Do You Really Need a CFO? (And What to Do If You’re Not Ready)

Hiring a full-time CFO is a big move—for your team, your budget, and your business. But if you’re starting to feel the gaps between your bookkeeping and your bigger-picture financial needs, it’s time to ask: what kind of support do you actually need to make smart, strategic decisions?

CFO Problems Don’t Always Require a CFO

A lot of businesses hit a point where they need more than just accurate books. They need guidance. Financial modeling. Help evaluating growth decisions, improving cash flow, or getting investor-ready. These are what people think of as “CFO problems.” But the truth is, you don’t need a $200k hire to solve them. What you need is controllership-level support—an expert who can bridge the gap between your operations and your strategy.

What a Good Controller Can Really Do for You

A fractional controller can help you build financial systems that scale, make sure your reporting actually drives decisions, and provide insight—not just data—when it’s time to plan, invest, or course-correct. It’s the kind of support that helps you lead with clarity now, while also setting you up for success later, when a CFO actually makes sense.

You Need Strategic Support That Fits Where You Are

If you’re still refining your model, testing growth levers, or getting a handle on real margins, you need someone who’s hands-on. Someone who understands both the day-to-day and the bigger picture. That’s where controllership-level support shines: it’s grounded, flexible, and tuned to the real decisions you’re making every day.

Build the Foundation Before You Level Up

The best CFOs don’t just walk into clean systems—they rely on them. If your books are still messy or your reporting doesn’t reflect your business goals, bringing on a CFO too early can backfire. You’re better off investing in building the right foundation first.

The Bottom Line

You may not need a full-time CFO just yet—but you do need high-quality financial leadership. That’s what our Managed Accounting Solutions deliver: controller-level insight, customized reporting, and experienced guidance to help you grow with confidence.

Curious what that looks like for your business? Let’s talk about where you are now and how we can help you get where you’re going.