| Fractional CFO | Outsourced FD | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary scope | Strategic decisions | Operating rhythm of finance |
| Typical cadence | 2–6 days per month | 2–4 days per week |
| Owns month-end | Reviews; not owner | Owner |
| Owns fundraise / exit prep | Owner | Supporting role |
| Team management | Light, oversight only | Direct line management of finance team |
| Typical retainer | £3.5k–£9.5k / month | £5k–£12k / month |
Fractional CFO vs Outsourced Finance Director (UK)
The difference between a fractional CFO and an outsourced finance director for a UK consumer brand: strategic versus operational scope, decision rights, and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Can one person do both?
At a smaller scale, yes — for a brand under £3m of revenue, a single fractional finance leader can wear both hats. Above that, separating the roles produces better outcomes. The skill sets diverge.
Is an outsourced FD cheaper than a fractional CFO?
Per hour, roughly similar. Per engagement, an outsourced FD typically costs more in monthly retainer because the time commitment is higher.
Written by William Smithwhite, Founder and Fractional CFO.
Last updated 2026-05-22.