When does a fractional CFO create real value?

A fractional CFO is not a cheaper accountant and not a part-time bookkeeper with a better title. The role exists for companies that need senior financial judgement — forecasting, banking, investor reporting, the shape of a hire — before they need a full-time executive.

The appointment creates value in three situations. The company is growing faster than its finance function. A transaction or a round of financing is coming into view. Or the founder is still the de facto CFO and can no longer hold both jobs with the necessary attention.

It does not create value where the underlying administration is chaotic. Judgement without a close that can be trusted is theatre. We will not take a fractional mandate until reporting is stable enough to stand on.

The test is simple. After ninety days, the board should have a forecast it believes, a cash view it can use weekly, and a named person who will still be in the room next quarter. If the work has produced slides but not a change in how decisions are taken, the retainer should end.

Vanden & Co. offers the role as part of the advisory practice, not as a separate product. The same partners remain responsible for the numbers that sit underneath the advice.