Virtual CFO vs full-time CFO.
Hiring a full-time CFO is a $300k+ decision. Hiring a virtual CFO is typically $50k–$120k a year. The right answer depends on complexity, scale and how much strategic finance you actually need.
At a glance
| Virtual CFO | Full-time CFO | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual cost (AU, fully loaded) | $50k – $120k | $280k – $500k+ |
| Engagement model | Fractional, fixed monthly | Employee |
| Time commitment | 4 – 20 hrs/week | Full-time |
| Onboarding speed | 2 – 4 weeks | 3 – 6 months |
| Sector depth | High (niche specialists) | Variable |
| Replaces if fit is wrong | 30-day notice | 3–6 months + severance |
| Board presence | Monthly | Weekly |
| Strategic bandwidth | Matched to need | Full |
| Best for | $2m – $30m turnover | $30m+ turnover or complex groups |
The verdict
Under $15m turnover, a virtual CFO almost always wins on value. From $15–50m, either can work depending on complexity. Above $50m or with >2 entities, a full-time CFO is usually the right call.
Which do I need?
The answer depends on your turnover, board expectations, how clean your numbers currently are, and how strategic your finance function needs to be. We offer a free 30-minute diagnostic that usually gives a clear answer.
Questions people usually ask first.
Under $15m turnover, a virtual CFO almost always wins on value. From $15–50m, either can work depending on complexity. Above $50m or with >2 entities, a full-time CFO is usually the right call.
Not usually. They play different roles in the finance stack. Most businesses that need both start with whichever fills their most urgent gap, and add the other as they scale.
Ready for a senior CFO at your board table?
30-minute free consultation with Ramy Hanna.