Skip the hire.
Find your next Fractional Finance Director today
Flexible senior finance leadership without the full-time cost. Connect with experienced Finance Directors who help SMEs grow with confidence.
The finance challenges every growing business faces...
Too Reactive
Too Expensive
Too Much Pressure
Find the Finance Leader that fits your business
Access a network of experienced Fractional Finance Directors, each vetted for expertise and industry knowledge. The Hub allows you to browse profiles, compare experience, and connect with the right professional for your business needs.
Get the right expertise quickly
Once you have found your match, our onboarding process is simple and efficient. From introduction to first meeting, you can start working with your Fractional Finance Director in a matter of days.
Discover if Your Business Is Ready for a Fractional Finance Director
Are you gaining the financial insights you need to grow confidently? Assess your finance function’s strength and consider bringing in senior expertise.
Answer 20 quick questions and receive a personalised report covering:
- How effectively you manage cash flow, forecasting, and risk
- The strength of your financial controls and reporting
- How ready is your business for rapid growth or investment
If your business turnover sits between £2m and £20m, this quiz is designed for you. Get instant feedback and practical recommendations to strengthen your financial position.
“The FD we’ve got has revolutionised our financial planning. Had we not had Myles on board, I think the pandemic would have been quite a different experience for us – he has helped a great deal. From the point of view of understanding where we are at with the company – he blows us away every time we interact with him. He gets us. We’ve achieved amazing results with Myles’ help, he’s incredible. He works three days per month now and goes above and beyond in every possible way. He’s really impressive, and lovely to work with. One of our main concerns was finding an FD that was a good cultural fit. Myles feels as though he’s part of the company. He’s fitted in incredibly quickly, he’s a perfect culture fit.”
Louise Dell | Managing Director
Questions most business owners are too afraid to ask about Fractional Finance Directors
Because let’s be honest, no one wants to admit they’re not entirely sure what a Fractional Finance Directors actually does.
Let’s face it, finance can feel like another language. And when it comes to Fractional Finance Directors, most business owners have the same questions (they just don’t always ask them out loud). So here’s our no-nonsense guide to what they actually do, how much they cost, and how to know if one could help your business grow.
What’s the difference between a Fractional CFO and Fractional Finance Director?
The short answer is very little. The term CFO and Finance Director are used interchangeably in SMEs and relate to the most senior finance person in the organisation.
How do I choose the right Fractional Finance Director or CFO?
Finding the right Fractional Finance Director is about more than qualifications or experience. It is about finding someone who understands your business, your goals and your way of working.
Start by looking for someone who has worked with businesses at a similar stage to yours. This is often more important than finding someone who has worked in a similar industry – for example if you are considering a funding round then it is probably better to find someone who has similar funding experience than someone who has worked in the same industry. Also, a big-company Finance Director may have an impressive background, but that does not always translate well to a growing SME. You need someone who is practical, commercial and happy to roll up their sleeves.
Chemistry also matters. Your Finance Director should be someone you trust completely, who can challenge your thinking without making you feel uncomfortable. They will often work closely with your leadership team, so the fit needs to feel right.
At Artemis Clarke, we take care to match each business with the right person. All our Fractional Finance Directors are experienced finance leaders who have been through our vetting and assessment process. We look at technical ability, communication style and cultural fit to make sure they will add real value from day one.
How much does a Fractional Finance Director or CFO cost?
One of the biggest surprises for many business owners is how flexible the cost of a Fractional Finance Director can be.
At Artemis Clarke, our Fractional Finance Directors charge by the hour rather than using retainers or day rates. You simply pay for the time they work. That means you never lose out if a meeting finishes early or a half day is all that’s needed. Rates are typically between £130 and £160 per hour, depending on experience.
Most projects start with a more intensive period, usually between one and three days a week for the first few months. During this time, your Fractional Finance Director carries out a detailed review of your finances, gets to know the business and builds structure around reporting, forecasting and processes.
Once the finance function is more established, often with a part-time Financial Controller in place, their involvement naturally scales back to one or two days a month for ongoing strategic support.
Every business is different, but this flexible model keeps senior financial expertise affordable and ensures you only pay for the support you genuinely need.
How many days a month does a Fractional Finance Director usually work?
It depends on where your business is in its journey.
When an Fractional Finance Director first comes on board, they often work between one and three days a week for the first few months. This gives them time to get under the skin of the business, understand the numbers and put strong foundations in place.
Once things are running smoothly and your finance team is more established, their involvement naturally reduces. Many of our clients move to one or two days a month, with the Fractional Finance Director providing strategic guidance, reviewing reports and acting as a sounding board for key decisions.
