FAQ
Straight answers.
Before we talk.
What the engagement does, where it stops and how we keep sensitive information out of public forms.
01What does a fractional CFO actually do?+
A fractional CFO brings senior financial judgment to your business without a full-time executive hire. The focus is forward-looking: cash visibility, operating performance, financial planning and decisions about capital. Your written engagement defines the specific work.
02Who is the right fit for CSRED?+
Our primary focus is owner-operated construction businesses, general contractors, trades, machine shops and production companies. Typical clients have $2M–$20M in annual revenue. Fit depends on complexity, goals and the support your team needs—not revenue alone.
03Will you replace my CPA or bookkeeper?+
No. We work alongside your existing professionals. Your bookkeeper maintains records, your CPA handles the agreed accounting and tax work, and the CFO engagement focuses on financial visibility and operating decisions. We do not provide legal or tax advice.
04Can you move money or approve payments?+
Our standard approach is view-only. You retain control of funds, payments, account changes and financing decisions. Any different authority would require a separate, explicit written authorization; it is not granted by a website inquiry.
05Is the diagnostic a D&B or PAYDEX credit pull?+
No. It uses only the company facts and file status you report. We do not access Dun & Bradstreet, PAYDEX or another bureau through the diagnostic. Your readiness note is educational, not a credit score, credit report or lending decision.
06Do you guarantee credit approvals or funding?+
No. Approval, terms, amounts, reporting and timing depend on your business and third-party decisions. Corporate credit is one part of financial readiness, not a substitute for cash flow or repayment capacity.
07How do I share the full intake and documents?+
After a qualified strategy call and agreement to move forward, you receive the onboarding package and a unique password-protected Egnyte link. Upload the completed intake and required documents together through that link from the first step. Never send sensitive documents by email or through this website.
08What does an engagement cost?+
Scope, fees, milestones and any third-party costs are discussed before you engage and recorded in a written agreement. Pay-as-you-go and milestone-aligned arrangements depend on the agreed scope. Older video pricing is not a current offer.
09Do you work outside Chicago?+
Yes. Chicago and the Midwest are our starting point; we also work with suitable owner-operated businesses nationally. We confirm fit, availability and any jurisdiction-specific professional needs during the strategy call.
10Are investment opportunities part of the CFO service?+
Not by default. Any optional capital or deal discussion is separate from core CFO support, requires its own review and applicable professional involvement, and is not an offer of securities or a promise of access or returns.
LET’S GET TO WORK
If the company is real and the books are messy, start with a call — not a course.
A focused conversation about where you are and what comes next.