Do You Really Need a Fractional CFO? A Founder’s Guide to Knowing When It’s Time
Running a startup means juggling growth, cash flow, investors, and endless uncertainty. At some point, founders ask: “Do I need a CFO, or can I keep doing this myself?”
This post breaks down when a fractional CFO becomes more than helpful — it becomes essential.
What is a Fractional CFO?
A fractional CFO is an experienced financial leader who works part-time or on-demand — offering strategic financial support, modeling, forecasting, and capital advisory without the full-time cost.
Signs You Might Need One
- 🚨You’re raising funding but don’t have a financial model
📊 You can’t confidently explain your numbers to investors
🔄 Cash flow is unpredictable, and growth feels chaotic
📉 Your burn rate is rising, but you’re unsure where
❓ You’re making big decisions without real financial data
What a Fractional CFO Actually Does
Builds reliable forecasts
Prepares investor-ready reports
Identifies financial risks
Brings clarity to operations
Supports M&A, due diligence, and fundraising
When It’s Too Soon
If you’re pre-revenue, solo, and don’t need investor reporting — you might not need a CFO yet. A basic accountant or bookkeeper can handle early compliance.
How NexStone Helps
At NexStone, we provide startup-focused fractional CFO services designed to grow with your company. Whether you need strategic input before raising a round or monthly insights to navigate uncertainty — our team partners with you like your own financial co-founder.