What Does a Fractional CFO Cost?

Fractional CFOs typically cost $200–$500 per hour or $5,000–$15,000 per month, depending on company stage, scope of work, and location. Here's how the pricing breaks down.

Typical pricing models

  • Hourly: $200–$500/hr — best for advisory or project work.
  • Monthly retainer: $5k–$15k/mo — best for ongoing finance leadership.
  • Project-based: $10k–$50k — for a fundraise, audit, or system migration.

What drives the price

Stage (pre-seed vs. Series B), hours per month, fundraising involvement, and metro all move the number. A fractional CFO supporting an active raise costs more than one doing monthly close oversight.

Frequently asked questions

Is a fractional CFO cheaper than full-time?
Yes — typically 30–70% of the all-in cost of a full-time CFO, with no equity grant or benefits.
Are there setup or onboarding fees?
Some charge a one-time onboarding fee to build the initial model and reporting stack; many roll it into the first month's retainer.