Why Most Small Business Owners Don’t Need a $20K/Month CFO

When most small business owners hear “CFO,” they picture a high-salary executive in a glass office, crunching numbers and collecting bonuses. And they’re not wrong — a full-time CFO can easily cost upwards of $20,000 a month when you factor in salary, benefits, and overhead.

But here’s the truth: Most small businesses don’t need a full-time CFO. What they do need is financial clarity and a strategic partner who can help them grow — without blowing up the budget.

What You Actually Need from a CFO

If you’re running a $1M–$10M company, chances are you’re looking for:- Accurate, up-to-date financials- Reliable cash flow forecasts- Support preparing for loans or investors- Clear dashboards to track performance- A sounding board for financial decisions

You probably don’t need someone in the office five days a week. You need someone who can step in with a plan, offer guidance, and help you move forward. That’s where a fractional CFO comes in.

The Fractional CFO Model: Strategic Support Without the Overhead

A fractional CFO (like the ones we provide at 5S CFO) works with you on a part-time or project basis. That means:- No full-time salary or benefits- No long-term commitments- Just the financial leadership you need — when you need it

It’s not just about reports. It’s about having someone who understands your business, can anticipate problems, and help you navigate challenges with confidence.

Why This Works So Well for Small Business Owners

First, it’s affordable. You’re not paying for office space, benefits, or a 6-figure salary — just focused expertise.Second, it’s flexible. Whether you need help building financial systems, preparing for growth, or getting your numbers ready for a lender, we can plug in where it counts.And third, it’s clear. You get real insight into your financials without all the accounting jargon.

Final Thought: Save the $20K — and Put It to Work

You can spend $20,000 a month on a full-time CFO — or you can invest a fraction of that into smart, focused financial leadership that actually moves your business forward.

If you’re trying to scale, clean up your financials, or plan for a major step like financing or acquisition, you probably don’t need a full-time executive. You need the right partner — at the right time.

Interested in learning more? Take a look at our services at www.5SCFO.com, or book a quick call. No hard sell — just an honest conversation about what you actually need.