Running a construction or trades business means juggling job sites, payroll, materials, and client expectations — all while trying to make sure there’s still money left in the account at the end of the month.
At some point, you start asking bigger questions:
- Where is my profit going?
- Why is cash flow always tight — even when we’re busy?
- Should I hire someone to help me figure this out?
That’s when the idea of a CFO comes into play. But here’s the fork in the road:
Do you hire someone in-house, or go with outsourced CFO services?
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what each option means, how they differ, and which one makes the most sense for a busy trades business like yours.
What Do CFO Services Actually Include for Trades Businesses?
Before we compare options, let’s be clear on what a CFO actually does — especially in the context of construction and the trades.
This isn’t about bookkeeping or taxes. A CFO helps you see what’s happening in your business in real time, and more importantly — what’s coming next.
Here’s what solid CFO support can bring to your business:
✅ Cash Flow Clarity
Know when money’s coming in, when it’s going out, and what’s left to pay yourself and your crew.
✅ Forecasting & Planning
Look ahead 30, 60, 90 days and make informed decisions — not just gut calls.
✅ Job Profitability Oversight
Track which jobs are making you money and which ones are silently draining it.
✅ Owner Pay Strategies
Stop being the lowest-paid person in your company.
✅ Strategic Guidance
Get help with financial decisions like hiring, equipment, or financing without relying on guesswork.
Whether you hire in-house or outsource, these are the outcomes you’re looking for. The difference lies in how you get them.
In-House CFO: Pros, Cons, and When It Makes Sense
Hiring a full-time (or even part-time) CFO to work directly in your company is what most people picture when they hear “CFO.”
This person is on your payroll. They’re embedded in your team. They might sit in meetings, oversee internal reports, and manage accounting staff directly.
🟢 Pros of an In-House CFO
- Availability: They’re dedicated to your company and can respond quickly.
- Context: They’re immersed in your operations and culture.
- Team Management: Can directly oversee internal accounting or admin staff.
🔴 Cons of an In-House CFO
- Cost: Salaries often start around $150K/year — plus benefits, payroll taxes, and onboarding.
- Hard to Find: Most CFOs don’t have trades experience. You may need to train them on how your business actually works.
- Underutilization: If you’re under $10M/year in revenue, you may not have enough complexity to justify the cost.
👷♂️ When It Makes Sense
- Your company is doing $10M+ in annual revenue
- You’re managing multiple divisions, locations, or crews
- You want a long-term hire who can own your internal systems from top to bottom
If that’s not you (yet), there’s a leaner, faster, and more cost-effective option — and we’ll cover that next.
Why Outsourced CFO Services Are Ideal for Most Construction Businesses
An outsourced CFO gives you all the expertise and strategic guidance of a traditional CFO — without the six-figure salary. Instead of hiring someone full-time, you bring in a financial expert part-time, monthly, or project-based.
They help you understand the numbers, make smarter decisions, and keep your business profitable — while staying flexible and affordable.
🟢 Pros of an Outsourced CFO
- Cost-Effective: Pay only for what you need — typically a fraction of the cost of hiring in-house.
- Specialized Expertise: Many outsourced CFOs work exclusively with trades, so they get the industry.
- Speed & Flexibility: No need to train someone from scratch. They plug in quickly and focus on results.
- Keep Your Team: They can work alongside your existing bookkeeper or accountant.
🔴 Cons of an Outsourced CFO
- Not Always On-Site: You won’t see them in the office, but regular Zoom calls or check-ins keep things moving.
- Team Oversight May Vary: Some don’t manage internal staff unless explicitly included in the scope.
🔧 When It Makes Sense
- Your business is between $1M–$10M in revenue
- You’re ready to grow — but want clarity before scaling
- You’re frustrated with cash flow but don’t need a full finance department
- You want to pay yourself more and stop guessing at your numbers
If that sounds like where you are now, outsourced CFO services are almost always the better move.
Key Differences: Cost, Flexibility, and Results
| Feature | In-House CFO | Outsourced CFO |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Cost | $150K+/year | $2K–$5K/month (varies by scope) |
| Trades Industry Expertise | Rare | Often specialized |
| On-Demand Flexibility | No | Yes |
| Team Integration | Full | Partial (as scoped) |
| Speed to Impact | Slow ramp-up | Fast — often within 30 days |
| Best For | $10M+ complex companies | $1M–$10M trades and construction firms |
Final Verdict: Which CFO Option Is Right for You?
If your construction or trades business is growing but not quite a massive operation — and you want to pay yourself more, fix cash flow, and understand your numbers — outsourced CFO services are almost always the smart choice.
You get the guidance without the payroll burden.
You stay lean.
And you finally get a handle on where the money’s going — and how to make more of it.
➕ Learn More:
What Are Outsourced CFO Services — And How They Save Trades & Construction Companies Thousands