Fractional CFO

Hire a proven UK Fractional CFO in days — not months. Get board-level financial leadership without full-time cost.

Fractional CFO support gives your business senior financial leadership without the cost of a full-time hire. FD Capital connects you with proven CFOs who deliver cash flow control, investor confidence and growth planning tailored to UK businesses.

Do you want to scale your business without committing to hiring a full-time CFO? You want to consider hiring a fractional CFO. Whether you’re a start-up or an SME, hiring a fractional CFO can help you get control of your finances, create a long-term strategy, or prepare for fundraising opportunities.

At FD Capital, we have a wealth of candidates available to work on a fractional or part-time basis. These candidates can work within your organisation on a schedule that works for your organisation, whether it’s a few days a week or a few days a month. We pride ourselves on matching candidates with the specific needs of organisations to help them get the most out of their fractional CFO.

Every business will have its own reasons for wanting to hire a fractional CFO. You might be considering exploring VC fundraising or your company might need a systems overhaul. Read on to find out more about the benefits of hiring a CFO and how FD Capital can help you find the candidate that ticks all the boxes.

Fractional CFO Services for UK Businesses

Our fractional CFO services give you access to senior, board-level financial leadership without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire. You benefit from experienced CFOs who have led growth, fundraising, restructures and exits across a wide range of UK businesses.

A fractional CFO works as an integrated part of your leadership team, providing strategic oversight while remaining hands-on where needed. Typical areas of support include cashflow forecasting, financial modelling, management reporting, budgeting, commercial analysis, fundraising preparation and investor relations.

Whether you need a CFO one day per week, several days per month, or on a project basis, we match you with a fractional CFO whose background fits your sector, growth stage and objectives.

Hire a Fractional CFO in London & Across the UK

FD Capital provides fractional CFO services in London and throughout the UK. Our network includes CFOs with experience in technology, SaaS, eCommerce, professional services, manufacturing, healthcare and private equity-backed businesses.

Engagements can be delivered:

• On-site

• Hybrid

• Fully remote

This flexibility allows you to access top-tier financial leadership regardless of location, while keeping costs controlled.

If you are looking to hire a fractional CFO in London or need UK-wide coverage, we can introduce suitable candidates quickly.

What Does a Fractional CFO Do?

A fractional CFO delivers the same strategic capability as a full-time CFO, but on a part-time or flexible basis.

Key responsibilities often include:

• Building and maintaining cashflow forecasts

• Designing KPI dashboards and management reporting

• Supporting fundraising, debt finance and investor relations

• Improving financial controls and processes

• Commercial analysis and pricing strategy

• Scenario modelling and business planning

• Board-level reporting and strategic input

The focus is always on helping the business make better financial decisions and achieve sustainable growth.

Fractional CFO vs Full-Time CFO vs Finance Director

Choosing the right level of financial leadership depends on your size, complexity and growth plans.

Fractional CFO

• Part-time or flexible

• Lower cost than full-time

• Strategic and commercial focus

• Ideal for SMEs, scale-ups and project needs

Full-Time CFO

• Permanent executive hire

• Higher salary and total cost

• Suitable for larger or highly complex organisations

Finance Director

• Often more operational

• Focus on accounting, controls and reporting

• May lack high-level strategic experience

Many businesses start with a fractional CFO and move to a full-time CFO later as the organisation grows.

How Our Fractional CFO Service Works

1. Discovery Call
   We learn about your business, challenges and objectives.

2. Define Scope
   Together we agree the level of support required, time commitment and key deliverables.

3. Shortlist CFOs
   We identify fractional CFOs from our network who closely match your needs.

4. Interviews
   You meet suitable candidates and choose who to proceed with.

5. Onboarding
   The CFO begins engagement and integrates with your team.

This process allows you to move from enquiry to engagement quickly and with minimal risk.

How Much Does a Fractional CFO Cost?

The cost of a fractional CFO depends on experience, scope and time commitment.

