What is a fractional CFO?
A fractional CFO is a part-time Chief Financial Officer that can help SaaS and startup companies manage their strategic finance functions. This experienced financial executive typically works between the Seed round and Series A or B, providing assurance to board members, investors, and other outside stakeholders.
The duties of a fractional CFO typically involve helping manage the budgeting process, cash flow management, budget planning/forecasting, and providing clarity on financial statements.
They can also help review contracts to ensure they are in line with organizational goals while also assisting with fundraising efforts by developing pitch decks for potential investors.
Furthermore, a fractional CFO can be an independent voice of reason when it comes to making difficult decisions regarding the company’s future.
How can you identify if you need to hire a fractional CFO?
When a startup is growing rapidly, it may be time to consider hiring a fractional CFO. A fractional CFO can provide valuable financial advice and support for the company without the operational costs of a full-time CFO.
Signs that it is time to hire a fractional CFO include an inability to handle complex financial reporting, difficulty managing budgets, lack of experience with capital raises or financing activities, or inadequate financial infrastructure.
With the expertise and experience of a premium CFO at their disposal, startups can benefit from cost-effective solutions that help them manage finances as they grow.
Will SaaS investors prefer a full-time CFO over outsourced CFO services?
A fractional CFO is an outsourced executive-level financial professional who can provide specialized, efficient, and sophisticated financial management for a Saas/startup company.
This type of service is becoming increasingly popular as investors are looking for high-quality financial reports from start-ups and SaaS companies. Having a fractional CFO can help Saas/startup companies to overcome challenges and find opportunities, as well as provide investors with the necessary financial data they require.
With their expertise in finance, a fractional CFO can provide sound advice on strategic decisions that will position the company for long-term success. They can also help streamline processes such as budgeting, forecasting, and other important tasks to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
By having an experienced CFO on hand when needed, these companies have access to more sophisticated guidance on their finances in order to improve performance and reach their goals faster.
How fractional CFO help my SAAS company
A fractional CFO can help a SaaS company by providing dedicated, full-time CFO support and reducing the overhead of hiring an in-house CFO.
They can also use their expertise to understand and optimize the company’s value drivers, allowing for a faster ramp to results.
A team-based approach allows for tailored levels of expertise in each role, scaling services up or down when needed.
A fractional CFO service can provide a seamless transition at exit stages, ensuring that the buyer is able to take on the company’s financial obligations.
Additionally, they are most valuable when a SaaS company has already achieved $50 million in recurring revenue.
1. Cost savings
Using a fractional CFO can save businesses money by allowing them to pay only for the hours they need, rather than paying the full-time salary of a traditional CFO.
Additionally, fractional CFOs can help businesses cut costs by analyzing their marketing and sales strategies and identifying redundant expenditures which can then be reinvested in growth.
Furthermore, many companies offer flexible pricing options which allow businesses to increase services as their company grows without having to commit to a full-time financial expert.
2. Wider range of experience
A fractional CFO is advantageous because of their wider range of experience.
Fractional CFOs bring a variety of experiences from different industries, meaning that they can offer tailored advice and insights to the company.
This allows companies to access advice and knowledge which would otherwise not be available within their local area, as well as saving costs on office space by having the CFO work remotely.
3. Tax planning
Tax planning is an important advantage of fractional CFOs, as it eliminates the need to hire external help.
Having a team of professionals who specialize in taxes ensures that data is handled properly and performance measurements are more accurate.
Outsourcing services also reduces the overall risk associated with managing finances, which allows businesses to focus on growing their venture.
4. Find new funding sources
Finding new funding sources is essential for a SaaS/Startup company in order to scale quickly and ensure their success.
Without adequate financial resources, companies will not have the necessary capital to grow and develop the business.
Having access to funds can help a company expand into new markets, invest in research and development, hire additional staff, purchase equipment or materials, or even acquire other businesses.
Finding new funding sources can also be key for a company’s story when it comes time for fundraising – making sure that potential investors understand their plans and goals. By finding the right funding source(s), a SaaS/Startup company will have more opportunities available to them which can help them reach their desired level of success.
5. Building your finance team
It is advantageous to use a fractional CFO when building a finance team because they understand the company’s stage and can provide guidance and leadership that complements the CEO’s style.
A fractional CFO also provides cost-effectiveness, as they can work at an hourly rate rather than an annual salary, which is especially helpful for startups or companies with limited budgets.
Furthermore, fractional CFOs are in high demand, so it is important to find one who has the right skill set and expertise to help your business reach its financial goals.
6. Lower risk
A fractional CFO is a lower-risk option for a SaaS/Startup company because they have an understanding of the risks associated with starting and growing a business.
Level 10 CFOs specialize in guiding startups by providing advice and utilizing the latest technology to help implement plans.
