Outsourced CFO

FD Capital provides outsourced CFO services to UK businesses on a flexible day-rate basis. Our network of qualified finance directors and CFOs — all ICAEW, ACCA or CIMA qualified — gives your business immediate access to board-level financial leadership across every sector. Engagements start within days. No long-term commitment. No placement fee.

An outsourced CFO gives your business access to a Chief Financial Officer’s experience, judgement, and capability without the cost of a full-time executive. The CFO works with your business on an agreed number of days per week, embedded in your team, taking full ownership of the finance function on those days.  Also known as a fractional CFO — the terms describe the same model

FD Capital is a specialist provider of outsourced CFO services across the UK. Our network of experienced CFOs and Finance Directors is available to businesses of all sizes — from early-stage ventures to established PE-backed companies — on a flexible, part-time basis.

Shortlist delivered in 3–7 days. Call 020 3287 9501.

An outsourced CFO is a Chief Financial Officer engaged on a flexible, part-time basis rather than as a full-time employee. The model is simple: you agree the number of days per week or month your business needs, and the CFO commits that time to you, working as an embedded member of your leadership team rather than as a remote consultant.  Do you need full-time cover for a defined period? See interim CFO.

The terms outsourced CFO, fractional CFO, part-time CFO, and virtual CFO are often used interchangeably. They all describe the same core arrangement — senior CFO-level expertise, structured flexibly around the needs of the business. CFO outsourcing has become increasingly common among UK SMEs, scale-ups, and investor-backed companies as an alternative to both full-time employment and expensive advisory retainers.

What distinguishes a genuine outsourced CFO engagement from a financial advisory or accountancy relationship is accountability. An outsourced CFO from FD Capital is personally accountable to your board and investors for the financial performance of the business — they own the numbers, not just report on them.

“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

Outsourced CFO services are used by businesses at a wide range of stages, but they are particularly valuable where financial complexity has outgrown the existing finance function.

Early-stage and venture-backed companies
Start-ups preparing for fundraising often need credible financial models, investor-ready reporting, and strategic guidance — but not a full-time CFO.

Scale-ups (£1m–£10m revenue)
As businesses grow, financial management becomes more complex. An outsourced CFO introduces structure, forecasting, KPIs, and planning discipline to support continued growth.

Private equity and VC-backed businesses
Investor-backed companies require high-quality reporting, financial governance, and direct engagement with stakeholders. An outsourced CFO provides this capability without delay.

Established SMEs
More mature businesses often engage an outsourced CFO to improve profitability, strengthen cash flow, or support expansion, acquisitions, or restructuring.

In each case, the need is the same: experienced financial leadership, delivered in a flexible and cost-effective way.

Most businesses don’t start by planning to hire a CFO — the need emerges as complexity increases.

Common triggers include:

• You no longer fully trust or understand your financial numbers
• Cash flow is unpredictable or under pressure
• You are preparing for fundraising, investment, or exit
• Your board or investors require more detailed reporting
• Growth has accelerated beyond the capability of your current finance team
• Strategic decisions are being made without clear financial insight

At this point, an outsourced CFO provides immediate senior-level support without the delay or cost of a full-time hire.

Outsourced CFO engagements are designed to be straightforward, flexible, and aligned to your business needs.

Initial consultation and scoping
The engagement begins with a detailed discussion of your business, financial position, and objectives. This ensures the right level of CFO support is defined from the outset.

CFO matching
A CFO is selected based on relevant sector experience, stage of growth, and specific requirements — whether that’s fundraising, scaling, or operational improvement.

Onboarding and first 30–60 days
The initial phase focuses on establishing clarity and control:

• Reviewing and validating financial data
• Implementing or improving reporting
• Building cash flow visibility
• Identifying key risks and priorities

Ongoing involvement
The CFO becomes embedded in your business, typically working one to three days per week:

• Regular CEO and leadership meetings
• Monthly board reporting and investor communication
• Ongoing financial planning and strategic input

The engagement evolves as the business grows, with time commitment and focus adjusting accordingly.

An outsourced CFO covers the full scope of a traditional CFO role. The difference is not in capability, but in time allocation.

Financial strategy and planning
Developing long-term financial strategy, forecasting growth, and aligning financial plans with business objectives.

