What a fractional CFO does for a Sydney business
Fractional is the right model when the CFO needs to be part of the leadership team: in the board meeting, on the investor call, leading the finance team. Sydney's scale-ups typically move to fractional when they raise institutional capital or pass about A$5M in revenue.
Embedded days
Typically 2–8 days a month on site or online, part of your leadership rhythm.
Finance leadership
Manages your bookkeeper or finance team, sets the close calendar and owns controls.
Board and capital
Board attendance, investor and lender relationships, transactions and strategy.
Fractional CFO or virtual CFO?
| Virtual CFO | Fractional CFO | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical revenue | A$1–15M | A$5–50M |
| Time commitment | Scheduled reviews + AI monitoring | Set days each month, embedded |
| Main outputs | Forecasts, reports, KPIs, advice | All of that + leadership, board and team management |
| Typical Sydney cost | From A$1,500/mo (CFOSurge) | A$3k–A$10k+/mo (market) |
Three layers: partner, CFO team and AI
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.
Mark O'Sullivan, CPA
Senior leadership roles at PwC, EY and Andersen. Works with clients across Australia, by video and in person by arrangement.
Peter Varga, CPA
20+ years in finance and operational leadership at NAB, Telstra and AusNet. Works with clients across Australia, by video and in person by arrangement.
Fractional CFO pricing in Sydney
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
How much does a fractional CFO cost in Sydney?
Fractional CFOs in Sydney typically cost A$3,000–A$10,000+ a month for 1–4 days, or more for 1–2 days a week. CFOSurge quotes a fixed monthly fee after a free diagnostic.
What's the difference between a fractional CFO and an accountant?
Your accountant looks backwards: compliance, tax returns and year-end accounts. A CFO looks forward: cash forecasting, pricing, funding, KPIs and strategy. Most businesses need both, and we work alongside your accountant.
Can I meet my fractional CFO in person in Sydney?
Yes. Our Australian CFO Partners, Mark O'Sullivan, CPA, and Peter Varga, CPA, meet clients in person in Sydney by arrangement. Routine work happens online.
How quickly can you start?
Most clients are onboarded within a week. CFOAvatar connects to your accounting software in days, and your first cash forecast and KPI dashboard arrive in the first month.
Is there a lock-in contract?
No long lock-ins. You can start risk-free: if you're not satisfied in the first two weeks, you don't pay.