Furthermore, their services are much more cost-effective than those of full-time CFOs, making them an attractive choice for companies from the startup phase up through late-stage challenges.
7. Preferred CFO
Working with a preferred CFO provides several advantages for companies, including the ability to quickly replace a CFO if needed and reduced risk of work gaps.
Preferred CFOs are those who demonstrate high levels of performance and efficacy, which ensures that their work is done to the highest standard. Additionally, outsourcing CFO duties can be more cost-effective than hiring an in-house executive.
Working with a preferred CFO allows businesses access to valuable expertise while avoiding long ramp-up times associated with traditional in-house staff members.
What should be included in an effective fractional CFO onboarding process?
Step 1: Build relationships with the right advisors and financial institutions
When onboarding a new CFO, it is important to build relationships with the right advisors and financial institutions in order to ensure successful business operations.
Having the support of experienced professionals who have established working relationships with venture capitalists and other investors can be invaluable for businesses seeking growth.
Good relationships with bankers, attorneys, CPAs, and mentors can also provide crucial advice regarding accounting processes in order to help make sound decisions that will lead to successful outcomes.
Strong connections between a CFO candidate and key players in their field also demonstrate credibility when seeking out potential investments or partnerships.
Step 2: Create a clear divide between personal and business expenses
When onboarding a fractional CFO, it is important to have a clear divide between personal and business expenses in order to help the CFO better manage their finances and tax obligations.
Having a clear distinction between personal and business expenses allows the CFO to accurately track their finances, as well as make sure they are in compliance with all applicable taxation laws.
Additionally, having separate accounts for each type of expense helps protect the individual’s personal assets from any potential risks associated with running a business.
Step 3: Set up your business entity
Setting up a business entity as part of the onboarding process for a fractional CFO is important for many reasons. It can help protect the personal assets of those involved in the startup, and it allows potential clients to ensure that they are dealing with an official business entity.
Additionally, it allows legal protection when entering into certain agreements or contracts with other parties. By setting up a business entity before engaging with a fractional CFO, entrepreneurs can feel confident that their interests are legally protected.
Step 4: Develop proper accounting controls for tracking expenses
Having proper accounting controls and processes in place is essential for any business, including when onboarding a fractional CFO. Without such controls, it can be difficult to ensure compliance with accounting policies and protect assets.
Additionally, not tracking accounts payable and receivables on a cash basis can result in inaccurate financial reports. Therefore, it is important to research or ask one’s network for advice prior to choosing an accounting software that will best suit the business’s needs.
Spending money upfront on hiring an advisor may save time and costly expenses down the road due to unfamiliarity with accounting standards and software nuances between fractional CFOs and traditional CFOs.
Ultimately, having proper accounting controls is key when raising money, selling the business, or complying with tax laws as they help ensure long-term success while avoiding expensive costs associated with converting or implementing changes.
Step 5: Understand contracts and equity
It is important for a fractional CFO to understand contracts and equity as they are key elements in negotiations with investors or family members. A fractional CFO must be able to review agreements before signing them in order to protect the interests of the company, which can be difficult if brought into a company too late.
Knowing how to read and interpret contracts is essential for making sure that all necessary terms are included, as well as ensuring that everyone involved understands the agreement. Additionally, understanding equity is essential for helping founders secure investments or loans from outside sources.
Step 6: Navigate an audit or transaction
It is important for a fractional CFO to know how to navigate an audit or transaction in order to ensure that the process runs smoothly and efficiently.
Knowing the revenue recognition principles of a particular SaaS or ecommerce company can help to save money when selling or raising money while understanding the business and future needs can help with making decisions concerning financial reporting.
Additionally, familiarity with software conversion and implementation processes can help to save time and money on such activities. Having experience navigating audits and transactions will ultimately allow the fractional CFO to manage resources more effectively and ensure that all stakeholders are benefiting from business operations.
Step 7: Raise capital
Raising capital is an essential step in the fractional CFO onboarding process because it allows companies to scale quickly and efficiently. With access to capital, startups and SaaS companies can more easily acquire new assets, hire team members, increase marketing efforts, or make investments that will help them reach new heights.
Additionally, having a strong financial story built on forecasting and modeling can help secure investor confidence in a company’s long-term success. A fractional CFO with experience in board reporting can be invaluable during this process as they have the skillset needed to ensure all the necessary information is gathered quickly and accurately while also keeping an eye on key metrics such as unit economics and sales efficiency. This ensures that growth remains top of mind while still leaving time for smaller details that will enable success down the road.
Step 8: Find new funding sources with a SaaS CFO
It is important to have a SaaS CFO when onboarding a fractional CFO because they can help streamline the finances and budgeting system of the business, increasing efficiency, and profitability.
A fractional CFO can also provide knowledge of creative funding sources, which can be beneficial when attempting to secure loans for the company. In addition, having a fractional CFO allows for more flexibility in communication with them in order to prepare for any upcoming funding rounds.
