Part-Time vs Full-Time CFOs: Exploring Their Key Skills, Benefits and Roles

Every business needs financial leadership and oversight. But for many small and midsize businesses, the cost and resources to bring on this type of leadership has been out of reach. 

Fortunately, these companies can turn to a part-time CFO (also called a “fractional CFO”) to get the financial leadership they need without a full-time price tag or a massive commitment of time or resources. 

Whether your company is a start-up looking to get its financial records in order, a small business needing a go-to-market strategy, or a midsize business requiring financial oversight for an acquisition, a part-time CFO might be the answer. 

What Does a CFO Do? 

The CFO role combines financial strategy and leadership with responsibilities that fall into four general categories:

• Oversight of the finance function
• Advisory services
• Financial and personal leadership
• Wider company support

More specifically, CFOs implement financial strategies, prepare detailed financial analyses and forecasts, and monitor the performance of the entire finance function. With so many skills and responsibilities, a full-time CFO commands an impressive salary. The significant cost can be a barrier for a growing business with limited financial resources—that’s where the part-time CFO comes in.

Part-Time CFO vs. Full-Time CFO: What’s the Difference? 

Part-time CFOs and full-time CFOs share many similar duties, but have different time commitments and levels of accountability.

Full-Time CFO Responsibilities

A full-time CFO:

• Works full time, usually 40+ hours per week.
• Oversees all aspects of the finance function at all times.
• Is comprehensively accountable for the company’s financial health and strategy.
• Receives a negotiated compensation, which generally includes salary, stock options and benefits.

A full-time CFO has a comprehensive overview of a company’s finances and operations. They direct teams and advise senior leadership, shaping business decisions and financial strategy from the ground up. Fully embedded in the company structure, they streamline financial communication both internally and externally and ensure business continuity.

Part-Time CFO Responsibilities

A part-time CFO:

• Usually works 10-25 hours per week.
• Takes on defined leadership responsibilities, such as establishing financial metrics and models for a start-up, or overseeing M&A actions.
• Is accountable for specific tasks or time frames.
• Is paid on an hourly or per-project basis.

A part-time CFO offers SMBs a targeted tactical advantage at a much lower cost. Fractional CFOs deliver immediate expertise and insight for distinctly defined responsibilities like acquisitions or cash flow management. Flexible and adaptable, they can accomplish specific tasks, like establishing reporting metrics to improve compliance, or take on larger financial design projects, such as creating a company-wide digital transformation strategy.

Which CFO Model Is Right for Your Company?

Consider the following areas when deciding which CFO model works best for your company:

• Budget: A lean budget makes a fractional CFO an attractive option, giving your business access to strategic expertise at a much lower cost. A full-time CFO might provide more services over time, but the hiring costs alone can be prohibitive in the early days. 
• Changing business requirements: In its infancy, your company may only need to establish financial reporting and compliance systems. Later, you might benefit from a personalized go-to-market strategy. When fully established, your business will benefit from full-time oversight.
• Fundraising: A part-time CFO delivers the reconciled financials, growth plans and financial models required by investors and lenders in a timely fashion and prepares the pitch decks used to attract investment. If you want to maximize your valuation while minimizing cost, a part-time CFO is a smart tactical decision. 
• Scaling needs: As you scale, you may need temporary but knowledgeable help with M&A or revenue growth on a one-time or temporary but recurring basis. Conversely, your business might benefit from long-term strategic leadership to steer you well into the future.
• Transitions: Growth brings change. Even if your business decides to hire a full-time CFO, interim leadership will be needed until the role is filled. A part-time CFO fills leadership gaps, ensuring business continuity and seamless transitions.

Financial complexity increases as your company grows. Moving from one CFO model to another is part of natural business evolution. Getting the right financial advice and strategy at the right time is the key to staying competitive.

Myths and Mistakes About Part-Time CFOs

The way the world works has changed. In 2023, 72 million Americans earned at least part of their income through freelance work. But myths about outsourcing major leadership roles, like CFOs, remain. 

Myth 1: Part Time Means Not Committed

In fact, the opposite is true. Fractional CFOs have targeted goals and responsibilities. They devote their full concentration to their objectives and free the time of other senior leaders, so the CEO and COO can turn their attention to new business opportunities.

Myth 2: An Outsourced CFO Is a Data Risk

Today’s businesses are proactively wary of threats to data confidentiality and security. A part-time CFO has access to large amounts of sensitive data, financial and otherwise, but fractional CFOs are bound by the same legal terms as full-time CFOs. Non-disclosure and non-compete clauses build security directly into part-time CFO contracts. 

Technology also offers security solutions. Work can be done on proprietary equipment, or on in-house-only systems with no export capability. 

Myth 3: Part-Time Means Low Quality 

The recent sea change in work patterns means that exceptionally skilled, highly versatile financial professionals are now eager to embrace a fractional role—whether that’s to achieve a better work-life balance or for the desire to meet multiple challenges.

Get the CFO Support Your Business Needs

A CFO oversees a company’s finance function and provides strategic advisory support. The rise of the freelance model means businesses can now access a CFO’s skills on a full- or part-time basis to build for success depending on their capabilities and needs. The most important thing to do is align your CFO decisions with your overarching business goals.

If your business would benefit from CFO expertise, Paro can help. With access to a network of the top 2% of finance professionals, Paro can quickly match your company’s needs to the best CFO candidates, on an hourly or project basis. Find a part-time CFO tailored to your specific business needs, and watch your business grow to the next level.