Hire a Fractional CFO in the UK

Need a CFO? Get matched with a vetted UK finance leader — without the cost of a full-time hire.

Whether you’re preparing for an exit, raising investment, or simply need strategic financial leadership on a flexible basis, we connect founders and business owners with experienced fractional and portfolio CFOs from our community of 130+ UK finance leaders. Every CFO is hand-picked and matched to your industry, stage and goals — so you get exactly the right expertise, exactly when you need it, without the overhead of a permanent executive hire.

A fractional CFO brings the same strategic firepower as a full-time finance director — robust forecasting, investor-ready reporting, pricing and margin discipline, and a clear route to a higher-value exit — but only for the days you actually need them. It’s how ambitious UK founders get board-level financial leadership at a fraction of the cost. Not sure if now is the right time? Our guide on when to hire a CFO walks through the signs, timing and costs.

When Do You Need a Fractional CFO?

You don’t have to wait until things feel out of control. If you’re wondering whether your business is ready for a CFO, most founders reach out to us when they hit one of these moments:

  • You’re planning a business sale or exit and need clean, credible numbers and a strong, defensible valuation that stands up to buyer scrutiny.
  • You’re raising investment and need to get investor-ready with solid financials, forecasts and a compelling growth story.
  • You’re scaling fast and your finances have outgrown your bookkeeper or accountant, but a full-time CFO isn’t justified yet.
  • Your margins or cash flow feel unpredictable and you need clarity on where the money is really going.
  • You’re making a big decision — a new product line, acquisition, or market — and want the numbers to back it before you commit.

What You Get When You Work With Us

  • Vetted, matched CFOs — experienced finance leaders matched to your industry and stage, not a one-size-fits-all consultant.
  • Exit-focused expertise — robust valuations, clean numbers, and direct routes to top-tier strategic buyers and UK private equity.
  • Flexible engagement — full-time, fractional, part-time or project-based finance leadership that scales up or down with your needs.
  • Investor & board-ready reporting — the forecasts, models and KPIs that give you and your investors confidence.
  • A strategic, data-driven partner — so you truly understand your numbers and grow the value of your business.

Who We Help

We work with founder-led businesses across the UK — from fast-growing startups and scale-ups to established SMEs preparing for sale. Our CFOs have hands-on experience across SaaS and technology, e-commerce and retail, professional services, manufacturing, healthcare and more. Whatever your sector, we’ll match you with a finance leader who has been there before.

Meet Your CFO Community

Every founder we work with is looked after by the people who lead our community.

Liz Bell, Founder of Liz Bell Consulting

Liz Bell

Founder, Liz Bell Consulting

Liz leads our community of UK finance leaders and personally oversees every founder match. With deep experience guiding businesses through growth, fundraising and exit, she makes sure you are paired with a CFO who genuinely fits your goals — not just the first name on a list.

Paul Howarth

Co-Team Partner, Liz Bell Consulting

Paul is an experienced CFO whose expertise spans exits, valuations, procurement and fractional finance leadership. Alongside Liz, he reviews and approves every CFO who joins the community — so the finance leader you are matched with is properly vetted and ready to add value from day one.

Paul Howarth, Co-Team Partner at Liz Bell Consulting

How It Works

  1. Tell us what you need. Fill in the short form below with a few details about your business and your goals.
  2. We match you. We connect you with a CFO from our community whose experience fits your industry, stage and objectives.
  3. Have an intro conversation. Meet your matched CFO, talk through your goals, and agree the scope that works for you.
  4. Get moving. Start strengthening your finances and increasing the value of your business — with senior support on your terms.

Learn More About Hiring a CFO

Want to understand the CFO landscape before you decide? These founder guides answer the questions we hear most — from cost and timing to the difference between fractional, portfolio and full-time finance leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a fractional CFO cost?

Far less than a full-time hire. Because you only pay for the time you need — often a few days a month — you get board-level financial leadership without a six-figure salary, benefits and equity. See our full UK fractional CFO pricing guide for typical day rates, or read fractional CFO vs full-time CFO to compare the options. We’ll help you scope an engagement that fits your budget.

What’s the difference between a fractional and a portfolio CFO?

A fractional CFO gives one business part of their week on an ongoing basis. A portfolio CFO supports several businesses at once. Both give you senior finance expertise on a flexible basis — we’ll help you decide which model fits best.

How quickly can you match me with a CFO?

Once we understand your needs, we can usually introduce you to a suitable CFO within days. Simply complete the form below and we’ll be in touch to talk through the details.

Book Your Free Consultation

Tell us about your business and what you’re looking for. There’s no cost and no obligation — just a conversation about how the right CFO can help you grow and prepare for a successful exit. Fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.

Hire a CFO — Founder Enquiry