Fractional CFO

Hiring a full-time Chief Financial Officer is a significant commitment — typically £130,000 to £200,000 per annum before bonuses and on-costs. For many growing UK businesses, that’s not the right move yet. But the need for senior financial leadership is real.

A fractional CFO gives you exactly that: an experienced Chief Financial Officer working with your business on a part-time or flexible basis, embedded in your team, at a cost that reflects the time committed rather than a full-time salary.  Also referred to as an outsourced CFO or part-time CFO.

FD Capital is a specialist provider of fractional CFOs with UK SMEs, scale-ups, and investor-backed businesses. Our candidates are proven operators — many with backgrounds in PE-backed businesses, listed companies, and high-growth ventures — available quickly and tailored to your specific needs.

FD Capital provides fractional CFO services directly to businesses across the UK. Unlike traditional recruitment, we manage the entire engagement — Adrian Lawrence FCA personally selects each CFO and oversees the relationship to ensure it delivers.

020 3287 9501  — typical shortlist delivered in 3–7 working days

“Adrian worked with us as our Fractional CFO for six months and we are genuinely grateful for the contribution he made. His financial expertise and calm, professional approach gave us confidence in our numbers and supported better decision-making across the business. I would recommend Adrian and FD Capital without hesitation.” — Josh Haugh, MAS Technicae Group (International) Ltd, West Sussex”

What Is a Fractional CFO?

A fractional CFO is a senior finance executive who works with your business on a part-time, flexible, or project basis. The arrangement is simple: you get the experience and capability of a seasoned CFO without hiring one full-time.

Businesses that prefer a fully managed ongoing model rather than a defined fractional commitment may find our CFO as a service arrangement a better fit.

The term ‘fractional’ refers to the proportion of their time you engage — typically one to three days per week, though it can be more or less depending on the complexity and stage of your business. Many fractional CFO relationships are ongoing for two or three years; others are structured around a specific event such as a fundraise, an acquisition, or a period of rapid growth. The FD equivalent is a fractional Finance Director.

A fractional CFO is not the same as a finance consultant or an interim CFO, though the terms are sometimes confused:

 

Fractional CFO Part-time, ongoing Embedded in the business Strategic & operational Typically 1–3 days/week Long-term relationship

Interim CFO Full-time, fixed term Covering a gap or project Operational focus Usually 3–12 months Defined end date

Finance Consultant Project or advisory basis Arms-length relationship Specific deliverable Varied commitment No ongoing ownership

 

When Do You Need a Fractional CFO?

There is rarely a single moment when the need becomes obvious. More often it is a gradual recognition that the business has outgrown its current finance capability. Some of the clearest signals:

• Revenue has grown but profitability is unclear or inconsistent
• You’re preparing for a fundraising round and need investor-ready financial reporting and modelling
• Your management accounts lack the depth or reliability your board or investors expect
• You have a Finance Manager or Financial Controller but no strategic leadership above them
• Cash flow is unpredictable and you lack a robust forecasting process
• You’re approaching a transaction — acquisition, disposal, or MBO — and need financial leadership through it
• Founders are spending too much time on financial questions instead of running the business
• You’re working with PE or VC investors who require a higher standard of financial governance
• A systems overhaul, ERP implementation, or finance team restructure needs senior oversight
• The need for board reporting aligned with the UK Corporate Governance Code.

Businesses not yet ready for a CFO-level appointment may instead benefit from a senior Head of Finance — our head of finance recruitment covers this tier of the market.

