Running a business is no small feat, and when it comes to managing finances, the stakes are even higher. You need expert advice, smart strategies, and someone who can see the bigger picture. But hiring a full-time CFO? That can be sometimes impossible for your already strained budget.

That’s where the fractional CFO comes in. You get the knowledge and insights from a seasoned financial expert, without paying a hefty, six-figure salary.

Wondering how much does a fractional CFO cost in 2025? Let’s break it down for you right here, in this blog.

What is a Fractional CFO?

Ah! The big question.

Before we dive into numbers and reiterate why having a fractional CFO is a great idea, let’s first tell you what exactly a fractional CFO is and what it does.

A fractional CFO is a part-time or contract-based Chief Financial Officer who works with your business for a set number of hours per week or month. They offer the same high-level financial expertise as a full-time CFO but without a full-time salary, that often makes in-house CFOs unaffordable for small businesses.

What Factors Affect Fractional CFO Cost?

The fractional CFO rates can vary based on a few key factors:

Experience Level

A CFO with decades of experience and industry specialization may charge more than someone newer to the role. This is because fractional CFOs with years of experience have a lot more to offer to their partner businesses than someone who is still learning and gaining knowledge.

Scope of Work

Are you looking for someone to help with fundraising and investor relationships? Do you just need someone to keep books clean and manage cash flow? Or are you interested in a fractional CFO for financial forecasting? The scope of the work highly impacts the fractional CFO hourly rate.

Company Size and Complexity

A startup with a simple financial model may have to pay less to their fractional CFO compared to a growing company with multiple revenue streams. If you’re a small to mid-size business in the early stage, the cost of the CFO will be way less for you than a growing enterprise.

Engagement Model

Lastly, how much you need the CFO also affects the fractional CFO rates. Per-hour, monthly rates, or project-based retainers are some of the options to consider.

Fractional CFO Hourly Rate in 2025

In 2025, the fractional CFO hourly rate typically ranges between $150 to $450 per hour.

• At the lower end, ($150-$200/hour), you might work with a CFO who supports early-stage startups or offers virtual-only services.
• Mid-range rates ($200-$300/hour) are common for CFOs who bring industry-specific experience and offer more strategic insight.
• At the high-end, ($300-$450/hour), you’re usually getting someone with extensive experience, perhaps even a former Fortune 500 CFO who now works with multiple clients part-time.

The fractional CFO hourly rate can also depend on location. CFO in major markets like New York or San Francisco tend to charge more, while those in the smaller cities or remote positions may slightly be more affordable.

Monthly and Project-Based Fractional CFO Rates

Some business owners prefer to pay on monthly retainer instead of hourly. This can often be more predictable and better suited for ongoing support.

In 2025, fractional CFO rates on a monthly basis usually fall between:

• $3000 to $7000 per month for early-stage companies or limited hours.
• $8000 to $12000 per month for mid-sized businesses needing more frequent services.
• $15,000+ per month for larger, complex businesses or those going through funding rounds, acquisitions, or financial restructuring.

Keep in mind that fractional CFO rates might also change depending on the specific project. For example, a short-term fundraising project or preparing for an audit might cost more than regular monthly check-ins and financial reporting.

Source: https://alexejpikovsky.com/how-to-hire-fractional-cfo/

How Much Does a Fractional CFO Cost?

Here’s a quick summary:

• Hourly rates: $150 to $450
• Monthly retainer: $3000 to $15,000+
• Project based: Depends on the scope and urgency but somewhere between $5000 to $30,000+

The good news is that with a fractional CFO, you only pay for what you need. And a fractional CFO cost comes without the overheads incurred in benefits you’re obliged to pay a full-time employee.

When It’s Time to Hire A Fractional CFO?

If you’re still wondering whether you actually need a fractional CFO, here are some signs:

• You’re preparing for funding and need help building financial models
• You’ve outgrown basic bookkeeping and need strategic financial planning
• You want to improve cash flow but don’t know where to start
• You’re making key decisions without clear financial guidance
• You need investor-ready reports but don’t have the expertise to create them

How Do We Help at Monily

At Monily, we understand that every business is different. That’s why we offer flexible fractional CFO hourly rates tweaked to your exact needs and budget.

Whether you’re a startup gearing up for a seed round or a growing business trying to make sense of your financial data, we have got your back! With our affordable fractional CFO costs, you get to enjoy the expertise, clarity, and insights of a seasoned financial guru without bearing the full-time costs.

Book a consultation with us today to learn more about our fractional CFO services.

Farwah Jafri

Farwah Jafri is a financial management expert and Product Owner at Monily, where she leads financial services for small and medium businesses. With over a decade of experience, including a directorial role at Arthur Lawrence UK Ltd., she specializes in bookkeeping, payroll, and financial analytics. Farwah holds an MBA from Alliance Manchester Business School and a BS in Computer Software Engineering. Based in Houston, Texas, she is dedicated to helping businesses better their financial operations.