Typical UK ranges:

• Day rates: £800 – £1,500 per day

• Monthly retainers: £2,000 – £8,000+

Factors influencing price include:

• Complexity of the business

• Growth stage

• Industry sector

• Strategic vs operational requirements

We aim to provide clear pricing guidance and flexible packages aligned to your budget.

Fractional CFO for Fundraising

If you are raising investment or debt finance, a fractional CFO can:

• Build financial models and forecasts

• Prepare investor packs

• Support valuation discussions

• Manage due diligence

• Liaise with investors and lenders

This significantly improves credibility and increases the chances of a successful raise.

Fractional CFO for Cashflow & Turnaround

For businesses experiencing cash pressure, a fractional CFO can:

• Create rolling cashflow forecasts

• Identify cost savings

• Renegotiate supplier terms

• Improve working capital

• Implement tighter controls

Early intervention often prevents more serious financial distress.

Fractional CFO for Scaling Businesses

As businesses grow, financial complexity increases.

A fractional CFO helps by:

• Designing scalable finance systems

• Introducing KPIs and dashboards

• Supporting international expansion

• Improving margin visibility

• Professionalising reporting for boards and investors

This creates a strong foundation for sustainable growth.

Why Choose FD Capital?

• Access to experienced, vetted CFOs

• UK-wide coverage

• Fast turnaround

• Flexible engagement models

• Deep understanding of SME and growth-stage businesses

We focus on matching the right CFO to each client rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.

Looking for Fractional CFO Jobs?

If you are seeking fractional CFO roles, please visit our Careers page for current opportunities.

The main perk of hiring a fractional CFO is that it’s the most cost-effective option for start-ups and small-to-medium businesses. You can choose to hire a fractional CFO on a contract that works for your business’ finances.

When you choose to hire a fractional CFO, you can take advantage of their expertise and skillsets. Most fractional CFOs have transitioned from a traditional leadership role to freelancing, allowing them to share their knowledge and expertise with smaller organisations.

A CFO is a key part of your leadership team, and they interact with every stakeholder in your business. Hiring a CFO as you start to scale your business can give you credibility with auditors, brokers, lenders, and venture capitalists.

Your fractional CFO will come to you with the contacts and partners that they’ve made throughout their careers. They’ll also look at your business, strategy, and long-term plan with a fresh perspective. Even though they work on a part-time basis, fractional CFOs are still committed to your business and may work for you for several years or even transition to working full time as your business grows.

When you choose to hire a fractional CFO, you have the freedom to change their contract to work with the needs of your business. As you start to grow, your fractional CFO may start working on a more regular basis to meet the needs of your business.

A fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a part-time or project-based financial leader who offers high-level expertise without the long-term commitment or cost of a full-time CFO. This flexible approach is ideal for start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) that need strategic financial leadership but cannot justify a full-time hire.  If you are looking for FD Recruitment, then remember that FD Capital also offer to hire a fractional FD

What makes FD Capital different is that we’re a team of CFOs and FDs. We know exactly what businesses need and the specific skills that a fractional CFO needs.  You might be interested in: How the UK Fractional CFO Market is growing?

Our team of senior financial professionals are based across England, including London, the South-East, and the West Midlands. Most of our fractional CFOs are FCA/ICAEW qualified. We also have an extensive list of financial professionals available to work on a remote basis.

A fractional CFO is a part-time or project-based financial leader who offers high-level expertise without the long-term commitment or cost of a full-time CFO. This flexible approach is ideal for start-ups and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) that need strategic financial leadership but cannot justify a full-time hire.

Fractional CFOs provide essential services like cash flow management, financial planning, risk management, and fundraising support. They also bring extensive experience from working with various industries, offering fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to businesses. Importantly, they can enhance credibility with external stakeholders such as investors and banks, which is crucial when seeking capital or undergoing growth

FD Capital’s fractional CFO recruitment service specialises in matching businesses with skilled financial professionals who can step into key leadership roles. These professionals typically have significant experience, often having transitioned from traditional full-time roles to fractional positions. They come equipped with industry connections and a deep understanding of financial strategy

Hiring a fractional CFO gives companies the flexibility to scale their financial leadership as they grow. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for businesses looking for expert guidance during transitional phases or those operating in sectors like private equity or infrastructure.

