Everything You Should Know About the Outsourced CFO

cfonetwork • September 17, 2021
A man is sitting at a desk with a laptop and a cup of coffee discussing outsourced cfo services

Have the proper CFO for your company can often be the difference between whether or not you are able to accurately implement  your financial analysis. However, it’s not uncommon for a business to not have the resources to keep a CFO in-house.

Instead, companies often work with an outsourced CFO to fill this role. Not quite sure if it’s right for you? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about outsourced CFO solutions.

What Exactly Is This Type of CFO?

As the name suggests, an outsourced CFO is a professional outside of your business who is able to offer financial guidance, accounting advice, and help rework your company’s internal operations.

Depending on the needs of the business that hires them, outsourced CFOs could work either part-time or full-time. In some cases, they may be retained and only contacted when certain issues arise.

Since how well you manage your finances often dictates how successful your business will be, it’s important to consider the utility that an outsourced CFO can provide.

What Needs Can They Satisfy?

The primary benefit an outsourced CFO can provide is helping with forecasting, budgeting, and similar financial needs. They are also able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of your company’s financial integrity.

To help clarify, hiring a CFO will first have them conduct a  comprehensive analysis  of your company’s finances. Then, they will help develop a course of action that can assess any problem areas.

It’s typical for businesses to work heavily with an outsourced CFO at first and then slowly reduce the frequency in which they enlist their help. However, they often still stay in contact with them in the event that a financial contingency arises.

Perhaps one of the most significant attributes of working with a CFO is the capability to avoid legal issues. If your finances aren’t kept in order, you run the risk of having legal action taken against you under many different circumstances.

Depending on the scenario, this could result in significant financial loss, reputation damage, etc.

How Can I Tell if I Should Hire One?

If you’ve just started your business and find yourself needing financial guidance, it’s in your best interest to consider this option. The same can be said for smaller companies that have not optimized their internal financial processes.

You could also hire outsourced CFO services if your internal financial team does not have the proper knowledge to perform optimally. Another common scenario could be to help pick up the slack of a financial employee who was fired or  quit on their own.

Working With an Outsourced CFO Can Be Game-Changing

Be sure to keep the above information in mind so that you can determine whether or not working with an outsourced CFO is best for your company.

From here, you can ensure that you stay on the right track toward your goals.

Want to learn more about what we have to offer? Feel free to  get in touch with us  today and see how we can help.

Woman in a grey suit, using a laptop, in a bright office setting. The CFO Network logo is in the corner.
By Chad Kauffman January 21, 2026
Discover 5 financial red flags that signal it’s time for fractional CFO services—and why bookkeeping alone may be holding your business back.
Man in suit stressed, hands on head, laptop, papers flying in air.
By Chad Kauffman January 9, 2026
Doing your own books may cost more than you think. Learn the hidden risks and why outsourced accounting services give business owners clarity and control.
Laptop displaying financial charts, coffee cup, and stack of magazines on a desk with Christmas tree lights in the background.
By Chad Kauffman December 22, 2025
Learn how Fractional CFO services and outsourced accounting provide the clarity, cash flow control, and strategy you need before entering the new year.