What does a Fractional Finance Director Actually do?

What the business needs.
It is important to remember that, not all businesses are the same and not all clients want the same level of service.

A good Fractional Finance Director does what the business needs.

However, below I outline, broadly the activities that I undertake on a monthly basis for a “standard” client.

I have tried to keep it simple as this isn’t aimed at other finance professionals it’s for owner-managers.

What does the business need to have in place?

As a Fractional FD I build on your finance function – I don’t replace it.

Your business should already be able to:
• Keep accurate, up-to-date records
• Raise and post sales invoices and costs
• Stay on top of credit control (getting cash in)
• Reconcile key balances (bank, VAT, etc.)
• Have someone handling day-to-day finance (FC / bookkeeper / accounts team)

Why this matters:
• Saves time (and cost) on fixing errors
• Let’s me focus on helping you run the business, not tidying the books

How much time does a Fractional FD need per month?

I typically need around 4 days per month.

If the above is in place and there are no significant one-offs, such as major fundraising or buying/ selling all or some of a business.

If this seems like a lot for your business, maybe it is, as I said above all business are different and all clients are different, so speak to me.

Review the numbers & support your team – 1 Day

Working with your finance person/team:
• Check the underlying numbers make sense
• Post key adjustments
• Spot errors or gaps
• Guide and train the team

What you get:
• Confidence your numbers are right
• A stronger, more capable finance team
• Fewer nasty surprises later

Prepare Monthly management accounts & board pack – 1 Day

• Prepare clear management accounts
• Highlight key trends (sales, margins, costs)
• Explain what’s going well – and what isn’t

What you get:
• Numbers that are actually useful
• Clear visibility on performance
• Better, faster decision-making

Board meeting / leadership support – ½ day

• Talk you through the numbers
• Answer questions in plain English
• Challenge where needed
• Link financials to real business decisions

What you get:
• More confidence in your decisions
• Proper financial input at leadership level
• Someone who can translate numbers into actio

Help to manage Cashflow & working capital – ½ Day

Focus on the lifeblood of the business:
• Cashflow forecasting
• Getting cash in faster (credit control)
• Managing stock levels
• Planning supplier payments

What you get:
• Fewer cashflow headaches
• Better control over money in and out
• A more stable, predictable business

General support & sounding board – ½ Day

• Ad hoc questions
• Input on pricing, hiring, investment
• Talking to banks or investors if needed

What you get:
• Access to an experienced FD without hiring one full-time
• A second opinion on important decisions
• Someone in your corner

Planning & one-offs – ½ Day

• Budgets and forecasts
• Scenario planning (“what if we…”)
• Year-end prep
• Improving systems and processes

What you get:
• A business that’s looking ahead, not just reacting
• Less stress around year-end
• Better planning for growth

Summary

A fractional FD helps you:
• Understand your numbers
• Control your cash
• Make better decisions

All without the cost of a full-time hire.

For many owner-managed businesses in the £2m–£50m range, it’s the missing piece between
basic bookkeeping and real financial leadership