The 20 questions
People
- Who exactly will be my CFO, and what are their qualifications (CPA, CA ANZ)?
- Who covers when they're away?
- Have they worked with businesses like mine?
- Have they been through a raise, sale or refinance?
Scope
- What exactly is delivered weekly, monthly and quarterly?
- Can I see a sample report, board pack and cash forecast?
- How quickly after month-end will I get numbers?
- Will you attend board and bank meetings?
Pricing & terms
- Is pricing fixed monthly or by the day?
- What's not included?
- What's the minimum term and notice period?
- What happens to my models and files if we part ways?
Systems & data
- Which accounting software do you connect to?
- Will I have a live dashboard?
- How is my data secured?
- Do you use AI, and how is it reviewed?
Australian context
- How do you forecast BAS, PAYG, Payday Super and payroll tax?
- How do you work with my accountant and tax agent?
- Do you understand my state's industry rules (e.g. security of payment, QBCC)?
- Can I meet you in person if I need to?
CFOSurge's answers
Australian CPA partners (Mark O'Sullivan, CPA, and Peter Varga, CPA), a senior CFO team and CFOAvatar, our AI CFO. Fixed monthly pricing from A$1,500. We connect to any accounting software, target book closure by the 5th working day, offer a two-week satisfaction guarantee, and you keep your models and dashboards.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What qualifications should a CFO have in Australia?
Look for CPA (CPA Australia) or CA (Chartered Accountants ANZ) membership plus relevant senior experience. The CFO title itself isn't regulated.
Should a CFO service be fixed-fee?
Fixed monthly fees make cost predictable and align incentives. Day rates suit short projects.
Is it a red flag if a provider won't show sample work?
Yes. Ask for anonymised samples of a cash forecast, a management report and a board pack.
How do I compare CFO providers fairly?
Score each on people, scope, pricing, systems, Australian expertise and exit terms using the same 20 questions.