Where an outsourced CFO sits in your finance stack
| Role | Looks | Typical tasks | Who provides it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper | Today | Transactions, reconciliations, payroll processing | Your bookkeeper |
| Accountant / tax agent | Backwards | Tax returns, BAS lodgement, year-end accounts | Your registered tax agent |
| Financial controller | This month | Close, controls, management accounts | CFOSurge (optional) |
| CFO | Forwards | Forecasting, strategy, funding, KPIs, board | CFOSurge |
Why outsource the CFO function?
Cost
A full-time CFO's true cost is A$270k–A$400k+ a year. Outsourced CFO support starts at A$18k a year with CFOSurge.
Breadth
You get a team with Big Four, bank, telco and Fortune 500 experience, not one person's view.
Continuity
No single point of failure when someone resigns or takes leave.
Technology
CFOAvatar gives you daily monitoring that most in-house teams can't build.
One accountable team
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
Frequently asked questions
What are outsourced CFO services?
Outsourced CFO services mean a specialist firm delivers your CFO function, including forecasting, reporting, budgeting, KPIs, funding and strategy, under a service agreement instead of an employment contract.
Is outsourcing the CFO role risky?
The main risks are poor continuity and generic advice. Choose a provider with named partners, documented processes and access to your data in real time. CFOSurge's three-layer model is designed for continuity.
What does an outsourced CFO cost?
From A$1,500 a month with CFOSurge, up to A$10,000+ a month for an embedded fractional CFO, depending on scope.
Can you also do our bookkeeping?
We focus on the CFO layer and work alongside your bookkeeper and accountant. Where a business needs it, we can recommend or coordinate bookkeeping support.