What exactly does a Chief Financial Officer bring to the table? In this kickoff episode of Do You Need a CFO?, we explore why CFOs matter far beyond bookkeeping and accounting. From creating financial visibility, to shaping strategy, to managing risk, and becoming a trusted partner to the CEO, CFOs play a transformational role in helping businesses grow with confidence. If you’ve ever wondered whether your company is missing something in the leadership team, this episode lays the foundation.

• (00:00:00) - Do You Need A CFO?
• (00:01:04) - What's a CFO's Visibility?
• (00:02:11) - 3 Key Skills CFOs Need
• (00:04:16) - Why You Need a CFO in Your Company

How do you know when your business is ready for CFO-level leadership? In Episode Two of Do I Need a CFO?, we break down the eight most common triggers that signal it’s time—rapid growth, increasing complexity, unpredictable cash flow, and more.

Through practical examples and scenarios, you’ll learn how to recognize these warning signs in your own business and understand why waiting too long can be costly. If any of these triggers sound familiar, this is your roadmap for taking action.

• (00:00:00) - Why You're Ready for a CFO
• (00:00:56) - What a CFO Can Do For Your Business
• (00:04:20) - 4 Reasons CFOs Are Essential
• (00:06:05) - The 8 Threats CFOs Facing
• (00:09:50) - Do You Need A CFO?

Not all CFOs are the same—and hiring the wrong fit can be costly. In Episode Three of Do You Need a CFO?, we explore how to clearly define the CFO role for your company’s stage and needs. From clarifying scope and qualifications, to evaluating cultural fit, to deciding between a full-time or fractional CFO, this episode helps you build a roadmap for success. If you’re considering bringing in financial leadership, this is the guide to making sure you choose the right person at the right time.

• (00:00:00) - Do You Need a CFO?
• (00:00:42) - The Role of a CFO
• (00:02:35) - What's a CFO's Qualifications?
• (00:03:46) - Cultural Fit
• (00:04:35) - Do You Need a Full-Time CFO or a Fraction

Should you hire a fractional CFO or commit to a full-time executive? In Episode Four of Do You Need a CFO?, we explore the differences between fractional and full-time models—costs, benefits, and when to make the transition. You’ll learn how fractional CFOs provide senior-level expertise at a fraction of the cost, why full-time CFOs are essential once complexity and scale demand daily leadership, and how to recognize the signs that it’s time to shift from one to the other. If you’re weighing your options, this episode will help you choose the model that fits your business today—and prepare for tomorrow.

• (00:00:00) - Do You Need a Fractional CFO?
• (00:00:47) - What is the Fractional CFO?
• (00:02:36) - Fractional CFO vs Full-Time CFO: When

CFO salaries often range from $250,000 to $362,000 or more, but compensation is only part of the story. In Episode Five of Do You Need a CFO?, we examine the real cost of hiring a CFO—and what it takes to attract top talent. From salary benchmarks and career risk, to using equity, bonuses, and culture as levers, this episode helps you understand how to compete for executive-level financial leadership. If you’ve ever wondered whether your company is big enough—or ready enough—to hire a great CFO, this conversation will give you the answers.

• (00:00:00) - Do You Need a CFO?
• (00:00:57) - CFO Salary: Why CFOs Are Underpaid
• (00:03:52) - CFO Compensation: Creative Remarks
• (00:05:05) - Do You Need A Fractional CFO?