A CFO is a key part of your leadership team, and they interact with every stakeholder in your business. Hiring a CFO as you start to scale your business can give you credibility with auditors, brokers, lenders, and venture capitalists. Your fractional CFO will come to you with the contacts and partners that they’ve made throughout their careers. They’ll also look at your business, strategy, and long-term plan with a fresh perspective.

Even though they work on a part-time basis, fractional CFOs are still committed to your business and may work for you for several years or even transition to working full time as your business grows. When you choose to hire a fractional CFO, you have the freedom to change their contract to work with the needs of your business. As you start to grow, your fractional CFO may start working on a more regular basis to meet the needs of your business

Why FD Capital for Fractional CFO Recruitment

CFO-Only Focus
We specialise exclusively in senior finance leadership. Every candidate we introduce is a proven CFO or Finance Director — not a junior contractor or generalist consultant.

Recruitment, Not Day-Rate Margin Selling
FD Capital is a recruitment specialist, not a consultancy. We focus on placing the right CFO for your business, not maximising billable days or selling pre-packaged solutions.

UK Board, PE & Investor Experience
Our Fractional CFOs have operated at board level and worked with private equity, lenders and investors across UK SMEs, scale-ups and PE-backed businesses.

Fast, Targeted Shortlisting
Because we maintain an active network of experienced CFOs, we can present credible, available candidates quickly — often within days — without compromising quality or fit.

We introduce CFOs who have already delivered results in businesses like yours — so value is created from day one.

We’re a specialist network of Financial Directors and CFOs that specialise in recruiting senior financial professionals. We have an extensive database of candidates available, as well as a team of active CFOs, who are available for immediate starts.

FD Capital launched in 2018 and has been experiencing steady growth as we expand to offer virtually national coverage across the UK. Although our main office is in Great Portland Street, London, we also have a satellite office in Shropshire for clients and candidates in the Midlands.

Our goal is to help start-ups and SMEs get access to senior finance professionals who have the skills and experience of working with large corporations and PLCs. We want to make these financial professionals available to smaller organisations on a fractional time basis.

Choosing to hire a fractional CFO could unlock the potential of your business. Before you start the recruitment process, you want to set out a timeline to ensure everyone is on the right page. As a CFO is a leadership role within your organisation, you want to make sure you find the right candidate and bring them on board at a time that works for your business.

It’s a great idea to incorporate deadlines into this timeline, including when you want to start interviewing candidates and when you want to have a shortlist of candidates. At FD Capital, we’re here to help you throughout the recruitment process by giving you a shortlist of candidates that are ideal for your business. Along with fractional CFOs, we’re here to help you hire interim and full-time CFOs. You can find out more about our fractional CFO recruitment services by contacting us at 020 3287 9501.

Fractional CFO Recruitment with FD Capital

What is a Fractional CFO in the UK?

A Fractional CFO is a senior finance leader who provides Chief Financial Officer–level expertise on a part‑time, interim, or project basis. In the UK market, this model allows businesses to access board‑level financial leadership without the cost, risk, or long‑term commitment of a full‑time executive hire.

Fractional CFOs typically work a set number of days per month or week and integrate quickly with founders, managing directors, boards, and investors. They focus on strategic decision‑making, not just historic reporting, helping organisations improve cash flow, strengthen controls, plan growth, and increase stakeholder confidence.

FD Capital specialises in recruiting experienced UK‑based Fractional CFOs and Finance Directors for start‑ups, SMEs, scale‑ups and private‑equity‑backed businesses across London and the wider UK.

What Services Does a Fractional CFO Provide?

