Fractional CFO proposal: Free template

Customize this free fractional CFO proposal with Cobrief

Open this free fractional CFO proposal in Cobrief and start editing it instantly using AI. You can adjust the tone, structure, and content based on your financial expertise, the client’s industry, and their growth stage. You can also use AI to review your draft — spot gaps, tighten language, and improve clarity before sending.

Once you're done, send, download, or save the proposal in one click — no formatting or setup required.

This template is fully customizable and built for real-world use — ideal for pitching outsourced CFO services, financial strategy consulting, board reporting, or fundraising support. Whether you're a solo advisor or part of a finance firm, this version gives you a structured head start and removes the guesswork.

What is a fractional CFO proposal?

A fractional CFO proposal outlines how you’ll provide high-level financial leadership to a business on a part-time or project basis. It typically includes services like financial planning, cash flow forecasting, investor reporting, budgeting, and fundraising support.

This proposal helps early-stage or growing businesses access strategic financial guidance without the cost of a full-time hire.

A strong fractional CFO proposal helps you:

• Define the scope of financial support and deliverables.
• Position yourself as a trusted strategic partner.
• Clarify reporting cadence, access, and tools used.
• Align expectations for communication, timelines, and outcomes.

Why use Cobrief to edit your proposal

Cobrief helps you build, refine, and deliver clear, high-trust proposals — with built-in AI to support every step.

• Edit the proposal directly in your browser: Skip formatting issues and get started instantly.
• Rewrite sections with AI: Clarify strategy, improve tone, or simplify financial language.
• Run a one-click AI review: Get suggestions to tighten structure and clarify your offering.
• Apply AI suggestions instantly: Accept individual edits or apply all changes in one click.
• Share or export instantly: Send via Cobrief or download a clean PDF or DOCX version.

Show your value clearly — and win client trust faster.

When to use this proposal

Use this fractional CFO proposal for:

• Offering ongoing strategic finance support to startups or SMBs
• Supporting Series A–C companies with investor relations and board prep.
• Guiding financial planning, modeling, and fundraising.
• Leading budgeting, burn management, or cash flow strategy.
• Responding to RFPs for part-time CFO services.

It works for clients at every stage of scaling — from bootstrapped to VC-backed.

What to include in a fractional CFO proposal

Each section helps your client understand how you’ll support their financial strategy and execution:

• Executive summary: Highlight the company’s stage and needs (e.g., budgeting, fundraising, financial visibility) and how your services will fill a strategic finance leadership gap.
• Scope of work: Define what’s included — e.g., financial planning and analysis (FP&A), board and investor reporting, cash flow forecasting, SaaS metrics, budget creation, strategic decision support, or fundraising advisory.
• Tools and systems: List the platforms you’ll use or integrate with — such as QuickBooks, NetSuite, Fathom, Excel/Google Sheets, Ramp, or forecasting tools.
• Timeline and availability: Clarify your hours per week or month, meeting cadence, and turnaround times for deliverables.
• Pricing: Present your fee structure — monthly retainer, hourly, or project-based. Include optional add-ons like fundraising support or financial systems implementation.
• Terms and conditions: Cover confidentiality, system access, communication norms, payment terms, and termination clauses.
• Next steps: End with a clear CTA — like “Reply to confirm,” “Schedule a discovery call,” or “Sign to proceed.”

How to write an effective fractional CFO proposal

This proposal should feel strategic, clear, and outcome-driven:

• Focus on decision-making support: Highlight how your insights help leadership move faster and smarter
• Be precise about what’s included: Avoid ambiguity — clients need structure and accountability
• Tailor to growth stage: A bootstrapped startup and a post-Series A company have different needs
• Share experience credibly: Mention past roles, sectors, or results you’ve driven
• Keep formatting clean: Use headers, bullets, and short sections
• Provide a simple next step: Make it easy to get started

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.