Most fractional CFOs charge between $150 and $400 per hour, or $2,000 to $8,000 per month on a retainer basis. The actual cost depends on how many hours you need, what you’re asking them to do, and their experience level.

Hourly rates work well for project-based work like preparing for a fundraise or building a financial model. Monthly retainers work better for ongoing support like cash flow management, financial reporting, and strategic planning. Some fractional CFOs offer both options and let you choose based on your needs.

Several factors affect the price. Scope of work matters most. A CFO reviewing your monthly financials and meeting with you once a month costs less than one running your entire finance function, managing your accounting team, and sitting in on board meetings. Be clear about what you actually need before you start comparing quotes.

Company complexity plays a role too. A software startup with simple revenue streams is easier to manage than a manufacturing company with inventory, multiple locations, and complicated cost accounting. More complexity means more hours, which means higher monthly costs.

Experience and background affect rates as well. A CFO who has raised $50 million and taken companies through exits will charge more than someone with less deal experience. That premium might be worth it if you’re raising capital or preparing for acquisition. Saratoga Springs, Utah bookkeepers and finance professionals serving the Wasatch Front can often provide experienced CFO support at rates below what you’d pay in larger coastal markets.

For context, a full-time CFO typically costs $150,000 to $250,000 in salary plus benefits, equity, and bonus. That’s easily $200,000 to $350,000 in total compensation. A fractional CFO at $5,000 per month gives you experienced financial leadership at a fraction of that cost.

Watch out for CFOs who quote low monthly fees but exclude key deliverables. Fundraising support, board deck preparation, and lender negotiations sometimes come with extra charges. Ask what’s included before you sign anything.

The right question isn’t just what a fractional CFO costs but what value they add. If a CFO helps you raise capital at better terms, avoid cash flow problems, or make smarter decisions with accurate financial data, the fee pays for itself quickly. The cost matters, but the return on that cost matters more.