Can a bookkeeper do the same job?

No — bookkeepers record history. A CFO builds forward-looking models, owns fundraising strategy, and reports to the board.

When Should a Startup Hire a CFO?

Most startups should bring in a fractional CFO around their first priced round or when monthly revenue and board reporting outgrow a bookkeeper — and a full-time CFO around $10–20M ARR or ahead of a major financing event.

Signals it's time

You're raising a priced round and need investor-grade models.
Cash-flow forecasting has become business-critical.
Your board wants real KPI and variance reporting.
Finance questions are eating your CEO's time.

Fractional first

Almost every startup should start fractional. A part-time CFO gets you investor-ready without the burn of a full-time executive hire you may not yet need.

Frequently asked questions

Can a bookkeeper do the same job?: No — bookkeepers record history. A CFO builds forward-looking models, owns fundraising strategy, and reports to the board.