It’s all about flexibility. You can scale their time up or down depending on what your business needs at any point, without long contracts or fixed retainers.
What results can I expect from working with a Fractional Finance Director?
The biggest result most business owners notice first is clarity. You finally understand your numbers and can see exactly what is driving profit, cash flow and growth.
Over time, that clarity turns into confidence. Decisions feel easier because they are based on facts, not guesswork. You can see problems before they happen and plan for the future rather than reacting to the past.
Practical results often include improved cash flow, stronger forecasting, better reporting and more efficient systems. Many clients also find their finance team becomes more capable and motivated under the guidance of an experienced Fractional Finance Director.
In short, you gain financial visibility, strategic insight and peace of mind. You have someone by your side who knows how to turn numbers into meaningful action, freeing you to focus on running the business you set out to build.
Who typically uses a Fractional Finance Director or CFO, and why?
Fractional Finance Directors are most often used by ambitious owner-managed businesses that are growing fast but are not yet ready for a full-time Finance Director.
Typical clients include:
- businesses with turnover between £1 million and £20 million that need more financial structure
- companies planning to scale, raise investment or prepare for sale
- family-owned firms where the founder still makes most financial decisions
- organisations with a Finance Manager or Financial Controller who would benefit from senior guidance
These businesses usually have strong products and healthy sales but need more visibility around profit, cash flow and performance. A Fractional Finance Director brings the experience of a seasoned finance leader who has seen similar challenges before and knows how to fix them.
They bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be, helping you make confident, informed decisions as your business grows.
How do I know if a Fractional Finance Director is right for my business?
If you ever find yourself lying awake at night wondering where the cash has gone or what the numbers really mean, it might be time to bring in a Fractional Finance Director.
There is no magic turnover figure that makes it the right time. It is more about the stage your business has reached and the challenges you are facing. A Fractional Finance Director is usually a good fit if:
- you feel the business is growing faster than your finance function
- you want more clarity around profit, cash flow or performance
- you are thinking about raising finance or selling in the next few years
- you rely heavily on your accountant and need more proactive support
- you have a Finance Manager but no senior finance oversight
A good Fractional Finance Director will not just keep the numbers in order. They will help you plan ahead, avoid surprises and build a finance function that can support the next stage of your growth.
Do I still need an accountant if I have a Fractional Finance Director?
Yes, you do. Your accountant and your Fractional Finance Director play very different roles, and together they make a strong team.
Your accountant focuses on compliance. They prepare your annual accounts and tax returns, and take care of statutory requirements such as payroll, VAT, Companies House filings and other regulatory submissions throughout the year.
Your Fractional Finance Director focuses on strategy and performance. They help you understand your numbers, manage cash flow, set budgets and plan for growth. They use the information your accountant produces and turn it into insight you can act on.
Many of our clients find that having both makes life much easier. The accountant handles the statutory and tax side while the Fractional Finance Director keeps things running smoothly day to day. Together they ensure your finances are accurate, compliant and ready to support your next step.
Can a Fractional Finance Director work alongside my existing Finance Manager?
Absolutely. In fact, that is often when a Fractional Finance Director adds the most value.
Many growing businesses already have a capable Finance Manager or Financial Controller handling the day-to-day accounts but need senior guidance to help the team develop and keep pace with growth. A Fractional Finance Director provides that leadership without the cost of a full-time hire.
They work closely with your Finance Manager, reviewing reports, setting up better systems and improving the quality of information that reaches you as the business owner. They can also act as a mentor, helping your team build confidence and capability so that over time, they can take on more responsibility.
This partnership keeps your finance function strong, efficient and focused on what matters, while you stay free to focus on running and growing the business.
Need long-term finance leadership?
If you are looking for long-term financial leadership, explore our Permanent Finance Director recruitment.
We’ll help you find the right full-time professional to lead your finance function with clarity and confidence.
Not sure which is right for you?
Choosing between which financial support you need is not always obvious.
A short, no-obligation conversation with us will help you understand what level of support your business actually needs now, and what will serve you best as you grow. No pressure. Just clear, practical advice.
Artemis Clarke's Expertise
Hire Talent
Financial Advisory
Artemis Clarke's Further Insights
London: 020 8191 2124
Bristol: 0117 244 1891
Email: enquiries@artemisclarke.co.uk
Company Number: 09346551
Registered Address: 124 City Road, London, United Kingdom, EC1V 2NX
Bristol Address: Dirac Crescent, Emersons Green, Bristol, England, BS16 7FR