Fractional financial controller
Essentials › Accounting › Fractional financial controller
The problem it solves
As a business grows, its finance function often stays as it was: a bookkeeper or outsourced provider processing transactions, with nobody senior checking the whole picture. Errors go unnoticed, controls stay informal and month-end drags on, just as investors, lenders or auditors start asking harder questions.
What it covers
- Running and reviewing the month-end close
- Reviewing reconciliations, accruals and balance sheet accounts
- Setting approval limits, payment controls and separation of duties
- Speeding up and tidying finance processes
- Preparing for audit, due diligence or a funding round
- Managing bookkeepers, payroll and other finance providers
Who it is for
Companies with a growing team, several entities or rising transaction volumes that need senior oversight for a few days a month.
Good to know in the UK
- Directors remain responsible for the company’s accounting records, even when the work is delegated.
- A controller focuses on accuracy, controls and process. A CFO focuses on strategy, funding and forecasting. Many businesses start with a controller and add CFO support later.
Questions to ask a provider
- How many days a month will you commit?
- Which controls would you put in place first?
- Will you work with our existing bookkeeper?
- Do you have audit experience?
This is a plain-English summary for United Kingdom businesses. It is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice, and rules change: facts last checked 8 November 2026. Speak to a qualified adviser about your own situation.