How much does a fractional CFO cost?
A plain-English 2026 guide for owners of private and family businesses in Brisbane, Queensland and across Australia: what you'll typically pay, what drives the price, and what to look for besides the fee.
By Gavan S. Porter FCPA CMgr AFIML · Brisbane-based fractional CFO · Updated 27 October 2026
The short answer
Usually $2,500 to $14,000 a month.
Across Australian providers that publish prices, fractional CFO fees commonly sit between about $3,000 and $15,000 a month. Where you land depends mostly on the size and complexity of the business, how much time you need, and the state of your numbers.
The honest answer for your business comes after a free discovery call and a short diagnostic. That's how I price, and it means the proposal is based on what's really there.
- Revenue under $5m
- $2,500–$6,000 / mo
- Revenue $5m–$25m
- $5,000–$9,000 / mo
- Revenue $25m–$100m
- $7,000–$14,000 / mo
- One-off projects
- $3,000–$25,000
- Full-time CFO (for comparison)
- $250,000+ / yr
What drives the price
Six things that move the number.
- 01
Size and complexity
More revenue, entities, locations, stock or projects means more to forecast, report and manage.
- 02
Time each month
Anything from a day a month for oversight to a day a week when the business is changing fast.
- 03
The state of the books
Reliable numbers mean time goes on decisions. Numbers that need rebuilding mean more work up front.
- 04
What's happening
Steady growth, a funding round, a sale, or cash pressure. Busier periods need more time.
- 05
On-site time
Weekly visits across South East Queensland, monthly in regional Queensland and interstate.
- 06
What's included
Board papers, bank reporting, and whether management accounting and bookkeeping are added.
How I price
Discovery call, diagnostic, then a fixed proposal.
I'd rather understand your business than guess at it. So the price is set after a free discovery call and a short diagnostic of your numbers and systems. You'll know exactly what you're getting, and what it costs, before anything starts.
Revenue under $5m
$2,500–$6,000
per month
Revenue $5m–$25m
$5,000–$9,000
per month
Revenue $25m–$100m
$7,000–$14,000
per month
One-off projects
$3,000–$25,000
per project
All prices plus GST. Affordable management accounting and bookkeeping can be added. Fractional CFO in Brisbane →
Fractional vs full-time
Senior thinking, for the days you need it.
A full-time CFO typically costs well over $250,000 a year once super and on-costs are added, before recruitment fees. For most private businesses under $50 million, that's more CFO than the business needs.
A fractional CFO at $2,500 to $9,000 a month works out at roughly $30,000 to $108,000 a year. You get the same experience on the decisions that matter, cash, funding, pricing and growth, and support can be scaled up as the business grows.
Common questions
Fractional CFO cost: questions answered.
How much does a fractional CFO cost per month in Australia?
Most Australian providers that publish prices sit somewhere between about $3,000 and $15,000 a month. My own guide is $2,500 to $6,000 a month for businesses under $5 million in revenue, $5,000 to $9,000 for $5 million to $25 million, and $7,000 to $14,000 for $25 million to $100 million, plus GST. The exact price depends on what we find in a discovery call and short diagnostic.
Why does a fractional CFO price depend on a diagnostic?
Two businesses of the same size can need very different amounts of work. If the books are reliable and the reporting is in place, the CFO can focus on decisions. If the numbers need rebuilding or cash is under pressure, there's more to do first. A short diagnostic means the proposal is based on what's really there, not a guess.
How does a fractional CFO compare with a full-time CFO on cost?
A full-time CFO typically costs well over $250,000 a year once super and on-costs are added. A fractional CFO at $2,500 to $9,000 a month costs roughly $30,000 to $108,000 a year, for the senior thinking most private businesses actually need.
Are there one-off or project fees?
Yes. Defined projects, such as a finance systems audit, a funding application, a budget and forecast build, getting ready to sell, or a turnaround plan, typically run from $3,000 to $25,000 plus GST, depending on scope.
What should I look for besides price?
Who actually does the work, their credentials and track record, whether they understand private and family businesses, and whether they'll come on site. A lower monthly fee is poor value if a junior does the work or the advice isn't acted on.
Last updated 27 October 2026. Market ranges are based on prices published by Australian fractional CFO providers and are a guide only.
Get a real number for your business.
Start with a free discovery call. Call +61 408 812 120, email gavan@gspadvisory.co, or send a message.