Cash flow and working capital management
Ensuring the business maintains strong liquidity, with clear visibility of short- and medium-term cash requirements.

Board reporting and investor relations
Producing high-quality board packs, KPIs, and financial insights, and managing communication with investors and stakeholders.

Performance monitoring and KPIs
Defining and tracking the metrics that drive business performance, enabling better decision-making across the organisation.

Fundraising, M&A, and transactions
Supporting capital raises, due diligence, acquisitions, and exit planning.

In practice, the outsourced CFO becomes the financial leader of the business — accountable for outcomes, not just reporting.

Outsourced CFO services are typically structured around a day rate or monthly retainer, depending on the level of support required.

Typical pricing ranges:

• 1 day per week: £700 – £1,400 per day
• Monthly engagements: £4,000 – £12,000+ per month
• Project-based work: priced separately depending on scope

Costs vary based on:

• Complexity of the business
• Sector and regulatory requirements
• Stage of growth
• Level of investor involvement

Compared to a full-time CFO salary of £130k–£200k+ plus employer costs, outsourced CFO services provide a significantly more flexible and cost-efficient solution.

CFO outsourcing works best when the business needs more than its current finance capability can provide, but isn’t yet at the scale where a full-time CFO appointment makes financial sense. The most common situations:

Growing SMEs Without a CFO

The most common use case. Revenue is growing, the finance function has a capable bookkeeper or Finance Manager, but nobody at CFO level to provide strategic oversight, challenge the executive team, or represent the business to investors and lenders. A part-time outsourced CFO fills that gap immediately at a fraction of the full-time cost.

Businesses Preparing for Investment

Investors — whether venture capital, private equity, or debt providers — expect to see a credible CFO who can own the financial narrative. An outsourced CFO engaged ahead of a fundraising round can build the financial model, prepare the investor pack, manage the data room, and sit alongside the CEO in investor meetings, significantly improving the probability of a successful raise.

PE-Backed and VC-Backed Businesses

Private equity and venture capital investors frequently require CFO-level financial governance as a condition of investment. For businesses that have received institutional funding but are not yet large enough to justify a full-time CFO hire, an outsourced CFO provides the governance, reporting, and investor relations capability that PE and VC investors require.

Post-Acquisition Integration

Businesses that have made an acquisition often need additional CFO-level capacity to manage the integration of financial systems, reporting, and teams. An outsourced CFO can lead the integration workstream without permanently expanding the cost base, transitioning out once the business is operating as a unified entity.

Founder-Led Businesses Scaling Rapidly

Founders who are spending disproportionate time on financial questions, investor conversations, and reporting are not running their business — they are filling a CFO vacancy. An outsourced CFO reclaims that time immediately, handling financial oversight, investor relations, and strategic financial decisions so the founder can focus on product, sales, and operations.

Businesses in Turnaround or Financial Difficulty

When a business is under financial pressure — cash flow problems, covenant breaches, lender concerns — an experienced outsourced CFO with turnaround experience can stabilise the position quickly. Their independence from the business, combined with their experience of similar situations, gives lenders and stakeholders confidence that the financial position is being managed competently.

Some businesses prefer a fully managed model — our CFO as a service arrangement covers ongoing financial leadership, reporting and board support without any employment relationship.

“FD Capital has supported SBS Insurance Services over the past three years through the provision of a Fractional FD/CFO. Their expertise has made a significant difference in professionalising our finance function and delivering accurate, timely management information — exactly what our business needed to grow with confidence.”

— Tracey Rees, COO, SBS Insurance Services Ltd

Outsourced CFOs work across a wide range of industries, adapting their approach to the specific commercial and financial dynamics of each sector.

SaaS and technology
Supporting recurring revenue models, KPI tracking (ARR, churn, LTV), and investor reporting.

Private equity-backed businesses
Delivering structured reporting, financial governance, and alignment with investor expectations.

Construction and project-based businesses
Managing cash flow, work-in-progress (WIP), and contract profitability.

E-commerce and retail
Improving margin visibility, stock management, and operational efficiency.

Turnaround and restructuring situations
Stabilising cash flow, reducing costs, and restoring financial control.

Each engagement is tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities within the business.

