Seven signs you need a fractional CFO
- You're raising capital, or a bank has asked for forecasts you can't produce.
- Revenue has passed about A$5M and the finance team needs leadership.
- Your board wants a monthly pack and nobody owns it.
- Cash is tight despite profit.
- You're considering acquisitions, a new state or a new entity.
- Payroll tax, ATO debt or covenant headroom is keeping you up at night.
- You're planning a sale or succession in the next 2–3 years.
What a CFOSurge fractional CFO owns
Strategy & planning
Budget, three-way forecast and scenarios, plus pricing and investment cases.
Board & capital
Board packs, investor updates, lender reporting and covenant management.
Finance function
Close calendar, controls, systems and leadership of your bookkeeper or team.
Fractional CFO + AI CFO + Australian CPA partner
One of our Australian CPA partners owns your relationship, leads board and investor conversations, and signs off the advice that matters.
Experienced CFOs and analysts with Big Four and Fortune 500 backgrounds build your forecasts, reporting and models, working to Australian business hours.
Connects to your accounting software and watches cash, margin, debtors and KPIs every day. It answers questions 24/7 and flags risks before month-end.
Find CFO services near you: Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Perth · Adelaide · Canberra · Gold Coast · Newcastle · Hobart · Darwin · Geelong · Sunshine Coast · Wollongong
Fractional CFO cost in Australia
| Option | Typical cost (AUD) | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFOSurge AI CFO Essentials | from A$1,500/mo | CFOAvatar AI CFO, 13-week cash forecast, monthly CFO-reviewed report and review call | A$1–10M owner-led businesses |
| Virtual / fractional CFO | A$2k–A$10k+/mo | Scheduled remote support, or a named CFO for 1–4 days a month | A$3–30M growing businesses |
| Part-time CFO (1–3 days/week) | A$8k–A$20k/mo | Embedded senior finance leadership | Complex or investor-backed firms |
| Interim CFO | A$1,200–A$1,800+/day | Full-time cover for 3–9 months | Vacancies, transactions, turnarounds |
| Full-time CFO | A$270k–A$400k+/yr | Permanent executive (true employment cost) | A$50M+ revenue or listed entities |
Market ranges are indicative, compiled from published Australian provider pricing and recruitment data (October 2026). Full-time cost includes salary, 12% super, payroll tax, bonus and on-costs. All figures exclude GST.
AI CFO Essentials
For owner-led businesses that need forward-looking numbers now.
- CFOAvatar AI CFO connected to your accounting software (Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, NetSuite and others)
- Live dashboard: cash, margin, debtors, KPIs
- Rolling 13-week cash flow forecast
- Monthly CFO-reviewed management report
- Monthly review call with a senior CFO
- Ask CFOAvatar 24/7
Fractional CFO
A named CFO embedded in your business for set days each month.
- Everything in Essentials
- Budget, 3-way forecast and scenario models
- Board pack and attendance at board meetings
- Bank and lender reporting
- Pricing, margin and cost programs
- Australian CPA partner oversight
Strategic & Interim CFO
Capital raising, exit, turnaround or interim cover.
- Capital raising and investor data room
- Exit readiness and vendor due diligence
- Turnaround and ATO or lender negotiations
- Interim CFO cover during recruitment or leave
- Fixed fee or milestone pricing
Prices in AUD, exclusive of any applicable taxes. Start risk-free: if you're not satisfied in the first two weeks, you don't pay. No long lock-in contracts.
Frequently asked questions
What is a fractional CFO?
A fractional CFO is a senior chief financial officer who works part of each month inside your business, typically 2–8 days, leading finance strategy, reporting, funding and the finance team.
How much does a fractional CFO cost in Australia?
Typically A$3,000–A$10,000+ a month for 1–4 days a month, or A$8,000–A$20,000 a month for 1–3 days a week. Day rates are commonly A$1,500–A$3,500.
When should I hire a fractional CFO instead of a full-time CFO?
Usually until revenue reaches about A$30–50M, or until you're preparing for a listing. Below that, a full-time CFO's A$270k+ true cost rarely pays back.
Will a fractional CFO attend board meetings?
Yes. Board attendance, board packs and investor or lender meetings are core fractional CFO responsibilities.
Can I scale fractional CFO days up or down?
Yes. CFOSurge adjusts days month to month, for example up during a raise or transaction and down once it closes.