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CEO Series: Why I Stepped the Other Side To Fractional

Richard Salt, CEO and Founder of Fyn. 

As someone who transitioned from a permanent executive responsible for strategic financial growth, to building a fractional CFO business, I’ve experienced first-hand the opportunities and challenges that come with this shift. 

What initially seems counter-intuitive - leaving a stable executive position - can unlock remarkable flexibility, variety, and impact for both professionals and the businesses they serve.

What’s more, the fractional trend is undeniable. According to The Sunday Times, UK profiles mentioning fractional CFOs jumped from around 2,000 in 2022 to roughly 110,000 by 2024. This rapid growth reflects a fundamental shift in how businesses view financial leadership: fractional CFO services are increasingly recognised as a strategic tool to drive growth, rather than a cost-saving compromise.

Delivering Cross-Industry Insight to Every Client

One of the most compelling reasons to move into fractional services is the opportunity to apply expertise across diverse industries. Working with multiple clients exposes you to varied business challenges, broadening your strategic perspective and refining your problem-solving skills.

At Fyn, our fractional CFOs draw together complementary strengths. Some have deep experience in transactions and exits, whilst others specialise in scaling operations and optimising financial foundations. 

This balance allows us to match the right expertise to every one of our clients at the right stage of their journey. It ensures businesses don’t just get a generalist; they gain access to precise, actionable guidance informed by real-world experience across multiple sectors.

Fractional CFOs can bring lessons learned in one industry to clients in another, often spotting opportunities or risks that a single-sector experience might overlook. This cross-pollination of knowledge is one of the hidden advantages of the fractional model, allowing businesses to benefit from insights they might not otherwise access.

Designing Work Around What Matters Most

Another significant advantage of the fractional model is that it offers professionals the autonomy to shape their schedules, balancing career engagement with other priorities. For those who value flexibility, it provides the chance to maintain influence without the demands of a permanent role, whilst also opening doors to pursue personal interests, entrepreneurial projects, or professional development.

This flexibility doesn’t come at the expense of responsibility. On the contrary in fact, fractional CFOs often operate under highly time-sensitive conditions, advising multiple clients simultaneously and delivering critical insights at key decision points. The role requires precision, discipline, and the ability to quickly assimilate complex financial information. 

Turning Financials Into Investor Confidence

Having sat on both sides of the table as a financial leader and as an investor, I know how critical a clear financial story is when seeking capital. When I was employed previously I was on the management team and delivered presentations to the potential buyers. I fully understand the process, the importance of clear financials, and also the story telling required to get institutional investors interested. 

I was fundamental in the process and appreciate the level of work that goes on behind the scenes, so understand that investors don’t just buy numbers; they buy confidence, clarity, and trust. Fractional CFOs add value by transforming complex data into a strategic narrative, supported by credible forecasts, scenario planning, and actionable insights.

This clarity strengthens investor confidence, accelerates due diligence, and ultimately enhances a business’s ability to secure funding on optimal terms. From guiding early-stage growth funding to supporting strategic exits, fractional CFOs can play a pivotal role in shaping the financial narrative that unlocks opportunity.

The Strategic Shift in Financial Leadership

The move from permanent to fractional CFO represents more than a career change; it reflects the evolving demands of modern business. Companies increasingly seek senior-level financial guidance without the overhead of a full-time executive. For seasoned CFOs, this model offers the chance to leverage their expertise across multiple clients, achieve work-life balance, and deliver measurable impact in a variety of contexts.

Fractional CFO services are no longer a “nice-to-have.” They are an essential component for businesses navigating rapid growth, strategic transactions, or complex financial operations. By providing flexible, expert leadership, fractional CFOs allow organisations to make informed, confident decisions whilst maintaining agility.

Whether you are a start-up CEO, a fast-growing business owner, or a finance manager seeking expert guidance, a fractional CFO can be a catalyst for transformation, growth, and sustainable success.

Ready to Explore Fractional CFO Services?

Whether you’re considering the move yourself or seeking high-calibre financial leadership for your business, our team at Fyn can share insights, experience, and practical guidance to help you navigate this new approach to strategic finance.

Get in touch with us today to learn more. 

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