• 4,000 firms
  • Independent
  • Trusted
Save up to 70% on staff

Home » Articles » A guide to virtual CFO services

A guide to virtual CFO services

As businesses continue to evolve and grow, the need for financial expertise becomes increasingly important. However, many small and medium-sized organizations (SMEs) may not have the resources to hire an in-house or full-time Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

In this modern era, companies are increasingly turning to virtual solutions for various aspects of their operations. This is why a virtual CFO can be a valuable resource. 

Read on to learn more about virtual CFO services, their advantages, and how to find the right virtual CFO for your business.

What is a virtual CFO?

A virtual CFO is a financial professional who provides CFO-level services to companies on a part-time or project basis. 

Virtual CFOs work remotely, providing financial expertise and guidance to businesses without needing a full-time, in-house CFO. 

They typically have a wealth of experience in finance, accounting, and business strategy and can provide valuable insights to help enterprises make informed financial decisions.

Get 3 free quotes 4,000+ BPO SUPPLIERS
What is a virtual CFO?

How a virtual CFO works

The bottom line is that a virtual CFO works the same way as an in-house CFO. The main difference is that a virtual CFO enacts their role remotely on demand.

Similar to their traditional counterpart, a virtual CFO offers a range of services, including:

Virtual CFOs work closely with business owners and management teams to understand their financial goals and develop strategies to achieve them.

One of the key advantages of working with a virtual CFO is flexibility. These specialists can provide services on an as-needed basis, allowing enterprises to scale their financial services up or down as necessary. 

The virtual aspect of this role can be particularly valuable for organizations with remote or distributed teams.

Advantages of having a virtual CFO

There are several more benefits to working with a virtual CFO:

Affordability

A virtual CFO provides executive-level services at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time CFO. They offer a flexible pricing structure, allowing firms to pay for the services they need when they need them. 

Get the complete toolkit, free

This cost-effective arrangement ensures access to expert financial guidance without the burden of a high salary and benefits package.

Scalability

Your financial needs will grow and evolve along with your business. Virtual CFOs can easily adjust and adapt their services to align with the changing requirements of enterprises. 

They can scale their services to meet the growing demands of the organization, whether they are:

Specialized expertise

An experienced virtual CFO has extensive knowledge of working with various industries and businesses of different sizes. An in-depth grasp of financial matters allows them to provide tailored strategies and insights. 

Just like a traditional CFO, a virtual CFO can identify potential risks, uncover opportunities for growth, and provide valuable guidance to help companies achieve their financial goals.

Objective perspective

Being external advisors, virtual CFOs can provide an unbiased and objective perspective on the financial health of the business. 

This objectivity enables them to identify areas for improvement, challenge existing financial practices, and recommend changes that align with the organization’s objectives. A virtual CFO’s fresh viewpoint can be invaluable in driving financial success.

Advantages of having a virtual CFO

Finding the right virtual CFO

Having learned about the advantages of recruiting a virtual CFO, let’s discuss what you should consider when looking for the right one:

  1. Experience – Look for a virtual CFO who has experience working with businesses in your industry and size range.
  2. Expertise – Find a virtual CFO with expertise in the areas where you need help in the financial process.
  3. Communication and collaboration – Since it’s a remote role, have a virtual CFO who communicates clearly and regularly and is responsive to your needs. CFOs should also be capable of collaborating and integrating with other company members so everyone is working towards the same objectives.
  4. Tech-savviness – You need a virtual CFO who is comfortable working with the technology platforms you use and can work with those resources remotely.
  5. Pricing – When choosing between candidates for a virtual CFO role, consider the people you can hire that align with your enterprise’s budget.
  6. ReputationAsk for references from other organizations who have worked with the virtual CFO you have eyes on, and check their credentials and qualifications.

Overall, a virtual CFO can be a valuable asset for businesses looking to improve their financial management and make informed financial decisions. Choosing a virtual CFO comes without worrying about committing to a full-on traditional CFO. 

As more jobs are done remotely, hiring a remote CFO is one way to take advantage of the rise of outsourcing roles. Now that you know you can outsource even executive positions, there’s no telling what the future of company structures will look like.

Get Inside Outsourcing

An insider's view on why remote and offshore staffing is radically changing the future of work.

Order now

Start your
journey today

  • Independent
  • Secure
  • Transparent

About OA

Outsource Accelerator is the trusted source of independent information, advisory and expert implementation of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

The #1 outsourcing authority

Outsource Accelerator offers the world’s leading aggregator marketplace for outsourcing. It specifically provides the conduit between world-leading outsourcing suppliers and the businesses – clients – across the globe.

The Outsource Accelerator website has over 5,000 articles, 450+ podcast episodes, and a comprehensive directory with 4,000+ BPO companies… all designed to make it easier for clients to learn about – and engage with – outsourcing.

About Derek Gallimore

Derek Gallimore has been in business for 20 years, outsourcing for over eight years, and has been living in Manila (the heart of global outsourcing) since 2014. Derek is the founder and CEO of Outsource Accelerator, and is regarded as a leading expert on all things outsourcing.

“Excellent service for outsourcing advice and expertise for my business.”

Learn more
Banner Image
Get 3 Free Quotes Verified Outsourcing Suppliers
4,000 firms.Just 2 minutes to complete.
SAVE UP TO
70% ON STAFF COSTS
Learn more

Connect with over 4,000 outsourcing services providers.

Banner Image

Transform your business with skilled offshore talent.

  • 4,000 firms
  • Simple
  • Transparent
Banner Image