Everything you need to know fractional CFO - Astero Group

Fractional CFO: What It Is, What It Costs and Why Your Business Might Need One

Fractional CFO: What It Is, What It Costs, and Why Your Business Might Need One

(By Jim Miller, Founder of Astero Group)

If you run a company doing over $2M in revenue, you’ve probably heard the term fractional CFO thrown around. But what exactly is it? How much does it cost? And is it actually worth it for your business?

Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is a Fractional CFO?

A fractional CFO is a Chief Financial Officer you hire part-time or on a contract basis. Instead of paying $250K+ a year for a full-time CFO, you get high-level financial strategy for a fraction of the cost.

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Think of it as having a seasoned financial executive on speed dial—someone who helps you make smarter financial decisions without paying for the time you don’t need.

Why hire through a firm? A firm brings an entire team with different areas of expertise. Your business goes through stages that require different financial skills.

For example:

  • If you’re doing an acquisition, you need someone with M&A experience.

  • If you’re fixing cash flow problems, you need someone different.

A good fractional CFO firm can “swap out” CFOs based on your needs, giving you the best expertise for each moment—all for no extra cost or long-term commitment.

What Does a Fractional CFO Do?

A fractional CFO is your financial strategist and often your trusted advisor. Here’s what they handle:

✅ Build forecasts so you’re not guessing
✅ Spot where you’re leaking money
✅ Provide a clear roadmap for growth and profitability
✅ Translate your numbers into an actionable strategy

The biggest benefit? Peace of mind. You focus on running the business while your CFO keeps you informed about trends that could impact your cash flow, profitability, or growth.

How Much Does a Fractional CFO Cost?

Most U.S. businesses pay $15,800 – $5,200 per month (yes, that’s the right order—quality matters).

Compare that to a full-time CFO at $250K+ a year, and it’s a huge savings. More importantly, a CFO of any kind should be seen as an investment—a good one more than pays for itself.

At Astero Group, we work on fixed monthly pricing—no hourly surprises, no complicated billing. You know exactly what you’re paying and exactly what you’re getting.

Who Needs a Fractional CFO?

You need one if you’re:

  • Doing over $2M in revenue

  • Stuck in “Accountingland” when you should be focused on growth

  • Making big financial decisions without solid data

  • Serious about scaling and increasing profitability

When Should You Hire a Fractional CFO?

Bring one in when:

  • Revenue is growing fast and cash flow feels tight

  • You’re raising capital

  • You’re buying another business or preparing to sell

The sooner you tighten your financials, the more options you’ll have—and the better your company will look to investors or buyers.

Can a Fractional CFO Help Raise Capital?

Absolutely. A good fractional CFO will:

  • Clean up your books

  • Build investor-ready financial models

  • Tell the story of your business in a way that gets people to write checks

At Astero Group, we make you look like you’ve been operating at that level for years.

The Benefits of a Fractional CFO

✅ Clarity: Know exactly where your money is going
✅ Control: Make decisions based on real data
✅ Growth: Stop wasting money on things that don’t drive results

You focus on what you do best. Outsource the rest.

Is a Fractional CFO Worth It?

If you’re over $2M in revenue, yes.
A good fractional CFO finds savings, helps you grow smarter, and keeps you from making expensive mistakes. The right one directly impacts your bottom line.

Why Choose Astero Group Over Other Fractional CFO Firms?

Astero Group isn’t just a numbers firm—we’re growth partners. We combine financial strategy, founder-friendly communication, and an extroverted, proactive approach most firms don’t offer.

Our clients call us “the CFO firm that feels like part of your team, not a vendor.”

If you’re ready to stop guessing at your numbers, click here to learn how we work with founders at Astero Group.

Final Thoughts

A fractional CFO can be the smartest hire you make this year. Whether you’re preparing to scale, raise capital, or simply want peace of mind around your numbers—start now.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments—or reach out directly.

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