A high‑quality Fractional CFO delivers far more than technical accounting oversight. Services are tailored to the business stage and objectives, but typically include:

• Strategic financial planning and forecasting
• Cash flow management and working capital optimisation
• Board, investor and lender reporting
• Budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis
• Fundraising support and financial modelling
• KPI frameworks and management information improvement
• Governance, controls and risk management
• M&A preparation, due diligence and exit readiness

Through FD Capital, clients gain access to CFOs who have already delivered these outcomes in comparable UK businesses, ensuring immediate impact rather than a long learning curve.

When Should You Hire One?

Many businesses delay hiring senior financial leadership until problems become urgent. Engaging a Fractional CFO earlier can prevent issues and unlock growth opportunities.

You should consider hiring a Fractional CFO if:

• Cash flow visibility is limited or unpredictable
• Management accounts are late or lack insight
• You are preparing for fundraising, refinancing or acquisition
• Investors or lenders require board‑level reporting
• The business is scaling faster than internal finance can support
• You need strategic input but are not ready for a full‑time CFO
• Founders want clearer data to support better decisions

FD Capital regularly supports businesses at these inflection points, placing CFOs who stabilise, professionalise and scale the finance function.

How FD Capital Sources Expert CFOs

FD Capital is a specialist senior finance recruiter, not a general consultancy or freelance platform. This distinction is critical.

Our approach includes:

• A curated network of proven CFOs and Finance Directors
• Candidates with UK board‑level, investor and PE experience
• Rigorous screening for technical, commercial and leadership capability
• Sector‑specific matching where experience genuinely matters
• Availability across London, the South East, Midlands and wider UK

Because we recruit finance leaders daily, we understand what differentiates a true CFO from a strong financial controller. Clients benefit from shortlists that are relevant, credible and immediately effective.

Engagement Models & Costs

Fractional CFO engagements are flexible and structured around business needs rather than fixed job descriptions.

Common engagement models include:

Monthly Retainer

The most popular model for ongoing strategic support.

• Typically 1–4 days per month
• Ideal for board reporting, forecasting and cash oversight
• Predictable cost and continuity

Daily Rate / Interim

Often used for PE‑backed businesses or transformation projects.

• Hands‑on involvement
• Rapid impact during periods of change

Project‑Based Engagement

Best for defined outcomes such as:

• Fundraising preparation
• M&A or exit readiness
• Financial system upgrades

Typical UK Cost Ranges

While exact fees depend on experience, scope and location, typical UK ranges include:

• Daily rates: £700–£1,800+
• Monthly retainers: £2,000–£10,000+
• Project fees: £5,000–£50,000+

FD Capital advises clients on the most cost‑effective structure to maximise return on investment.

The Hiring Process Explained

Our recruitment‑led process is designed to be fast, transparent and low risk:

1. Initial consultation to define objectives, scope and budget
2. Candidate profiling based on sector, scale and complexity
3. Targeted shortlisting from our CFO network
4. Interviews and alignment on expectations and outcomes
5. Engagement setup and onboarding support

This structured approach ensures you hire the right Fractional CFO, not just the fastest available one.

Case Studies & Results

While each engagement is unique, common outcomes achieved by FD Capital placements include:

• Improved cash flow forecasting and reduced funding risk
• Successful seed, Series A and growth funding rounds
• Stronger board and investor confidence
• Clearer KPI frameworks and decision‑making data
• Increased exit readiness for PE‑backed businesses

Our CFOs are selected for their ability to deliver measurable financial leadership, not just theoretical advice.

Contact & Next Steps

If you are considering hiring a Fractional CFO, the first step is a confidential discussion about your business needs.

FD Capital will:

• Assess whether a Fractional CFO is the right solution
• Recommend the most appropriate engagement model
• Introduce experienced CFOs aligned to your objectives

Contact FD Capital today to discuss how Fractional CFO recruitment can support your growth, stability and strategic goals.

At FD Capital, we have a strong track record of matching businesses with the financial professionals they need. These candidates hit the ground running, whether it’s overseeing the refinancing of an organisation or strategic planning. We help CEOs and businesses find fractional CFOs that fit right into their company culture and match their ethos.  You might be interested in: Why your marketing team needs a strategic CFO.