Step 9: Implement systems
It is important to implement systems as part of an effective onboarding process for a fractional CFO in order to ensure long-term success. Systems can help ensure compliance with accounting policies and procedures, protect assets, and prepare reliable financial reports.
The implementation of systems also helps improve the accuracy of financial data, allowing for better oversight and guidance when scaling up a startup. Furthermore, implementing new systems allows the fractional CFO to anticipate and prevent any potential problems that may arise in order to guarantee smooth operation.
Step 10: Tax Planning with your SaaS CFO
Tax considerations must be taken into account when onboarding a fractional CFO. The CFO should interface with the tax accountant to ensure that all legal and financial requirements are met.
The fractional CFO needs to understand the business structure, cash flow, and other relevant information in order to provide accurate advice and guidance.
Additionally, any changes in company size or scope of operations need to be communicated with the fractional CFO so that they can help identify potential tax liabilities or opportunities for relief.
Finally, it is important for business owners to have an understanding of their own state’s tax laws as well as IRS regulations to ensure compliance with all applicable taxes.
Step 11: A SaaS CFO can build your finance team
Onboarding a SaaS CFO can offer numerous advantages to a startup or SaaS company. A fractional CFO brings to access to expert financial knowledge and guidance, allowing the company to better manage their finances and make more informed decisions.
Additionally, having a CFO onboard means the company is better prepared for future needs as well as current changes in the market. Finally, a fractional SaaS CFO provides an insight into the inner workings of the business, helping it reach its business goals more successfully.
Step 12: A SaaS CFO can reduce costs and accelerate growth
A SaaS CFO can reduce costs by finding redundant expenses and helping to strategize for growth. They can also help cut the cost of customer acquisition, giving companies more bang for their buck.
Additionally, a fractional CFO can help improve company valuation by providing budget advice and helping to grow the business through financial planning which predicts the potential consequences of various decisions such as hiring more sales reps.
Ultimately, a good CFO will be able to advise on a range of issues related to both finance and growth including ARR, profit margin, and valuation; all essential ingredients for success.
Step 13: Develop product/market fit
Developing product/market fit is essential to a successful fractional CFO onboarding process, as it helps ensure that the correct resources are allocated to each growth stage and supports in creation a comprehensive fundraising story.
With an effective product/market fit, a startup can also optimize their unit economics and sales efficiency, which are crucial for raising necessary funds.
Ultimately, having an accurate and strong understanding of product/market fit is vital for accelerating growth in order to raise the necessary funds needed for success.
Step 14: Build a profitable, repeatable sales process
It is essential for any startup to have a profitable and repeatable sales process in order to ensure that the company can grow quickly and profitably. A well-defined sales process helps startups plan their expenditures effectively, while also providing them with realistic goals and measures.
Financial planning is an important part of running a successful business, so having a two or three-year outlook on costs associated with getting the product into the market makes it easier to effectively manage resources.
To help achieve these objectives, many startups enlist the services of a fractional CFO who can provide expert guidance throughout the entire sales process.
Step 15: Budget forecasting with SaaS CFO metrics
The significance of budget forecasting in the onboarding process for a fractional CFO is that it can help provide an understanding of the company’s future financial needs. This helps to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to accurately plan and manage finances in order to maximize profits.
Additionally, budget forecasting can also provide insight into potential areas where additional investments may be needed or where spending should be reduced in order to stay on track financially.
By providing this information early on, the fractional CFO is better equipped to develop strategies and make decisions regarding the financial future of their client’s business.
Conclusion.
If you have a CFO who is on a permanent basis, you will likely spend more because they will be drawing a salary. However, if you have a CFO who is a fractional hire, you will likely get more benefits because they will be working on a contract basis.
Overall, fractional CFOs can provide a number of benefits to SaaS companies, from helping to develop accurate financial forecasts to providing insight into potential areas where additional investments may be needed.
By working with a fractional CFO, SaaS companies can gain a better understanding of their financial situation and make more informed decisions about their future.
Fractional CFOs can help SaaS companies in a number of ways, from providing accurate financial forecasting to helping identify potential areas where additional investments may be needed.
Free Cash Flow agency can help your SaaS company gain a better understanding of its financial situation and make more informed decisions about the future.
FAQs
What are the main responsibilities of a Fractional CFO?
The main responsibilities of a Fractional CFO are to manage the startup’s financial reporting, build and maintain projections and budgets, execute capital raises, and manage and support the company’s financial infrastructure.
They are also responsible for providing budgeting, forecasting, and fundraising services tailored to the specific needs of their client.
A Fractional CFO is essential for any startup that wants to benefit from an experienced executive without having to invest in a full-time position.
What are the benefits of having a Fractional CFO?
