Fractional finance director

Fractional finance director support for growing businesses

An experienced finance director for the days you need, not a full-time salary. Strategy, forecasting, funding and board-level finance from Matlock-based Elm Financial Solutions, working with growing businesses across the UK.

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What a fractional finance director does

Financial strategy

Turn your plans into numbers: budgets, pricing, margins and the targets that matter, so decisions are based on evidence rather than gut feel.

Cash flow and forecasting

Rolling cash flow forecasts and financial models that show where the business is heading and let you test hiring, investment and growth plans before you commit.

Funding and investors

Preparing the numbers, forecasts and information investors and lenders expect, and supporting you through the conversations and due diligence. See our [support for founders](/founders).

Board and management reporting

Monthly [management accounts](/management-accounts-explained) with clear commentary, KPIs and a finance voice at board and management meetings.

Controls and systems

Approvals, reconciliations, month-end routines and the right software, so the numbers can be trusted as the business grows.

Leading the finance team

Supervising your bookkeeper or in-house team, and deciding what to build in-house and what to outsource.

When a fractional finance director makes sense

You are growing faster than your finance setup

Turnover, staff or complexity have outgrown a bookkeeper and a year-end accountant, but a full-time finance director is not yet justified.

You are raising investment or borrowing

Investors and banks expect credible forecasts, clean numbers and someone who can answer their questions.

You need better information to make decisions

You are making calls on pricing, hiring or spending without reliable monthly figures.

Something has changed

A new product, a new site, an acquisition, a cash squeeze or a key person leaving means you need experienced finance input now.

How it works

1
A first conversation
We talk about the business, where it is heading and what is causing pressure.
2
An agreed scope
We agree what the finance director will focus on and how much time that needs, usually a set number of days or a regular monthly commitment.
3
Regular involvement
Monthly reviews, forecasts updated as things change, and time at board or management meetings.
4
Scaled to fit
Increase support around a fundraise or a big decision, and reduce it when things settle. If you reach the point where a full-time finance director is right for you, we will tell you and help with the handover.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a fractional finance director?

A fractional or part-time finance director is an experienced finance leader who works with your business for a set amount of time, rather than as a full-time employee. You get senior finance input for the time you need it.

How much does a fractional finance director cost?

It depends on how much time is needed and what the role covers. We agree a fixed monthly fee or a set number of days upfront, so you know the cost before we start.

What is the difference between a fractional FD and an accountant?

An accountant typically prepares your accounts and tax returns after the year end. A finance director looks forward: forecasting, planning, funding and helping you make decisions during the year.

Can you work alongside our existing accountant or bookkeeper?

Yes. We can work with your current team, or provide bookkeeping, payroll and compliance as part of a complete [outsourced finance function](/finance-function).

Talk to us about finance director support

Tell us where the business is and what is on your mind. We will suggest the level of support that fits.