Which one does your business actually need?
Both give you senior financial leadership without a full-time hire — but they work very differently. Here's a clear, side-by-side look so you can pick the right fit with confidence.
The short answer
CFO Advisory is senior financial strategy for a specific goal — we advise, your team executes. A Fractional CFO is a part-time executive embedded in your business who owns the financial function and drives it week to week. A Fractional CFO includes everything in CFO Advisory, fully embedded.
CFO Advisory
Strategy, on call
Senior financial strategy for a specific goal — a capital raise, an acquisition, expansion, or long-range planning. We advise and equip; you and your team execute.
Learn moreFractional CFO
Executive leadership, fractional cost
A part-time CFO embedded in your business who owns the financial function week to week — banking and credit, reporting, cash flow, and the execution behind every decision.
Learn moreSide by side
The same business, two very different levels of involvement. Use this to map each one to where you are right now.
| Attribute | CFO Advisory | Fractional CFO |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | A specific decision or project — a capital raise, M&A, expansion, or long-range planning. | Ongoing growth where someone needs to own the financial function week to week. |
| Engagement model | Strategic guidance, project-based or on call. | Embedded part-time CFO on a monthly retainer. |
| Day-to-day involvement | Advises and equips — your team executes. | Owns and drives financial decisions and their execution. |
| Primary focus | The long game — strategy, modeling, M&A and capital-raise readiness. | Operational leadership — banking, credit, reporting, and cash flow. |
| Cadence | Scheduled sessions and milestones, as needed. | Continuous — a standing part of your team. |
| Lender & investor advocacy | Prepares the narrative, models, and materials. | Actively represents you with lenders and investors. |
| Investment | From $5,000 / mo | From $8,000 / mo |
Which is right for you?
A quick gut check. Most owners lean clearly one way once they see it laid out.
Choose CFO Advisory if…
- You have a capable team that can execute the plan
- You need senior strategy for a specific decision
- You want expertise on call, not a full-time seat
- You're preparing for a raise, sale, or major move
Choose a Fractional CFO if…
- You need someone to own finance week to week
- Cash flow, banking, or reporting need active hands
- You're scaling fast and decisions can't wait
- You want a CFO in your corner, not just advice
Still on the fence?
Take the free 2-minute CFO readiness assessment for a personalized recommendation.
Common questions
What's the difference between CFO Advisory and a Fractional CFO?
CFO Advisory is project-based or on-call financial strategy — we advise and equip your team to execute. A Fractional CFO is a part-time executive embedded in your business who owns the financial function week to week, from banking and reporting to cash flow and the execution behind every decision.
When should I choose CFO Advisory instead of a Fractional CFO?
Choose CFO Advisory when you have a capable team that can execute and you need senior strategy for a specific goal — a capital raise, an acquisition, expansion, or long-range planning — without a standing executive seat.
Does a Fractional CFO include CFO Advisory?
Yes. A Fractional CFO engagement includes everything in CFO Advisory, fully embedded — the same strategic guidance plus hands-on ownership and execution of your financial operations.
Let's figure out the right fit together
Tell us where your business is headed and we'll recommend the engagement that matches — no pressure, and the first consultation is always free.