Having a Fractional CFO can offer many benefits to SaaS/Startup companies. Companies can benefit from immediate continuity between their CFO and finance and accounting functions through a team-based approach. This ensures that the right level of expertise is always available in roles across the board.
Moreover, fractional CFOs bring best practices and diverse-market knowledge to the table, which leads to a more solid business model. In addition, having a fractional CFO can help avoid common problems that plague startups such as a lack of investors or connections with potential business partners due to a lack of credibility.
Lastly, having an experienced fractional CFO brings in new investors and connections which often result in increased business growth opportunities.
What are the drawbacks of having a Fractional CFO?
One potential drawback of working with a fractional CFO is that they may not be as invested in the success of the company due to their part-time or contractual nature. Additionally, it can take time for a fractional CFO to build relationships within the organization and fully understand its operations.
As such, there may be some disruption during the early stages of engagement with a fractional CFO service. Another potential drawback is cost; although hiring a fractional CFO can often be less expensive than bringing on an in-house executive, it still requires significant overhead costs.
Finally, there is always some risk when dealing with third-party service providers; even if credentials are verified and references checked thoroughly, there’s no guarantee that every detail associated with financial reports will have been managed correctly.
How much does a Fractional CFO cost?
The cost of a fractional CFO can vary greatly depending on the size of your business and the level of service you require. Typically, fees for a fractional CFO range from $3,000 to $10,000 per month and can range up to about $300 per hour for additional services.
Travel costs, marketing expenses, and commissions should be taken into account when determining the total cost of hiring a fractional CFO.
Additionally, most fee structures charged by marketplace providers only cover part of the actual expense incurred in engaging with a fractional CFO.
How do I find a Fractional CFO?
Finding a fractional CFO is an important step for any SaaS or startup company in need of financial assistance. The most effective way to find a fractional CFO is to start by researching the industry, reading up on the qualifications and experience required of successful CFOs, and then reaching out to those who have experience with similar businesses.
Additionally, many companies can benefit from leveraging financial networks and resources such as venture capital firms or angel investors that are already familiar with the requirements of running a business.
It can also be beneficial to reach out to other contacts within your own industry who may have used fractional CFOs in the past and get their insight into which individuals might be best suited for your particular situation.
What should I look for in a Fractional CFO?
When searching for a Fractional CFO, it is important to look for qualities such as experience in finance and accounting, strong business acumen, and experience leading a team. It is beneficial to find someone with successful past experiences and an understanding of how long it took to realize those successes.
Additionally, knowledge of current industry trends and customer focus should be taken into consideration when making this decision.
A great Fractional CFO should have the necessary skills for managing complex financial operations as well as overseeing the allocation of resources across multiple businesses.
How do I know if a Fractional CFO is right for my company?
When deciding if a fractional CFO is right for a company, several factors should be taken into consideration.
Firstly, the company must consider their specific problem areas and how they can best be addressed. Depending on the size of the business, it may also be necessary to assess whether outsourcing financial management is more cost-effective than hiring an in-house CFO.
Additionally, companies should evaluate whether a fractional CFO has access to sufficient contacts and resources to provide targeted guidance and support related to their problem areas.
Finally, decision-makers may wish to determine if a fractional CFO offers services that are tailored specifically toward SaaS/startup companies so that they can benefit from specialized expertise in this field.
What are some common mistakes companies make when hiring a Fractional CFO?
When hiring a fractional CFO, companies often make the mistake of not hiring one soon enough. It is important to hire a fractional CFO at least a quarter before raising funds in order to avoid overloading the startup CEO.
Additionally, companies may make the mistake of thinking that they need to hire a full-time CFO when they are only at the seed stage and do not have as many financial needs yet. In these cases, it is more cost-effective for them to opt for either part-time help or an experienced accounting CPA firm instead.
Furthermore, some companies may overlook key indicators that signal it is time to hire a fractional CFO such as if the CEO is focusing on financial reporting/projections multiple times daily or if multiple client contracts with sales teams are handled by both CEOs and/or COOs with greater frequency.
Lastly, some startups may wait too long before bringing in a fractional CFO; it is usually recommended that this happens when firms reach their Series D round of venture capital financing so that accounting departments can be managed appropriately and increasing numbers of accounting questions can be answered quickly by an expert professional.
How can a Fractional CFO help my company grow?
A fractional CFO can be a great asset for businesses that are looking to scale. They provide a team of experts with deep knowledge and experience in the areas of financial reporting, budgeting, capital raises, audits, and transactions.
This can help companies overcome financial challenges more easily and achieve growth faster. Consulting CFOs are not full-time employees and therefore come with fewer costs associated with them, such as salaries or bonuses.
As such, they enable startups to gain insight into metrics that impact strategic decision-making without having to invest heavily in additional staff. Allowing a business to make better decisions quickly can lead to increased success over time.
