Bookkeeper or fractional CFO?
Choose the kind of help your business needs.
Start with the problem
If your records are incomplete or the monthly close is late, start by discussing bookkeeping. If your books are current but decisions lack forecasts, cash planning, or financial oversight, discuss CFO support. Some teams offer both; ask who does each job.
Write down the work
A job title is not a scope. List the outputs you need and when you need them.
- Bookkeeping: transaction records, reconciliations, and a dependable close.
- CFO support: forecasts, management reporting, and help with financial decisions.
- Tax work: identify the filings and specialist advice that need separate ownership.
Ask about the handoff
A CFO still needs reliable records. If you already have an accountant or bookkeeper, ask how the new provider will work with them. Confirm who answers questions, corrects errors, and owns each deadline.
Compare the same scope
Give each candidate the same list of entities, monthly work, software, and reporting needs. Request a named lead and written deliverables before comparing fees.