The Role in One Paragraph
A fractional controller is accountable for your financial statements being right and on time. They design the close calendar, review the bookkeeper's entries, handle accruals and deferrals, reconcile every balance sheet account, and keep controls in place so spending is approved before it happens.
Bookkeeper vs. Controller vs. CFO
| Bookkeeper | Fractional controller | Fractional CFO | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Recording transactions | Accuracy and close | Forecast and strategy |
| Time horizon | Today | Last month | Next 12 to 24 months |
| Key output | Categorised ledger | Reliable financial statements | Model, plan, board narrative |
| Accountable for | Data entry | Numbers being true | Decisions being sound |
Signs You Need a Fractional Controller
- Close takes more than two weeks, or happens irregularly
- Prior months keep getting restated
- Revenue is booked when cash arrives rather than when it is earned
- An audit, lender review or investor due diligence is coming
- Your CFO or founder spends time fixing the books instead of using them
What Good Looks Like After 90 Days
A predictable close calendar, a reconciled balance sheet, documented accounting policies, and a monthly package you can send to investors without a follow-up call. The playbook we use is in month-end close in 5 days.
How Finative Delivers It
Our outsourced controller services provide the controller layer on its own or alongside startup bookkeeping and fractional CFO support, so the numbers and the strategy come from one team.
Want to see how this works in practice? Explore our FP&A services, see the industries we support, and read how an engagement with Finative works, from first call to monthly reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a fractional controller do?
A fractional controller runs and reviews the month-end close, reconciles accounts, applies revenue recognition and accruals correctly, maintains internal controls, and prepares the company for audits, lenders and investor diligence, on a part-time basis.
What is the difference between a fractional controller and a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper records day-to-day transactions. A fractional controller reviews that work, owns the close, makes accounting judgement calls and is accountable for the accuracy of the financial statements.
What is the difference between a fractional controller and a fractional CFO?
A controller makes the historical numbers accurate. A CFO uses accurate numbers to forecast, plan, price and raise capital. Most companies need the controller layer in place first.
When should a startup hire a fractional controller?
Common triggers are a close that takes more than two weeks, recurring corrections to past months, revenue recognition questions, an upcoming audit, or preparation for investor due diligence.