1. Strategic Focus:

   • Fractional CFO: A fractional CFO primarily focuses on strategic financial planning and decision-making. They are involved in setting the overall financial direction of the company, including long-term financial planning, capital allocation, and strategic investments.

   • Fractional Controller: A fractional controller typically focuses on day-to-day financial operations and reporting. While they may provide some strategic insights, their primary role is to ensure accurate financial reporting, compliance, and operational efficiency.

2. Financial Planning and Analysis:

   • Fractional CFO: A fractional CFO is heavily involved in financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling. They provide insights into financial trends, key performance indicators, and opportunities for growth or improvement.

   • Fractional Controller: While fractional controllers may assist with budgeting and forecasting, their role in financial planning and analysis is usually more focused on historical data analysis and reporting rather than forward-looking strategic analysis.

3. Investor Relations and Fundraising:

   • Fractional CFO: Fractional CFOs often manage relationships with investors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. They may lead fundraising efforts, negotiate financing agreements, and provide financial information to support fundraising initiatives.

   • Fractional Controller: Fractional controllers typically have a limited role in investor relations and fundraising, focusing more on providing accurate financial information to support these activities rather than leading them directly.

4. Risk Management:

   • Fractional CFO: Fractional CFOs play a significant role in identifying, assessing, and managing financial risks faced by the company. This includes market risks, operational risks, and strategic risks.

   • Fractional Controller: Fractional controllers also contribute to risk management by implementing internal controls and ensuring compliance with regulations. However, their focus is more on day-to-day risk mitigation rather than overarching strategic risk management.

5. Leadership and Management:

   • Fractional CFO: Fractional CFOs often have a broader leadership role within the organization, overseeing the finance and accounting team, providing guidance to other executives, and participating in strategic decision-making beyond finance.

   • Fractional Controller: Fractional controllers typically do not have as extensive a leadership role. While they may supervise accounting staff and collaborate with other departments, their primary focus is on financial reporting and operations rather than broader organizational leadership.

CFO Services starting at $195 an hour

Controller Services starting at $95 an hour