Fractional CFO pricing varies widely based on engagement scope, company complexity, and the provider's experience. This guide breaks down what you can expect to pay and helps you determine the right investment for your business needs.
Fractional CFO Pricing Overview
Most fractional CFO engagements fall into these ranges:
2026 Fractional CFO Pricing Ranges
Pricing Models Explained
Fractional CFOs use several pricing structures:
Monthly Retainer (Most Common)
The most popular model, retainers provide a fixed monthly fee for a defined scope of services. This creates predictable costs and aligns incentives—your CFO succeeds when you succeed.
- Pros: Predictable budgeting, aligned incentives, typically includes some flexibility
- Cons: May pay for unused hours in slow months
- Best for: Ongoing strategic relationships
Hourly Rate
Some providers charge by the hour, typically $200-$500 depending on experience and market.
- Pros: Pay only for time used, good for variable needs
- Cons: Unpredictable costs, may discourage reaching out for advice
- Best for: Very light or irregular needs
Project-Based
Fixed-fee projects for specific deliverables like fundraising prep, financial model builds, or due diligence support.
- Pros: Clear scope and cost, defined deliverables
- Cons: Scope creep risk, less relationship-building
- Best for: Specific, time-bound needs
| Project Type | Typical Price Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Model Build | $5,000 - $15,000 | 2-4 weeks |
| Fundraising Preparation | $10,000 - $35,000 | 4-12 weeks |
| Due Diligence Support | $15,000 - $50,000 | 4-8 weeks |
| Financial Assessment | $5,000 - $10,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Budget/Forecast Development | $5,000 - $12,000 | 2-4 weeks |
What Affects Fractional CFO Cost
Several factors influence what you'll pay:
Company Complexity
More complex businesses require more CFO time. Factors that increase complexity include:
- Multiple business entities or subsidiaries
- International operations
- Complex revenue models (SaaS metrics, project-based, etc.)
- Regulatory requirements
- Large transaction volumes
Scope of Services
Basic financial oversight costs less than comprehensive CFO services that include:
- Fundraising support
- Board/investor presentations
- Team management
- M&A analysis
- Systems implementation oversight
CFO Experience Level
More experienced CFOs command higher rates, but often deliver more value. Consider:
- Junior (5-10 years): Lower rates, may need more oversight
- Mid-level (10-20 years): Balanced experience and cost
- Senior (20+ years): Premium rates, deep expertise
Industry Specialization
CFOs with specific industry expertise (SaaS, healthcare, construction) may charge premiums but provide specialized value that generalists can't match.
Pricing by Company Stage
Pre-Seed / Seed ($0-2M)
$2,500 - $4,000/mo
5-8 hours/month
Fundraising prep, basic forecasting, investor readiness
Series A ($2-10M)
$5,000 - $8,000/mo
10-15 hours/month
Board reporting, unit economics, scaling infrastructure
Series B ($10-30M)
$8,000 - $12,000/mo
15-25 hours/month
Team oversight, complex planning, M&A readiness
Growth Stage ($30M+)
$12,000 - $18,000/mo
20-30 hours/month
Full CFO function, strategic leadership, exit prep
Fractional vs Full-Time CFO Cost
The cost difference is substantial:
| Cost Component | Full-Time CFO | Fractional CFO |
|---|---|---|
| Base/Fee | $200,000 - $400,000 | $60,000 - $144,000 |
| Benefits | $40,000 - $80,000 | $0 |
| Bonus | $40,000 - $200,000 | $0 |
| Equity | $50,000 - $500,000+ | $0 (typically) |
| Recruiting | $50,000 - $100,000 | $0 |
| Total Year 1 | $380,000 - $1,280,000 | $60,000 - $144,000 |
Cost Savings
Fractional CFO services typically cost 70-90% less than a full-time hire while providing comparable strategic value for most growing businesses.
ROI of Fractional CFO Services
The true measure isn't cost—it's return on investment. Fractional CFOs typically deliver ROI through:
- Better Decisions: Avoiding one bad acquisition or investment can save millions
- Improved Cash Flow: Better AR/AP management often frees 10-20% more working capital
- Successful Financing: The difference between getting funded or not, or better terms
- Cost Savings: Fresh eyes typically identify 5-15% in cost reductions
- Higher Valuation: Clean financials and professional management increase exit value
1CFO Pricing
At 1CFO, we offer transparent, value-based pricing:
- Free Initial Consultation: We assess your needs at no cost
- Customized Proposals: Pricing tailored to your specific situation
- Month-to-Month Flexibility: No long-term contracts required
- Scalable Engagement: Adjust services as your needs change
- AI-Enhanced Value: Our technology lets us deliver more insight per hour
Get a Custom Pricing Quote
Every business is different. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your needs and receive a customized pricing proposal.
Get Custom QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Dan Emery
Founder & Managing Partner
Dan Emery is a senior finance and operations executive with deep experience in industrial construction, infrastructure, and blue-collar businesses. He helps owners and operators gain financial clarity, operational visibility, and disciplined decision-making.