When you’re starting to drown in financial reports or just aren’t moving ahead in your business the way you want to, it’s time for an experienced CFO to give you a hand.

Hiring a full-time CFO comes with big expenses attached, sending many business owners looking for a different solution, like a Fractional CFO. But that can come with tricky decisions, too. Should you go with a Fractional CFO from a firm or an individual?

Why should you use a Fractional CFO firm?

Fractional CFOs have a lot to offer a growing business, no matter which type you choose. But there are a few reasons going with a firm could be the better choice for your company.

You have access to a team of experts

Your Fractional CFO will work in your business with you every week and should feel like a member of your team (because they are). With a firm, you get that steady financial partner and the expertise of our other CFOs as well.

Our team of CFOs has monthly roundtables to discuss best practices and talk about trends and potential financial issues on the horizon. They learn from each other and collaborate to bring more value to their engagement with your company.  

Though our CFOs work with clients in many different industries, our roundtables focus on these areas:

• Construction
• Manufacturing and distribution
• Transportation
• Not-for-profits and professional services companies

You find the right Fractional CFO faster

A Fractional CFO firm can function as a one-stop-shop for your financial executive needs, instead of having several different get-to-know-you meetings and trying to compare the strengths of different individual CFO candidates on your own, 

Our Founder and Managing Director, Mike DeMaio, and I talk with our prospective clients and determine the best CFO in our firm to align with each company’s needs. No endless Google or LinkedIn searches needed.

All of our CFOs have been CFOs before — it’s no one’s first rodeo as a financial leader. After hearing about your situation, Mike and I will match you with the one who knows your industry best and has experience with the challenges you’re facing. 

You work with a CFO who’s focused on your business

Crown CFOs are our firm’s employees, not 1099 consultants. Because our CFOs have all their administrative tasks, billing, benefits and promotion covered by Crown, they’re free to focus on helping your company grow and succeed. Each CFO only handles three or four clients at a time to ensure each company gets their money’s worth.

You get the long-term guidance your company needs

Individual Fractional CFOs are often best suited as interim financial leaders. For instance, if your CFO has a long absence coming up or you’re hiring your next CFO and need some time to find the right one, you might want someone to step into the financial leader role for a short stint.

A Crown Fractional CFO is the right choice if you’re looking for a part-time financial leader for the long haul. We work best as long-term advisors, making ourselves part of your trusted leadership team and helping you build and execute strategic plans in your business. 

There are many talented individual Fractional CFOs in Kansas City — some of our own team even worked on their own before joining us. But when you need top-tier advisory and analysis without bringing on a full-time CFO, a Fractional CFO firm like Crown is the way to go.

Next steps: Questions to ask about Fractional CFO’s

• What type of financial leadership do you need: long-term or short-term?
• What are your criteria for your next CFO, fractional or otherwise? 
• Where will you search for a Fractional CFO that meets your needs?
• How much time do you need each week or month from your CFO?

These are some of the many considerations when it comes to choosing between an individual Fractional CFO and a firm. A firm like Crown CFO can deliver the expertise and experience you need to meet your business goals — and your budget.

If you’re in Kansas City, one of the experienced financial leaders at Crown CFO can help you reach your business goals. Contact Kerry George at [email protected] to bring a trusted, expert Fractional CFO to your business.