McBride CFO

What is a fractional CFO?

An experienced chief financial officer who works with you part time, on a monthly retainer or a defined project. You get senior-level financial leadership, including forecasting, planning, reporting and advice, without the salary, benefits and bonus of a full-time executive.

How is a fractional CFO different from a full-time or interim CFO?

A full-time CFO is an employee who runs the entire finance function. An interim CFO fills a gap, usually between permanent hires. A fractional CFO is an ongoing, part-time partner whose time is focused on the issues and goals that matter most to you right now, and who scales up or down as your needs change.

What is the difference between a fractional CFO and my CPA?

Your CPA handles tax and compliance. A CFO uses your numbers to look forward: forecasting cash, planning, pricing and advising on decisions before you make them.

What differentiates the level of services you provide?

We offer three levels, and most clients use a mix, all under one roof:

• CFO: looking ahead. Cash flow forecasting, budgets and KPIs, pricing and profitability, lender and investor readiness, strategic planning, KPI benchmarking, exit and succession planning, and putting AI to work across the organization.
• Controller: making sure the numbers are right. Month-end close, account reconciliations, monthly financial statements and reporting, internal controls, clean-up projects, and coordinating with your CPA and auditors.
• Bookkeeper: keeping the day-to-day current. Recording and coding transactions, bank and credit card reconciliations, bills and invoices, auto-pay set-up, and keeping records organized.

When is the right time to bring in a fractional CFO?

Common signs include being profitable but short on cash, margins that keep slipping, a loan, investment or sale on the horizon, an upcoming audit, or systems and spreadsheets that the business has outgrown. For households, it is often a major life change, such as retirement or taking over a parent's finances.

How much does a fractional CFO cost?

It depends on the scope of the work. We offer a monthly retainer, hourly or project pricing, all set out in a written fee agreement before work begins. The first 30-minute call is free, and it is the best way to get a clear estimate for your situation.

How much of your time do I get?

That depends on the retainer scope. Most clients get a standing monthly meeting plus analysis and email or phone access between meetings. We agree on the cadence in your proposal.

Do I have to sign a long contract?

No. Retainers run month to month after the initial 90-day plan, with 30 days' notice to end the engagement.

How do you use AI in your work?

We use AI to take on routine tasks such as coding invoices, matching transactions, drafting variance commentary and refreshing forecasts, always with a person reviewing the results. It reduces manual work and turnaround time, which keeps costs down and leaves more time for analysis and advice. Your data stays private and secure.

Can you help me prepare my business for a sale or succession?

Yes. We build a 12- to 24-month plan focused on increasing enterprise value, benchmark your results against your industry, clean up the financials buyers will examine and track progress until you are ready to sell or hand off the business.

Can you work with my existing accounting software?

Yes. We work in QuickBooks, Xero, Sage Intacct, SAP and many other ERP solutions, and can recommend changes if your existing ERP stack is holding you back.

Do you only work with Denver companies and individuals?

No. We are based in Denver, but the work is done remotely and we take clients wherever they are.