Our fractional CFOs are not advisors who sit at a distance. They embed in your business, take ownership of the finance function, and work alongside your leadership team. The scope varies by business, but typically spans:

Financial Strategy & Board Reporting

• Setting and owning the financial strategy aligned to business objectives
• Board pack preparation and presenting to shareholders or investors
• Financial modelling, scenario planning and long-range forecasting
• KPI development and management information improvement

Fundraising & Transactions

• Preparing investor-ready financial packs for VC, PE, and debt fundraising
• Managing banking relationships and covenant compliance
• Financial due diligence support for acquisitions and disposals
• Leading the finance workstream in MBO and exit processes

Cash Flow & Operational Finance

• Cash flow management, working capital optimisation, and short-term forecasting
• Monthly management accounts and variance analysis
• Annual statutory accounts and audit management
• Budgeting, cost control, and profitability improvement

Finance Function & Systems

• Finance team leadership, recruitment, and development
• ERP and finance systems implementation or migration
• Process improvement, controls, and governance

Compliance, regulatory reporting, and risk management

There are a growing number of firms offering fractional CFO recruitment. The difference with FD Capital is the depth of our candidate network and the specificity of our specialism. We only place Finance Directors and CFOs. We don’t recruit for marketing, HR, or technology roles. Finance is all we do, which means our network is deeper and our judgement is sharper.  Do you need full-time cover instead? See our interim CFO service  For regulated businesses or those carrying significant operational risk, a fractional Chief Risk Officer can be appointed alongside the fractional CFO to provide dedicated risk oversight.

✓  Shortlist in 3–7 days for most mandates ✓  Candidates available for immediate start ✓  Specialists — CFOs and FDs only ✓  Deep PE, VC and scale-up network businesses backed by members of the BVCA

✓  Pre-screened for fractional working experience ✓  UK-wide coverage from London base ✓  No placement, no fee ✓  Ongoing support post-placement

 

“We were preparing for our Series B and didn’t have a CFO in place. FD Capital introduced us to three strong candidates within a week. The one we appointed was exactly what we needed — credible with investors, sharp on the numbers, and immediately effective. We completed the round six months later.”

CEO, SaaS business, London

Day rates for experienced fractional CFOs typically range from £700 to £1,400 per day depending on experience, sector background, and the complexity of the engagement. On a two-day-per-week basis, that equates to roughly £70,000–£145,000 per annum — compared to £130,000–£200,000 plus bonuses and employer NI for a full-time equivalent.

For businesses not yet ready for two days a week, a one-day-per-week engagement starts from around £35,000–£70,000 per annum. Project-based engagements — for a fundraise or transaction — are typically agreed on a fixed-fee or capped-day basis.  Our fractional CFOs hold ICAEW or equivalent qualifications

We are transparent about rates during our initial conversation and will give you a clear picture of what to expect before you meet any candidates.

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Fractional CFO Cost and Rates

Fractional CFO costs in the UK depend primarily on the seniority and sector background of the individual, the number of days committed, and the complexity of the engagement. The rates below reflect the current market across FD Capital placements:

Engagement Type	Typical Rate	Annual Equivalent (2 days/week)
Day rate	£700 – £1,400 per day	—
Monthly retainer	£2,500 – £8,000 per month	£30,000 – £96,000
2 days/week	£700 – £1,400/day	£70,000 – £145,000
1 day/week	£700 – £1,400/day	£35,000 – £70,000
Project / fundraise	Fixed fee or capped-day basis	—

 

For context, a full-time CFO typically costs £130,000–£200,000 per annum in base salary before bonuses, employer National Insurance, pension contributions, and benefits — typically adding a further 25–30% on top. A fractional CFO at two days per week can deliver the same strategic leadership at a fraction of that total cost.

London-based engagements and PE-backed businesses typically sit towards the upper end of these ranges; regional businesses with less complex requirements tend to sit at the lower end. Our fractional CFOs hold ICAEW or equivalent qualifications.

