Hiring guide
Fractional CFO vs interim CFO
These labels often overlap. The important difference is the work model and the mandate, not the job title alone.
Fractional CFO
Usually a part-time leadership role that repeats over time. The person may own a cadence of forecasting, management reporting, cash decisions and founder or board support while the company does not need a full-time CFO.
Interim CFO
Usually a time-bound mandate with clear operational ownership: covering a departure, stabilising a finance function, handling a transaction or leading a change. It can be full-time or part-time depending on the situation.
Finance director
The title can describe a permanent employee, a contractor or an outsourced provider. Ask about scope, authority and availability instead of relying on the title.
How to decide
Choose fractional support when ongoing senior input is needed but the role is not yet full-time. Choose interim support when there is a defined gap or change that needs hands-on ownership. The right answer can combine both over time.