Best Fractional CFOs for Startups

Fractional CFO Services for Startups

The startup world moves at lightning speed from seed funding to Series A to scaling operations globally, founders must balance vision with precision. Yet one of the most critical leadership roles is often missing in early stages: a Chief Financial Officer. That’s where the Fractional CFO steps in.

Fractional CFOs are the financial backbone of emerging companies, offering strategic insight, investor readiness, and operational discipline  all without the full-time cost. For startups balancing burn rate with growth, a fractional CFO isn’t just a hire; it’s a lifeline.

At Digital Reference, we recognize how vital these financial leaders are in shaping a startup’s path to success. From managing investor relations to designing financial models that fuel scalability, these professionals bridge the gap between numbers and narrative. They help HR leaders, founders, and boards align business vision with financial reality.

Why Fractional CFOs Are Reshaping Startup Growth

In the post-pandemic economy, adaptability is the new advantage. Startups no longer follow linear growth paths — they evolve through sprints of innovation, capital raises, and restructuring. That’s why fractional finance leadership has become essential.

Fractional CFOs provide:

📊 Financial forecasting and modeling for investor confidence
🧭 Strategic cash flow management and risk planning
🌍 Global compliance and cross-border financial structure
💬 Team collaboration with HR and operations to optimize spending and culture alignment

At Digital Reference, we evaluate each professional based on a balance of technical excellence, strategic communication, and people-first leadership. We spend months researching performance records, client testimonials, and cross-sector achievements. Every featured consultant below has been chosen for both their financial acumen and their ability to empower teams.

🌟 Meet the Fractional CFOs Powering Startup Success

Below are some of the most trusted financial leaders guiding startups worldwide — from tech and SaaS to biotech and creative industries. Some run their own firms, others operate independently, but all bring an unmatched combination of strategy, empathy, and execution.

🟠 Daniya Stewart

Fractional CFO & Startup Finance Advisor, Founder & CEO at Valor Advisory Limited
🔗 LinkedIn

Daniya Stewart is a results-driven fractional CFO known for her work with early-stage tech and service startups. With deep experience in financial modeling, cash flow optimization, and investor relations, Daniya helps founders move confidently from product validation to sustainable growth.

Her expertise lies in translating complex financial data into clear, founder-friendly strategies — a rare quality that makes her a trusted partner for teams still learning to navigate the startup finance world. Daniya’s ability to connect numbers with mission has helped numerous organizations secure critical rounds of funding and scale responsibly.

💡 Key strengths:
📊 Financial forecasting & fundraising strategy
🔎 Cash flow management & KPI design
🌟 Investor readiness & pitch support
🧭 Scalable accounting system development

‍

🟠 Jared Miller

Fractional CFO & Financial Strategy Consultant
🔗 LinkedIn

With a background in financial planning and business transformation, Jared Miller is known for his hands-on approach to helping startups build financial infrastructure from scratch. He has supported founders across multiple industries — from SaaS to e-commerce — by creating sustainable models that balance growth ambition with operational discipline.

Jared’s philosophy centers on visibility: making sure every founder understands their numbers and their implications. He’s also passionate about developing internal teams, mentoring early finance hires, and helping startups transition from “scrappy survival” to structured success.

💡 Key strengths:
🧭 Startup financial architecture
📈 Budget forecasting & growth strategy
🏷️ Operational efficiency & KPI alignment
💬 Financial mentorship & team coaching

‍

🟠 Mark Sierra

Fractional CFO & Business Consultant
🔗 LinkedIn

Mark Sierra is a seasoned financial leader who has guided startups through some of their most crucial growth inflection points. His experience spans M&A readiness, capital structure optimization, and stakeholder communication. Mark is often called upon during scaling phases when startups need to professionalize without losing agility.

What sets Mark apart is his cross-functional expertise — he bridges finance with operations and HR, ensuring that resource allocation, hiring, and culture growth all align with business goals. He believes that “financial clarity is the foundation of sustainable culture.”

💡 Key strengths:
📊 M&A preparation & financial structuring
🌍 Global operations strategy
💬 Cross-functional leadership alignment
🧭 Strategic cost management

‍

🟠 Armine Alajian, CPA

Founder, Alajian Group
🔗 LinkedIn

Armine Alajian is the founder of Alajian Group, a boutique accounting and advisory firm serving startups, creators, and high-growth entrepreneurs. A licensed CPA with a knack for translating tax and finance into relatable language, Armine helps clients gain confidence in their numbers and clarity in their growth strategy.

Her firm’s signature approach blends accounting precision with business empathy — an ethos that resonates deeply with startup founders balancing vision and volatility. Armine’s portfolio includes tech startups, creative studios, and nonprofits, all drawn to her transparent, empowering leadership.

