this: you’ve built a business that’s gaining traction. Revenue’s climbing, your team’s growing, and customers are loving what you do. But then, somewhere between popping champagne over last quarter’s wins and sweating over next year’s budget, you realize something. You need someone who can guide you through the financial maze—someone who doesn’t just crunch numbers but sees the big picture and helps you make smart moves. That’s where I come in with fractional CFO services, giving you top-tier financial expertise without the hefty price tag of a full-time executive.

Let me show you how to turn your financials into a roadmap for growth, protection, and whatever’s next.

Why You Need a Financial Strategist (Not Just a Number-Cruncher)

You’re not just running a business—you’re building something real. But growth brings complexity, and that’s when you need someone who’s been there, done that. Not a bookkeeper who only looks backward. Not a consultant who hands you a fancy slide deck and vanishes. You need someone who’s built businesses like yours and can turn financial chaos into clear, actionable decisions.

Fractional CFO services are all about giving you that strategic edge, tailored to your needs, at a cost that makes sense. I’m here to help you see around corners, make bold moves with confidence, and avoid the pitfalls that trip up growing companies.

What You Get with Fractional CFO Services

1. Strategic Financial Planning

Your business dreams are big, and your financial strategy should match that ambition. Forget just slapping together a budget and crossing your fingers. Strategic planning is about creating a clear path from where you are today to where you want to be in three years. It’s about knowing exactly what moves will get you there.

What You’ll Get:

  • Long-term financial roadmaps (think 3-5 years out)
  • Scenario planning (best case, base case, worst case)
  • Growth strategy modeling and smart capital allocation
  • Evaluating big initiatives and their ROI
  • Optimizing profitability across your products, services, and customer groups
  • Feasibility studies for breaking into new markets

What I Deliver:

  • A multi-year financial plan with clear milestones
  • Quarterly strategy check-ins to keep you on track
  • Decision frameworks for big investments
  • Models for allocating resources wisely

What It Means for You:
You’ll stop reacting to surprises and start making proactive choices. Want to hire that new team member or expand to a new city? You’ll know if it’s feasible because we’ve already mapped it out. You’ll make smarter decisions because you’ll see the long-term impact of every move.

2. Cash Flow Management

Here’s a hard truth: cash flow issues take down more businesses than lack of profits. I’ve seen companies with solid revenue struggle to make payroll because their cash was tied up. I’ve watched others miss growth opportunities because they didn’t have the cash they’d already earned. Cash flow management isn’t about having more money—it’s about knowing where it’s going and when.

  • 13-week cash flow forecasts, updated weekly
  • Strategies to optimize working capital
  • Analysis and fixes for your cash conversion cycle
  • Plans to keep liquidity strong
  • Programs to speed up accounts receivable
  • Smarter accounts payable strategiesទ
  • 13-week cash flow forecasts, updated weekly
  • Strategies to optimize working capital
  • Analysis and fixes for your cash conversion cycle
  • Plans to keep liquidity strong
  • Programs to speed up accounts receivable
  • Smarter accounts payable strategies that keep vendors happy
  • Weekly cash position reports with a 90-day outlook
  • A roadmap to improve working capital
  • Streamlined credit and collections processes
  • A real-time cash flow dashboard

What It Means for You:
You’ll rest easy knowing your cash position today and three months from now. You’ll spot cash leaks before they become crises. You’ll feel confident investing in growth because you’ve got a handle on liquidity.

3. Financial Forecasting & Budgeting

A good forecast doesn’t just predict what you hope will happen—it shows you what’s actually coming. Too many businesses treat forecasting like a wish list with numbers. I build forecasts that tie your day-to-day operations to your big-picture goals, so you know what’s working and what to tweak.

  • Integrated financial models (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow)
  • Rolling 12-18 month forecasts, updated monthly
  • Annual budgets with departmental breakdowns
  • Variance analysis with practical insights
  • Driver-based forecasting models
  • Monthly reviews with your leadership team
  • A detailed annual budget
  • Monthly forecast updates with clear explanations
  • Scenario models for big decisions
  • Budget performance dashboards

What It Means for You:
You’ll catch trends early and adjust before they derail you. You’ll know if you’re on track for your goals with time to pivot. Your resource decisions will be driven by data, not gut. And when surprises hit, you’ll have models to understand the impact.

4. Fundraising Support

Investors don’t throw money at great ideas—they back businesses with a clear financial story. The winners aren’t always the ones with the flashiest products—they’re the ones with numbers that make sense and projections that hold up.

  • Investor-ready financial statements and models
  • Financial sections for your pitch deck
  • Organized due diligence materials
  • Cap table creation and scenario modeling
  • Valuation analysis and negotiation support
  • A compelling financial narrative for pitches
  • A complete financial package for investors
  • 3-5 year projections with solid assumptions
  • Use-of-funds analysis
  • Cap table with dilution scenarios
  • Answers to common investor questions

What It Means for You:
You’ll walk into investor meetings with confidence, knowing your numbers tell a powerful story. You’ll breeze through due diligence. You’ll understand deal structures and their impact on your ownership. And you’ll close funding faster because investors trust your financial game.