Outcomes and Value

What Difference Does an Outsourced CFO Make?

The impact of an outsourced CFO is measured not just in better reporting, but in better business outcomes.

Typical benefits include:

• Clear, reliable financial visibility
• Improved cash flow and working capital control
• Stronger decision-making at leadership level
• Increased confidence from investors and stakeholders
• Better preparation for fundraising or exit
• Higher overall business valuation over time

By combining strategic insight with operational control, an outsourced CFO helps turn financial data into a tool for growth.

The cost of an outsourced CFO depends on the seniority of the individual, the number of days per week, and the complexity of what the role requires. Day rates for experienced CFOs typically range from £700 to £1,400 per day.

On a like-for-like basis, a two-day-per-week outsourced CFO typically costs 40–60% of the total employment cost of a full-time equivalent. For businesses where two days per week of CFO input provides everything they need, the saving is material. For businesses approaching the point where they need a full-time CFO, the outsourced model provides a natural bridge — scaling from two days to three, then to full-time, without the disruption and cost of a new search at each stage.

Many outsourced CFO mandates include building out the FP&A function — if a dedicated analyst or manager is also required, our financial planning and analysis recruitment covers that search.

There are no employer National Insurance contributions, pension costs, holiday pay, sick pay, or redundancy liability associated with an outsourced CFO engagement. The cost is the day rate, agreed upfront, with no hidden on-costs.

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.

Published Research & Thought Leadership Adrian Lawrence FCA, founder of FD Capital, actively contributes to advancing the understanding of fractional and interim finance leadership in the UK. His recent peer-reviewed publications on ResearchGate explore the strategic impact of these flexible executive models on business growth, transformation, and scalability — particularly for SMEs, scale-ups, and PE/VC-backed companies.

• The Evolution of Fractional CFO Leadership in Modern UK Businesses (March 2026) — Examining how fractional CFOs are reshaping financial strategy in dynamic markets.
• The Strategic Role of Fractional and Interim Executives in Supporting Organisational Growth and Transformation (March 2026, co-authored) — Insights into how these roles drive efficiency, fundraising success, and long-term value creation.

These works build on Adrian’s 20+ years of hands-on experience in executive finance recruitment and reflect FD Capital’s commitment to evidence-based, high-impact solutions. Our placements draw directly from these principles to deliver shortlists in 3–7 days that align with real-world strategic needs.

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.

FD Capital places Finance Directors and CFOs exclusively. We do not recruit for any other function. That specialism means our candidate network is broader, our understanding of what different types of business need at different stages is deeper, and our ability to match the right CFO to the right business is more developed than a generalist recruiter could offer.

Where the role is delivered entirely off-site, a virtual CFO provides the same senior financial leadership without any requirement for on-site presence.

“We’d been looking for a CFO for months but couldn’t justify the full-time cost at our stage. FD Capital introduced us to an outsourced CFO who had been through three PE-backed exits. He was exactly what we needed.”

— CEO, PE-backed technology business, London

What does an outsourced CFO actually do day to day?

On their committed days, an outsourced CFO functions exactly as a full-time CFO would. They attend management meetings, review financial performance, manage the finance team, speak with lenders and investors, and work on whatever the business’s most pressing financial priorities are. The difference is that on non-committed days, the business manages without them — which is why having a capable Finance Manager or Financial Controller in place beneath the CFO is important for the model to work well.

How is an outsourced CFO different from an accountant or financial advisor?

An accountant or financial advisor typically provides a specific service — preparing accounts, filing returns, giving tax advice — on a transactional basis. An outsourced CFO is an executive, not an advisor. They are accountable to the board for the financial performance and governance of the business, they manage the finance team, and they are involved in strategic decisions at leadership level. The relationship is ongoing and embedded, not transactional.

Can an outsourced CFO represent the business to investors and lenders?

Yes, and this is one of the most valuable things they do. An experienced outsourced CFO who has credibility with PE houses, VC funds, and banking relationships can represent the business in fundraising conversations, lender negotiations, and investor updates with the same authority as a full-time CFO. Investors expect to see a credible CFO — the outsourced model satisfies that expectation at a lower cost than a full-time hire.

What size of business benefits most from outsourced CFO services?