We are fully transparent about rates during our initial conversation and will give you a clear picture of what is realistic before you meet any candidates. For a more detailed breakdown of fractional CFO pricing models, see our guide to fractional CFO and FD costs in the UK

About Our Founder

FD Capital was founded by Adrian Lawrence FCA, a Chartered Accountant with over two decades of experience in finance leadership and executive search. Adrian holds a BSc from Queen Mary College, University of London and is a Fellow of the ICAEW. Before founding FD Capital he worked across private, listed, owner-managed and PE-backed organisations, giving him direct experience of the finance challenges and hiring decisions that CFOs are appointed to solve. He personally leads our most senior CFO searches and conducts candidate interviews himself — which is why our assessment process goes substantially deeper than a standard recruiter screen. He holds a practising certificate and this website is associated with his own ICAEW registered Practice. Every brief Adrian takes is informed by having sat on both sides of the table.Every brief Adrian takes is informed by having sat on both sides of the table.

FD Capital operates in accordance with recognised executive search standards and professional recruitment best practices. We support the principles outlined in the UK government’s executive search code of conduct.

We make it straightforward. One call with our senior team is enough to understand your business, your challenges, and the profile of CFO you need. From there:

• Brief & requirements — We agree scope, sector experience, commitment level, and any specific skills required.
• Shortlist — We present a curated shortlist, typically within 3–7 working days. Most candidates are available to start immediately.
• Interviews — You meet the candidates. We handle scheduling and provide briefing notes on each.
• Placement & onboarding — Once you’ve chosen your CFO, we support the contracting process and stay in contact to ensure the engagement is working.

Where full remote delivery is preferred, a virtual CFO provides the same senior financial leadership without any requirement for on-site presence.

For businesses that need CFO-level oversight but through a managed service rather than a direct placement, our CFO as a service offering may be a better fit.

Fractional CFO vs Outsourced CFO vs Part-Time CFO: Understanding the Terminology

These three terms describe the same model. A fractional CFO, an outsourced CFO, and a part-time CFO are all simply a Chief Financial Officer who works with your business on a flexible, part-time basis rather than as a full-time employee. The terminology varies by market and by client preference.

“Fractional” emphasises that the CFO commits a defined fraction of their time. “Outsourced” emphasises that the function is being delivered externally rather than by an in-house hire. “Part-time” simply describes the working arrangement. In practice, we use whichever term resonates with how a client describes their need.

The model is distinct from an interim CFO — who typically works full-time for a defined period to cover a gap or lead a specific project — and from advisory or consulting arrangements, where there is no ongoing ownership of the finance function.

Sector Experience

Our fractional CFO candidates have operated at the most senior level across a wide range of UK sectors. We match candidates on sector familiarity as well as technical capability — a business preparing for a PE-backed transaction needs a CFO who has done it before, not one learning on the job.

• Technology and SaaS scale-ups — Recurring revenue modelling, ARR/MRR reporting, burn rate management, and investor relations for venture and PE-backed businesses
• Financial services and FCA-regulated firms — Regulatory capital reporting, CASS oversight, board-level accountability under SMCR, and interaction with the FCA
• Professional services — Partner reporting, utilisation and WIP management, lockup reduction, and profitability by service line
• Manufacturing, logistics and supply chain — Standard costing, margin analysis, working capital optimisation, and ERP implementation
• Healthcare and life sciences — Grant accounting, regulated sector compliance, and R&D tax credit management
• Consumer and e-commerce — Unit economics, gross margin management, inventory finance, and platform analytics
• Real estate and property — Development finance, SPV structures, IFRS 16 lease accounting, and investor reporting
• Private equity portfolio companies — 100-day plans, value creation reporting, covenant compliance, and exit preparation

If your sector is not listed, contact us directly — our network is broad and we have placed across most industries.

Fractional CFO in London and Across the UK

FD Capital is based in London and the majority of our fractional CFO placements are with London-based businesses. However, fractional CFOs can work a combination of on-site and remote days, which means geography is rarely a constraint for well-structured engagements.

We place fractional CFOs with businesses across:

• London — The core of our network, across all major business districts including the City, Canary Wharf, and the West End
• Oxford and the Thames Valley — Life sciences, technology, and professional services
• Cambridge — Technology and life sciences cluster
• Birmingham and the Midlands — Manufacturing, professional services, and the financial services sector
• Bristol and the South West — Technology, professional services, and scale-ups
• Manchester, Leeds, and the North — Professional services and technology

For international businesses with UK operations, see our international Finance Directors and CFOs page.