5. Financial Reporting & Analysis

Financial reports shouldn’t just sit in a drawer—they should spark action. Most companies get reports weeks late that raise more questions than answers. I create dashboards that highlight what matters, track KPIs tied to your goals, and give you insights to make your next move.

  • Executive dashboards with key metrics
  • Custom KPIs aligned with your strategy
  • Monthly management reporting packages
  • Board-ready presentations
  • Financial statement prep and analysis
  • Trend analysis and benchmarking
  • A scannable, actionable monthly dashboard
  • Board decks with strategic insights
  • Departmental KPI scorecards
  • Executive memos on key trends

What It Means for You:
You’ll finally understand what your financials are saying. You’ll spot opportunities and issues early. Your board meetings will focus on strategy, not excuses for last month’s numbers. And you’ll have the data to keep your team accountable.

6. Systems & Process Improvement

Your accounting system should make your life easier, not harder. I’ve seen finance teams waste 60% of their time moving data between systems, taking weeks to close the books. That’s not how modern finance works. Let’s fix it.

  • Evaluation and setup of accounting systems (QuickBooks, Xero and similar)
  • Automated processes and workflows
  • Strong internal controls
  • Faster month-end close processes
  • Integration with CRM, inventory, or payroll systems
  • Finance team efficiency audits
  • System analysis and vendor recommendations
  • An implementation roadmap
  • Process documentation and workflows
  • Internal controls framework
  • Team training

What It Means for You:
Your month-end close will take days, not weeks. Your team will focus on analysis, not data entry. You’ll trust your numbers thanks to solid controls. And your finance function will scale without bloating headcount.

7. Mergers & Acquisitions Support

Acquisitions are strategic bets with big financial stakes. Whether you’re buying, selling, or merging, the financial details can make or break the deal. Due diligence spots hidden issues, valuation keeps you from overpaying, and integration ensures you actually get the value you planned for.

  • Buy-side and sell-side financial advice
  • Quality of earnings analysis
  • Financial due diligence management
  • Deal structure and valuation analysis
  • Integration planning and synergy tracking
  • Post-merger financial integration
  • A due diligence report with clear findings
  • Financial valuation models
  • An integration plan and timeline
  • Synergy analysis and tracking

What It Means for You:
You’ll negotiate with confidence, knowing exactly what you’re buying or selling. You’ll avoid deals that hide nasty surprises. You’ll structure transactions to protect your interests. And your integration plan will deliver the value you expected.

8. Finance Team Development & Mentoring

Your finance team can do more than you think, but they need the right tools and guidance. I’ve seen bookkeepers promoted to controllers without support, leaving them overwhelmed and you frustrated. Let’s bridge that gap.

  • Coaching for controllers and finance teams
  • Hiring support for key roles
  • Skills gap assessments and training
  • Process and procedure development
  • Performance management and goal setting
  • Career development plans
  • A team capability assessment
  • Individual development plans
  • Training resources
  • Job descriptions and hiring scorecards
  • 90-day onboarding plans

What It Means for You:
Your team will step up instead of burning out. You’ll hire smarter because you’ll know what you need. Your controller will become a strategic partner, not just a transaction processor. And your finance function will grow with your business.

How We’ll Work Together

Discovery & Assessment (Weeks 1-2)

First, I get to know your business—not just your numbers. I’ll sit down with your leadership team, dig into your financials, and learn your goals. My aim isn’t to dazzle you with jargon but to pinpoint the biggest opportunities to move your business forward.

What Happens:

  • Financial health checkup
  • Leadership team interviews
  • Systems and process reviews
  • Strategic goal discussions
  • Gap analysis (where you are vs where you want to be)

What You Get:
A straightforward report highlighting what’s working, what’s not, and where we should start.

Strategic Plan Development (Weeks 3-4)

Next, we’ll create a 90-day action plan. This isn’t some dusty 50-page document—it’s a focused roadmap with specific steps, timelines, and success metrics tailored to your business.

  • Setting priorities (we can’t fix everything at once)
  • Detailed planning for top initiatives
  • Resource and timeline mapping
  • Defining success metrics
  • Aligning stakeholders

What You Get:
A 90-day financial roadmap with clear milestones and a shared vision of success.

Implementation & Execution (Ongoing)

This is where the magic happens. I’ll work with you 1-3 days a week (or more during crunch times like fundraising or month-end). I’m not just advising—I’m rolling up my sleeves, building models, training your team, and presenting to your board.

  • Weekly or bi-weekly working sessions
  • Project execution and milestone tracking
  • Regular leadership updates
  • Quick course corrections
  • Real-time problem-solving

How We Collaborate:
I’m like an extension of your executive team. I join key meetings, answer strategic questions, and tackle financial decisions as they arise. You’re not buying my hours—you’re getting my expertise when it matters most.

