What a virtual CFO does
Cash flow forecasting
A rolling 13-week and 12-month cash forecast covering BAS, PAYG, Payday Super and payroll tax.
Management reporting
A monthly CFO-reviewed P&L, balance sheet and cash report with commentary that tells you what to do.
Budgets and KPIs
An annual budget, monthly variance tracking and an industry-specific KPI scorecard.
Strategic advice
Pricing, hiring, funding, expansion and exit questions, backed by models, not opinions.
Who should hire a virtual CFO?
- Businesses with A$1M–A$15M revenue that have outgrown bookkeeping-only reporting
- Owners making hiring, pricing or expansion decisions without a forward forecast
- Companies preparing for bank finance, investment or sale in the next 12–24 months
- Founders who want CFO-grade numbers without adding a senior executive salary
Find CFO services near you: Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Perth · Adelaide · Canberra · Gold Coast · Newcastle · Hobart · Darwin · Geelong · Sunshine Coast · Wollongong
How CFOSurge delivers virtual CFO services
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.
Virtual 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is a virtual CFO?
A virtual CFO is a senior finance executive who works remotely and part-time, providing forecasting, reporting, KPIs and strategic financial advice at a fraction of a full-time CFO's cost.
How much does a virtual CFO cost in Australia?
Typically A$2,000–A$8,000 a month depending on scope and frequency. CFOSurge's AI CFO Essentials starts at A$1,500 a month.
Is a virtual CFO the same as a fractional CFO?
The terms overlap and neither is regulated. In practice, 'virtual' usually means remote, scheduled support, while 'fractional' usually means a named CFO embedded for set days each month. See our virtual vs fractional guide.
Does a virtual CFO replace my accountant?
No. Your accountant or tax agent handles compliance and lodgements. A virtual CFO uses those numbers to plan forward and improve decisions.
How long are virtual CFO engagements?
Most run for 12 months or more, because the value compounds as forecasts and KPIs mature. CFOSurge has no long lock-ins.