Typically businesses with revenues between £2 million and £50 million, though the model works outside that range in both directions. Below £2 million, a part-time Finance Director is usually sufficient. Above £50 million, the volume of CFO work usually justifies a full-time hire, though some businesses at that scale still use the outsourced model successfully where the finance function is relatively straightforward.

How do we manage when the outsourced CFO is not in the office?

The model works best when there is a capable Finance Manager or Financial Controller handling day-to-day operations. The outsourced CFO provides strategic oversight, board-level reporting, and senior decision-making on their committed days, and is reachable by email and phone for urgent matters in between. Most of our clients find that two days per week of genuine CFO input is more valuable than five days per week of a less experienced executive.

Can the arrangement convert to a full-time hire?

Yes, and it is relatively common. Many businesses bring in an outsourced CFO as the business approaches the scale where a full-time appointment makes sense, using the outsourced period to confirm the individual is the right long-term hire. We support that conversion and can structure the transition from outsourced to permanent as part of our ongoing relationship.

How quickly can an outsourced CFO start?

Most of our candidates are available within one to two weeks of appointment. A number are available immediately. This is substantially faster than a permanent CFO search, which typically takes three to four months from instruction to start date.

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

Depending on your situation, one of the following may be a better fit:

• Fractional CFO — ongoing part-time CFO engagement, typically described as fractional in tech and scale-up environments
• Part-Time CFO — the same model described from a working arrangement perspective
• Interim CFO — full-time CFO cover for a defined period, typically covering a departure or a specific transaction
• Outsourced Finance Director — FD-level rather than CFO-level leadership on a part-time basis, more common in SMEs
• Part-Time Finance Director — ongoing part-time FD engagement for businesses that need FD rather than CFO-level leadership
• Fractional FD — the same as a part-time Finance Director, described using the fractional model terminology

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

If you are unsure which model is most appropriate for your business, a short call with our team will give you a clear answer based on your stage, size, and specific requirements.

If you are considering outsourcing your CFO function and want to understand what is available, what it costs, and how quickly we can move, a call with our senior team is the fastest way to get the information you need.

020 3287 9501

FCA-regulated businesses — including asset managers, wealth managers, payment service providers, insurance firms, and consumer credit businesses — require outsourced CFOs who understand the financial governance obligations of operating in a regulated environment. This includes regulatory capital requirements, CASS client money rules, board-level accountability under SMCR, and the financial reporting obligations imposed by the FCA.

Our outsourced CFOs with regulated sector experience can interact directly with compliance teams, work alongside the MLRO, and participate in regulatory visits and correspondence. For regulated businesses requiring broader senior finance and risk leadership, see our dedicated recruitment for FCA regulated firms, SMCR compliance recruitment, and Section 166 review services.

Our outsourced CFOs have operated at the most senior level across a wide range of UK sectors. CFO outsourcing is particularly common in the following areas, where the combination of financial complexity and growth-stage economics makes the model especially well-suited:

What is the difference between an outsourced CFO and a fractional CFO?

Nothing — the terms describe the same model. Fractional CFO, outsourced CFO, and part-time CFO are all used to describe a Chief Financial Officer working with your business on a flexible, part-time basis. The terminology varies by preference.

Remote and Hybrid Working Arrangements

Most outsourced CFO engagements involve a hybrid of on-site and remote days — the CFO is physically present on their committed days and works remotely between them. For businesses where a fully remote arrangement is preferred, our virtual CFO service provides senior financial leadership without any requirement for on-site presence.

In practice, nothing. The three terms describe the same model from different angles:

• Outsourced CFO emphasises that the CFO is external to the business rather than a full-time employee — the framing favoured by businesses thinking about cost and flexibility.
• Fractional CFO emphasises that the CFO gives a fraction of their time to your business — the framing more common in scale-up and tech communities.
• Part-time CFO emphasises the working arrangement — the framing most common among SMEs and owner-managed businesses.

FD Capital uses all three terms depending on how clients describe their need. The candidates we place, the process we follow, and the engagements we structure are identical regardless of which term is used.

The term virtual CFO is also used occasionally, usually to describe a CFO who works primarily or entirely remotely rather than on-site. Most of our outsourced CFOs work a combination of on-site and remote days depending on the business’s preference.

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