Ongoing Strategic Advisory

Once we’ve tackled the initial projects, most clients shift to ongoing support. I’ll provide monthly financial reviews, quarterly strategy sessions, and be there for whatever challenges pop up.

  • Monthly financial performance reviews
  • Quarterly strategic planning
  • Board meeting prep and attendance
  • Ongoing access for questions
  • Continuous process improvements

What It Means for You:
You’ll have a trusted financial partner who knows your business inside out and helps you tackle growth, downturns, or exits with confidence.

How Much Does Strategic Financial Leadership Cost?

Flexible Engagement Options

Part-Time Advisory
$3,000 – $7,500/month

  • 1-3 days per month
  • Monthly financial reviews
  • Strategic planning support
  • Ad-hoc guidance
  • Perfect for: Businesses with $2M-$10M in revenue needing ongoing advice

Active Project Work
$6,000 – $15,000/month

  • 2-4 days per week
  • Hands-on implementation
  • System buildouts
  • Team development
  • Perfect for: Growing companies ($5M-$25M) building financial systems or prepping for transitions

Intensive Engagement
$12,000 – $20,000+/month

  • 3-5 days per week
  • Full CFO-level leadership
  • Deep integration with your team
  • Major initiatives (fundraising, M&A, scaling)
  • Perfect for: High-growth companies ($10M+) needing serious CFO firepower without a full-time hire

Why This Works for You

We Start with Your Reality
Your business is unique, and generic solutions don’t cut it. I work through your goals, challenges, and team to create a plan that fits like a glove.

Expertise Without the Price Tag
A full-time CFO costs $250K-$400K a year, plus benefits and equity. With me, you get that expertise for a fraction of the cost, with the flexibility to scale up or down.

Action, Not Just Advice
Fancy reports don’t grow businesses. I don’t just recommend—I build, train, and execute alongside you, from models to board presentations.

A True Partner
I’m not here to punch a clock. I’m your strategic ally, invested in your success, with the experience to make it happen.

Your Questions, Answered

How’s a fractional CFO different from an accountant or bookkeeper?
Bookkeepers track what happened. Accountants keep you compliant. I tell you what it means and how to use it to grow. I’m all about strategy and decisions.

What size company needs a fractional CFO?
Most of my clients have $1 million-$50M in revenue—too big for a bookkeeper, not ready for a $300K CFO. But it’s more about complexity. If you’re raising funds, growing fast, or facing big financial decisions, I can help.

How much time will you spend with us?
It depends on what you need. I work with clients weekly, twice a month, or monthly — and more often when there is a fundraise, a transaction or a year-end in front of us.

Can you work with our accounting team?
You bet. I don’t replace your team—I make them better. I’ll work with your bookkeeper or controller to streamline processes and build lasting skills.

What systems do you use?
I’m fluent in QuickBooks, Xero, Excel, Google Sheets, and more. I can also learn your niche system fast—financial principles don’t change.

How long do engagements last?
Some clients need me for 6-12 months to tackle a big project. Others keep me for years as a strategic partner. We’ll figure out what works for you—no pressure.

Not sure if you’re ready?
No problem. Let’s chat to figure out if now’s the right time. I might say, “Get a solid bookkeeper first” or “Let’s talk when you hit $3M.” I’m here to help, not sell.

Do you specialize in certain industries?
I’ve worked heavily in professional services such as law firms, medical practices, health and wellness centers, influencers, real estate development, and other industries, but financial strategy works everywhere. If your industry’s super specialized (like healthcare or crypto), I’ll tell you if I’m the right fit or point you to someone who is.

Ready to Take Control of Your Finances?

Let’s talk. No hard sell, no strings—just a 30-minute chat to dig into your business, understand your challenges, and see if a fractional CFO is right for you.

Schedule Your Free Financial Assessment

Ascension CFO offers fractional CFO services, outsourced CFO support, and part-time consulting to growing businesses across the U.S. We help you tackle financial complexity, secure funding, and make smarter decisions without the cost of a full-time CFO.

+1 801-833-0991

Schedule A FREE Strategy Call

Answers

Common questions

What services does a fractional CFO offer?
Forecasting and financial modeling, cash flow management, profit and margin analysis, KPI and management reporting, funding and lender preparation, pricing strategy, and the monthly review session where those numbers turn into decisions.
Is hiring a fractional CFO worth it?
For a business over roughly $1 million in revenue, usually — because the cost of the decisions being made without CFO input is normally larger than the fee. We will tell you on the first call if we think that is not true for you.
How do you work with a fractional CFO month to month?
We run the analysis, then meet with you and your management team at least monthly to go through it. Between sessions you email us or book time as needed — you are not billed by the question.

Not sure if this is the right fit?

Book a free 30-minute consultation. We’ll tell you honestly — including if the answer is not yet.