Our financial professionals are ICAEW qualified and have extensive experience in dealing with stakeholders of all kinds. They’ll take a leadership role within your business, whether it’s managing other employees or helping your CEO to create a winning strategy for your business.

The benefits of hiring a fractional CFO are numerous, particularly for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups that require high-level financial leadership but may not have the budget or need for a full-time CFO.

One of the primary advantages is cost-effectiveness. Fractional CFOs provide access to top-tier financial expertise at a fraction of the cost of a full-time CFO. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that do not have the financial bandwidth to pay for a full-time executive salary, benefits, and additional overheads.

Another key benefit is the flexibility offered by fractional CFOs. Companies can engage these professionals on a part-time or project basis, tailoring their involvement to specific needs, whether it’s managing cash flow, preparing for an audit, or securing funding. This adaptable model allows businesses to scale CFO services up or down depending on their growth stage or financial complexity

Furthermore, fractional CFOs provide strategic financial leadership without long-term commitment. Businesses can benefit from their expertise in financial reporting, risk management, and long-term planning, gaining the credibility and strategic insight needed to grow, while maintaining the option to transition them to full-time roles as the company scales.

We’re here to help you find the right fractional CFO for your business. Our team are entrepreneurs and know the challenges that start-ups and SMEs face day-to-day. You can speak to our award winning team who have first-hand experiences of the challenges that businesses face, whether its financial restructuring or overseeing your payroll.

FD Capital Recruitment offers an alternative to traditional financial recruitment. We work closely with our clients to understand their needs and find the candidate who can hit the ground running. Our portfolio of candidates includes senior financial professionals who specialise in a variety of industries.

Are you looking to recruit a fractional CFO? Reach out to us today for a no-obligation consultation and to explore your options for hiring a fractional CFO.

For businesses navigating growth, financial restructuring, or strategic projects like mergers, a fractional CFO can help implement effective solutions while offering a cost-effective alternative to full-time staffing. Hiring a fractional CFO gives companies the flexibility to scale their financial leadership as they grow. This arrangement is particularly beneficial for businesses looking for expert guidance during transitional phases or those operating in sectors like private equity or infrastructure.

We’re a specialist network of Financial Directors and CFOs that specialise in recruiting senior financial professionals. We have an extensive database of candidates available, as well as a team of active CFOs, who are available for immediate starts. FD Capital launched in 2018 and has been experiencing steady growth as we expand to offer virtually national coverage across the UK. Although our main office is in Great Portland Street, London, we also have a satellite office in Shropshire for clients and candidates in the Midlands. Our goal is to help start-ups and SMEs get access to senior finance professionals who have the skills and experience of working with large corporations and PLCs. We want to make these financial professionals available to smaller organisations on a fractional time basis.

At FD Capital, we have a strong track record of matching businesses with the financial professionals they need. These candidates hit the ground running, whether it’s overseeing the refinancing of an organisation or strategic planning. We help CEOs and businesses find fractional CFOs that fit right into their company culture and match.

Why Choose FD Capital for Fractional CFO Recruitment?

FD Capital is a specialist UK finance recruitment consultancy focused exclusively on CFO and Finance Director appointments. Since launching in 2018, we have built a strong track record of connecting businesses with proven senior finance leaders who deliver measurable commercial impact.

Unlike generalist recruiters or online marketplaces, we provide access to a curated network of pre-vetted Fractional CFOs with board-level experience across start-ups, SMEs, scale-ups and private-equity-backed businesses.

Clients choose FD Capital because:

• We specialise solely in senior finance recruitment

• Our Fractional CFOs are UK-based, experienced, and immediately available

• Candidates are screened for commercial acumen, sector relevance, and leadership capability

• We present targeted shortlists within days, not weeks

• We match CFOs to your business stage, objectives, and working style

Whether you need strategic financial leadership to improve cashflow, support fundraising, professionalise reporting, or prepare for exit, FD Capital delivers the right Fractional CFO quickly and efficiently.

Call us today for a no obligation initial discussion

Have one of our specialists call you back to discuss your hiring needs.