The first goal is to see if the company is overspending - and the truth is, most of the time it is. This usually happens when the team is focused on growth. You start seeing unused subscriptions, credit cards with high interest, and tools nobody really touches anymore.
A fractional CFO can step in and help spot these things quickly. The next step is making sure the company is using automation and AI properly. One way to check this is by dividing the company’s revenue by the number of employees and comparing it to industry benchmarks. If the numbers are off, it could mean the team is doing too many manual tasks or not using the right tools.
It’s also worth having honest conversations with team leads. Ask how they’re using AI in their day-to-day work. Do they need a monthly budget to try out new AI tools? What do they think AI will change about their work in the future? Sometimes, small changes in how a team works can lead to big improvements in efficiency.
Another area to look at is marketing. A fractional CFO can dig into the data and see which channels are working and which ones are just burning cash. Ads, tools, or agencies that don’t bring results should be cut or adjusted.
Then it’s time to model new pricing or find ways to upsell your current clients. Many companies undercharge or leave money on the table by not packaging their services in a smarter way.
And finally, it all needs to tie back to a clear cash flow plan. The founder should know how much they can spend, when to hold back, and when it’s safe to double down on growth. It’s not about cutting costs everywhere - it’s about spending smarter. Need help spotting waste and boosting efficiency? Let’s talk.
