Virtual CFO services are an excellent option for business owners who need help on the finance side of the business.
If you need to cut costs or keep track of where your money goes, a virtual CFO can be a huge help. They can help your business stay on track with your financial needs and provide more flexibly for less cost than hiring an in-house CFO.
Their service benefits companies that want to avoid adding another employee to their payroll or do not need the same level of attention from a full-time employee.
But they aren’t for everyone. Weigh the pros and cons before you sign a long-term contract with a virtual CFO.
Pros of Virtual CFO Services
Virtual CFO services are becoming increasingly popular. They offer great flexibility to small businesses and startups, allowing them to grow without hiring a full-time CFO.
Dedicated Expert Advice
A virtual CFO is a professional with years of experience and training in financial management. They can provide tailored advice for your business and help you navigate complicated economic issues. An excellent virtual CFO service will have a vast array of resources, including software and tools that can make your life easier.
Hiring a virtual CFO gives you access to an expert who can advise you on any financial matter. They will assist you in making crucial business decisions while guiding you through:
- Accounting
- Tax filing
- Budgeting
- Payroll
- Other financial issues related to running your company.
More Cost Effective
Virtual CFOs are more cost-effective than a traditional in-house CFO because they do not charge by the hour, require office space, and aren’t permanent employees. They work remotely from their homes or offices and use technology to connect with clients and other professionals involved in running a business efficiently.
Because they’re not traveling between client locations, they can also be more efficient. They don’t spend time working on other daily tasks that take up time.
Future-Focused Finances
Bookkeepers and accountants help ensure you’re clear about past events.
But a virtual CFO helps you plan for your business’s future by analyzing your financial situation and recommending improvements. That allows you to look ahead at what might happen in the future, focusing on where you are going rather than only where you have been.
Planning is essential because it helps ensure that you have suitable financial structures to support decisions that will help you meet your goals. These structures include developing a long-term budget and ensuring the organization has resources available to execute that plan.
They also bring in an outside perspective. A virtual CFO can help you look at trends in the market and work with you to develop strategies that help you prepare for these changes. Your business will be ready no matter how those trends affect your company.
Accurate Reporting
Accurate reporting is critical for any business owner. There’s no room for error or confusion in the numbers you use for making decisions. Hiring a Virtual CFO means your financial information will be presented accurately and clearly.
An outsourced CFO will ensure you and your investors, lenders, and internal stakeholders have access to accurate and timely reporting. These reports can help your team determine capital requirements, execute strategic plans, and determine whether or not the company is meeting its goals.
Cons of Virtual CFO Services
Although virtual CFO services can be excellent for small businesses and new companies, there are some potential drawbacks to engaging virtual CFO services.
Might Not Understand Your Industry
The main drawback of virtual CFO services is that they may not understand your industry. They may provide helpful advice if they work with multiple companies in different sectors. However, you might find that advice from a CFO specializing in one niche doesn’t apply to your specific situation.
For example, a virtual CFO specializing in manufacturing might not fully understand the complexities of running a software company.
Separate From Your Business
Another potential problem with hiring a virtual CFO is that they will be separate from the rest of your staff. They will never really be part of the team, making it harder for them to understand what goes on in your office and the value of each person’s contribution.
Virtual CFOs may also be distant from your business’s day-to-day operations, leading to poor communication between you and them. This distance might make it challenging for them to advise and guide you on important financial matters such as taxes and investments.
Distant From Historical Context
Another potential drawback of using a virtual CFO is that they won’t know your company’s history or who worked on what projects previously.
A virtual CFO will only have access to the information you or your staff have given them. This makes it difficult for them to understand why certain decisions were made or specific trends occurred over time. They also won’t know the backstory of how past choices might affect the future of your business.
Interested in Virtual CFO Services?
The decision to hire a virtual CFO is significant and should not be taken lightly.
While potential outsourced CFOs can offer excellent advice and help take your business to new heights, there may be drawbacks if you choose the wrong one. Weighing your options, considering the pros and cons, and finding someone that fits are essential steps.
Founder’s CPA offers virtual CFO services for businesses. Contact us today if you’re curious about how a virtual CFO could help your business. Our team of seasoned professionals can help you take your business to the next level.
