How Much Does a Fractional CFO Cost in the UK? [2026 Guide]

How Much Does a Fractional CFO Cost in the UK?

A fractional CFO in the UK typically costs between £1,500 and £7,000 per month on a retainer basis, depending on scope, business stage, and CFO experience.

For context, a full-time CFO in the UK commands £120,000–£200,000 base salary plus pension, benefits and equity. A fractional CFO gives you senior-level financial leadership at a fraction of that cost.

Fractional CFO Pricing Tiers in the UK

Seed stage (pre-revenue to £500K ARR): £1,500–£3,000/month — accurate financial data, basic reporting, cash flow visibility.
Growth stage (£500K–£3M ARR): £3,000–£5,000/month — board packs, budgeting, financial modelling, fundraising prep.
Pre-exit or active fundraising: £4,000–£7,000/month — data room, investor-ready financials, due diligence support.

What Affects the Price?

Hours per month — Most retainers cover 8–20 hours/month.
Scope of work — Building models from scratch costs more than maintaining existing systems.
Fundraising or exit — Intensive periods temporarily require more hours.
Experience level — A chartered accountant with 15+ years in SaaS commands a higher rate.

Cost Comparison: Fractional vs Full-Time

Full-time CFO: £180,000–£250,000+ all-in per year.
Fractional CFO: £24,000–£60,000 per year.

For most SaaS founders below £5M ARR, a fractional CFO delivers far more value per pound spent.

What Should Be Included in Your Retainer?

Monthly management accounts review
Cash flow forecasting and runway monitoring
Board pack or investor update preparation
Budget management and reforecasting
Ad-hoc finance questions with fast turnaround — not billed hourly

At ScaleWithCFO, we operate on a fixed monthly retainer with no billable hours and no surprise invoices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a fractional CFO worth it for an early-stage startup?

Yes — if you are above £300K ARR or preparing to raise, the ROI on getting your financials right far outweighs the monthly cost. Messy financials can cost you a funding round or a lower exit valuation.