Fractional CFO Services:
Strategic Financial Leadership When You Need It
What is a Fractional CFO?
A Fractional CFO — otherwise known as Outsourced CFO or CFO-as-a-Service — is a highly experienced Chief Financial Officer you can engage on a part-time, project-based, or as-needed basis (such as periods of transition).
Instead of hiring a full-time CFO, you gain the expertise of a senior finance leader for a “fraction” of the cost, allowing you to access strategic financial guidance without the long-term salary commitment.
The fractional concept means you get exactly the level of engagement you need. Your CFO might work one day per week, or focus solely on specific high-impact areas such as cash flow management, fundraising, business planning, or investor reporting. This flexibility and selectivity make the model particularly attractive for SMEs, start-ups, and growing businesses in Singapore.
How a Fractional CFO Helps Your Business
A business may have an accountant or bookkeeper to manage daily transactions, but growth and complexity demand more. Fractional CFO roles are exactly similar to those of a full-time in-house CFO. They provide:
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Strategic Planning and Business Decisions – Being a fractional CFO does not reduce their importance in steering the company on the right path. Fractional CFO make use of their vast experience in different industries and multiple disciplines to assist the CEO or the management team in making informed and strategic decisions.
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Solutions and Transformation – Fractional CFOs are required to offer feasible solutions that transform the business. They help companies to grow and scale healthily from a financial standpoint. This could include having the ideal capital structure, access to diverse funds sources, debt or equity raising, and even investor management.
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Risk Management, Compliance and Internal Control – All CFO are required to lead and ensure good internal controls. This may range from implementing controls, reviewing processes, and creating the right culture.
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Day-to-Day Functions – Accounting, Financial Statements, Tax Compliance, Cash Flow Management are just some of the common finance matters overseen by a CFO. Depending on each company, the CFO is usually tasked to ensure financial data integrity, accuracy, and compliance.
In short, a Fractional CFO bridges the gap between accounting operations and executive-level decision making — steering your company towards sustainable profitability.
How is a Fractional CFO Different from Outsourced Accounting?
Outsource accounting primarily focuses on record-keeping, compliance, and reporting. Your service provider ensures your accounts are accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with Singapore’s accounting standards. Accounting is a small part of a CFO’s responsibility.
A Fractional CFO goes further — bringing high-level decision support and business strategy into the picture.
Think of it this way:
• Outsource Accounting = Historical and compliance-focused (what has happened).
• Fractional CFO = Forward-looking and strategic. Such as budgeting and forecasting (what should happen next).
It’s also important to note: Outsource accounting does not automatically include a Fractional CFO. Many SMEs mistakenly assume that outsourcing their accounts means they get CFO-level advice.
A fractional CFO offers business advice from a broader perspective, considering not only accounting views but also tax implications, operational limitations, funding capacity, treasury structure, and the company's overall direction. Accounting is just one of the many aspects that a CFO oversees.
If your industry is dynamic, capital-intensive, or investor-backed, a Fractional CFO can provide a competitive edge.
While almost any business can benefit, demand is robust in sectors where financial agility and investor confidence matter:
Industries That Benefit Most from Fractional CFO Services in Singapore
Technology & SaaS
Scaling requires robust forecasting and investor relations. Companies in this space tend to benefit from the scalability of a Fractional CFO.
E-Commerce & Retail
Fast-moving consumer goods are usually voluminous. With changing tax rules, international imports and compliance requirements, companies within this industry can tap on the expertise of a Fractional CFO.
Professional Services
Industries such as professional services may require complex project planning, job costing, or profitability analysis across multiple segments. A fractional CFO could be ideal to review, perform financial planning and manage such a business model.
Investment Holding
Investment holding companies are one of the most suitable industries to engage a fractional CFO. Investment holding companies are typically project-based and may occasionally undergo mergers, acquisitions, or disposals. Financial Strategy may be required to assist business owners with decision.
Fractional CFO vs In-house CFO – Pros & Cons
Fractional CFO
Advantages
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Cost Effective: Lower cost than a full-time senior hire.
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Flexible engagement model — scale up or down as needed.
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Access to multi-industry, multi-discipline expertise.
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No long-term employment commitment.
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A fractional CFO from a firm is usually more than just one person. Imagine having a collective team of experienced CFOs seated in your management team!
Considerations
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Availability limited to the agreed schedule.
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May not be on-site daily.
In-house CFO
Advantages
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Dedicated attention to your business 100% of the time.
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Immediate internal availability.
Considerations
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High fixed cost (salary, CPF, benefits).
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Limited exposure to different industries and best practices.
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Turnover risks (when in-house CFO resigns), Hiring Risks (New appointment)
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Pay adjustment – CFO remuneration package may require an increment at a much higher level than that of a CFO-as-a-service model.
Our CFO Capability – Experience You Can Trust
When you engage our Outsourced CFO team, you benefit from a network of highly qualified finance leaders, not just a single person. Each engagement is backed by our full corporate services team, ensuring:
• Broad Industry Exposure – From tech start-ups to established manufacturing firms.
• Professional Credentials – Chartered Accountants (Singapore), ACCA members, and sector specialists.
• Practical, Actionable Advice – We focus on strategies you can implement immediately.
• Seamless Integration – We work hand-in-hand with your existing accountants, auditors, and management team.
You don’t just hire “a CFO” — you gain access to the collective insight of seasoned financial professionals.
Pricing
We price our Outsource CFO services to be accessible to SMEs while reflecting the value of senior strategic advice.
• Hourly or Project Rates – Ideal for specific tasks like fundraising decks or cash flow projections.
• Monthly Retainers – Perfect for ongoing part-time engagement.
• Custom Proposals – Tailored to the scope, frequency, and complexity of your needs.
You pay only for the time and expertise you require — no overheads, no hidden costs.
Our Commitment to Excellence
At OakTree Accounting & Corporate Solutions, we are committed to being more than a service provider. We aim to be your trusted financial partner, guiding you through not just compliance but also growth challenges, funding opportunities, and strategic decision-making.
Every business stage comes with unique financial hurdles. With our Fractional CFO service, you’ll face them backed by competence, clarity, and confidence.
