What keeps saas & startups owners up at night
Runway is the only number that matters
Most startup failures are cash timing failures. A weekly 13-week forecast and a monthly 18-month runway model are non-negotiable.
The R&D refund is cash you don't have yet
The refundable offset (company tax rate + 18.5% for turnover under A$20M) arrives after lodgement. Plan for it, but don't spend it before it lands. Consider R&D financing.
ESIC and investor tax incentives
Early-stage innovation company status can make your raise more attractive to angels. Your CFO should confirm eligibility tests with your adviser before the round.
Board and investor reporting
Monthly investor updates and quarterly board packs build trust and make the next raise faster.
The KPIs your CFO should report
| KPI | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| ARR and MRR growth | The headline investors anchor on |
| Net revenue retention | Expansion vs churn by cohort |
| CAC payback (months) | Efficiency of growth spend |
| Burn multiple | Net burn ÷ net new ARR |
| Gross margin (fully loaded) | Including hosting and customer success |
| Runway incl. R&D refund | Months of cash, refund timed correctly |
All of these appear live in CFOAvatar, your AI CFO dashboard.
Ask CFOAvatar: sample questions
Run the numbers
How CFOSurge works with you
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
When should a startup hire a CFO?
Usually at seed or Series A, when you need an investor-grade model and monthly reporting. Before that, AI CFO Essentials gives you runway and R&D cash planning for much less than a part-time hire.
Can a CFO help with our R&D Tax Incentive?
Yes. We forecast the refund, ensure your financial records support the claim and plan cash around its timing. Registration and lodgement are completed with your R&D adviser or tax agent.
What SaaS metrics will you report?
ARR/MRR, net and gross revenue retention, CAC and CAC payback, burn multiple, fully loaded gross margin, cohort analysis and runway.
Do you help with capital raising?
Yes. We build the financial model, data room, use-of-funds and investor Q&A, and support due diligence.