1. Intro
Running a construction business isn’t just about getting jobs done.
It’s about making sure the numbers work — every day, every project, every paycheck.
At some point, every growing contractor hits the same question:
Do I need a CFO to get control of my finances?
And if so…
Should I hire a full-time CFO or bring in a fractional CFO?
👉 Not sure exactly what a Fractional CFO does? Here’s a full breakdown tailored for construction and trades businesses.
Here’s how to make the right call.
2. What Does a Full-Time CFO Do?
A full-time CFO is an in-house executive who handles:
- Financial strategy
- Cash flow management
- Job costing and project forecasting
- Profit margin analysis
- Risk management
- Raising capital and managing banking relationships
They’re a critical piece of a big company’s leadership team.
But for most contractors under $50M in revenue?
A full-time CFO can be overkill — and overhead.
Typical salary: $175,000–$300,000+ per year plus bonuses and benefits.
3. What is a Fractional CFO?
A fractional CFO gives you the same strategic expertise — but on a part-time or project basis.
Instead of paying a full salary, you get:
- Financial strategy customized for your business
- Cash flow systems built for construction’s ups and downs
- Profit margin visibility across every job
- Owner pay planning and forecasting
- Hands-on support during critical growth phases
Cost: A fraction of what a full-time CFO would run — often structured as monthly service packages.
You get big company expertise without big company payroll.
4. Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Full-Time CFO | Fractional CFO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $175K–$300K+ per year | Flexible monthly fee |
| Availability | 40+ hours/week | As-needed (4–16+ hours/month) |
| Best for | $50M+ companies | $1M–$50M contractors |
| Focus | Broad company management | Profitability, cash flow, job costing |
| Flexibility | Low (full-time commitment) | High (scale hours up/down) |
5. Which is Right for You?
✅ A Full-Time CFO Might Make Sense If…
- You’re consistently over $50M in revenue
- You need daily, on-site financial leadership
- You’re raising capital, acquiring companies, or heavily regulated
✅ A Fractional CFO is Usually Better If…
- You’re between $1M–$50M in annual revenue
- You want profit clarity without heavy overhead
- You’re tired of feeling in the dark about cash flow, margins, and owner pay
- You need flexible support as you grow
6. Conclusion
Bottom Line:
Most construction businesses don’t need another full-time salary dragging down their cash flow.
They need better financial clarity, better margins, and better owner pay — without the bloat.
That’s exactly what Fractional CFO services deliver.
👉 If you’re ready to get control of your numbers without the full-time overhead, schedule your free Financial Strategy Call today.