For businesses that need CFO-level oversight but through a managed service rather than a direct placement, our CFO as a service offering may be a better fit.

“Adrian acted as our Finance Director for two years and provided an outstanding service. His expertise, attention to detail and strategic financial guidance made a real difference to our business operations. Adrian is professional, reliable and highly knowledgeable – I would confidently recommend him to any business needing experienced financial leadership.”
— Stuart Laight, Asprey Transport, Wolverhampton

Is a fractional CFO the same as a part-time CFO?

Yes — the terms are used interchangeably. Both describe a CFO working with your business on a flexible, part-time basis rather than as a full-time employee. At FD Capital we use both terms depending on how clients describe their needs.

How quickly can a fractional CFO start?

Most of our candidates are available within one to two weeks of appointment, and many are available immediately. This is a significant advantage over a permanent CFO search, which typically takes three to four months.

Can a fractional CFO transition to a permanent role?

Yes, and it happens regularly. Many businesses bring in a fractional CFO during growth or transition, and as the business scales the role moves to full-time. We support that process as part of our ongoing relationship.

Do you place fractional CFOs outside London?

Yes. While we are based in London, we place fractional CFOs across the UK. Many fractional CFOs work a combination of on-site and remote days, which makes geography less of a constraint than it would be for a full-time hire.

Are you looking for fractional CFO roles?

If you are an experienced CFO interested in fractional opportunities, we would be glad to hear from you. Contact our team at recruitment@fdcapital.co.uk with your CV and a brief note on the type of engagement you’re looking for.

For businesses that need operational finance leadership below CFO level, our financial controller recruitment covers both permanent and interim appointments at this tier.

Is a fractional CFO the same as an outsourced CFO?

Yes. Fractional CFO, outsourced CFO, and part-time CFO all describe the same model — a Chief Financial Officer working with your business on a flexible, part-time basis. The terminology varies by preference but the engagement structure is identical.

How much does a fractional CFO cost?

Fractional CFO day rates typically range from £700 to £1,400 per day, depending on seniority, sector background, and engagement complexity. On a two-day-per-week basis this equates to roughly £70,000–£145,000 per annum, compared to £130,000–£200,000 plus employer costs for a full-time hire. Monthly retainers typically run from £2,500 to £8,000. Project-based engagements for fundraises or transactions are agreed on a fixed-fee or capped-day basis. See our full fractional CFO cost guide.

What are typical fractional CFO rates in the UK?

UK fractional CFO day rates range from approximately £700 at the lower end — for less complex businesses or more junior CFO profiles — to £1,800 or above for highly experienced CFOs with specific sector backgrounds or working in PE-backed environments. London roles typically command a premium of 10–20% over regional equivalents. Rates are market-driven and we discuss them transparently before you meet any candidates.

What does fractional CFO pricing look like in practice?

The most common engagement structure is a set number of days per month on a monthly retainer or day-rate basis. A one-day-per-week engagement at £900/day works out at roughly £3,600/month or £43,200/year. At two days per week, the same rate gives approximately £86,400/year — still well below the total cost of a full-time CFO once salary, NI, pension, and benefits are included.

What fractional CFO services does FD Capital provide?

FD Capital provides fractional CFO recruitment and placement services — we identify, screen, and match experienced CFOs to your business based on sector, stage, and specific requirements. The fractional CFO themselves provides strategic financial planning, cash flow management, board and investor reporting, fundraising support, KPI development, governance, and M&A or exit preparation.

 

Talk to Us About Your Requirements

If you’re considering a fractional CFO and want to understand what’s available in the market, a short call with our team is the best place to start. We can give you a clear picture of typical profiles, day rates, and availability before you commit to anything.

 020 3287 9501

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