💡 Key strengths:
🧭 Accounting & advisory for founders
🏷️ Strategic tax planning
🌟 Growth financial modeling
📊 Team training & systems implementation

‍

🟠 Michael Frankel, CFA

Managing Partner, Frankel & Company
🔗 LinkedIn

Michael Frankel is one of the most respected voices in fractional finance leadership. As Managing Partner of Frankel & Company, he brings over 25 years of experience in corporate finance, M&A, and startup strategy. Michael has led transactions exceeding $5 billion in aggregate value, but what makes him stand out is his educator’s mindset — he ensures his clients truly understand the “why” behind every decision.

He specializes in helping scaling startups navigate investor negotiations, valuation strategy, and long-term capital structuring. His combination of Wall Street discipline and startup pragmatism makes him a powerful ally for founders at pivotal financial moments.

💡 Key strengths:
📈 Capital raising & valuation strategy
🔎 M&A leadership & due diligence
🧭 Strategic forecasting & risk modeling
🌟 Founder education & board communication

‍

🟠 Alisha Loos

Fractional CFO & Startup Advisor, Owner of CFO to Grow
🔗 LinkedIn

Alisha Loos blends strategic foresight with empathy, making her one of the most sought-after fractional CFOs for startups focused on sustainable growth. She’s known for helping founders turn chaotic financial data into clear, actionable roadmaps.

Her client base spans fintech, SaaS, and purpose-driven enterprises — organizations that benefit from her transparent leadership and talent for aligning finance with mission. Alisha frequently collaborates with HR teams to shape compensation models, financial wellness programs, and culture-aligned incentives.

💡 Key strengths:
🌟 Financial clarity & process design
🧭 Strategic budgeting & people alignment
📊 SaaS & tech growth expertise
💬 Coaching for founder financial literacy

‍

🟠 Will Dean

Co-Founder & CFO Partner, Paralign Group
🔗 LinkedIn

Will Dean is the Co-Founder of Paralign Group, a global advisory firm specializing in financial transformation for early-stage and growth companies. With a reputation for balancing innovation and accountability, Will has helped countless startups establish investor-ready financial systems and performance dashboards.

His expertise in SaaS metrics, fundraising preparation, and risk modeling makes him a trusted advisor to founders and investors alike. Known for his approachable style, Will’s leadership extends beyond spreadsheets — he helps teams understand how finance can empower, not intimidate.

💡 Key strengths:
📊 Fundraising & investor relations
🧭 Financial operations & scaling strategy
🌍 Cross-border finance expertise
💬 Collaborative team enablement

‍

🟠 Mariève Thiffault, CPA

Fractional CFO & Financial Consultant
🔗 LinkedIn

Based in Canada, Mariève Thiffault brings a calm, analytical energy to her work as a Fractional CFO. With extensive experience across startups and SMEs, she focuses on helping founders translate financial complexity into confidence.

Mariève is particularly skilled in optimizing internal processes — building reporting systems that keep leadership teams informed and agile. Her ability to blend technical accounting expertise with mentorship makes her a key partner for founders scaling rapidly but thoughtfully.

💡 Key strengths:
📊 Financial process optimization
🌟 Budget management & forecasting
🧭 Strategic financial planning
💬 Collaborative communication & coaching

‍

🟠 Jordan Hill

Partner & Fractional CFO | Growth Partners

🔗 LinkedIn

As a partner at Growth Partners, Jordan Hill has established himself as a go-to Fractional CFO for venture-backed startups across Canada. He combines the acumen of a financial strategist with the heart of a coach — mentoring founders on metrics that matter. His passion lies in helping tech entrepreneurs scale sustainably, balancing growth goals with operational discipline.

Jordan’s work has spanned fintech, SaaS, and eCommerce sectors, where he’s optimized everything from burn rate management to capital efficiency. What sets him apart is his dedication to clarity — he helps startups communicate their financial story in a way investors understand.

💡 Key strengths:
🧭 Growth forecasting & investor reporting
🏷️ Strategic financial modeling
🌟 Capital efficiency & cash flow mastery
🔎 Data-driven decision frameworks
📈 Scaling advisory for tech-driven businesses

‍

🟠 Peter Connon

Fractional CFO and Managing Partner | Connon Associates

🔗 LinkedIn

Based in the UK, Peter Connon is a respected Fractional CFO and business transformation expert with more than two decades of experience across Europe’s startup and SME ecosystem. At the helm of Connon Associates, he advises growth-stage founders, helping them bridge the gap between ambition and structure.

Peter’s hallmark is his ability to simplify complexity — transforming messy financials into actionable insights. His work spans venture-funded startups, family-run enterprises, and global nonprofits, making him a versatile leader across industries.

💡 Key strengths:
🧭 Turnaround and restructuring strategy
🏷️ Financial transformation for scale-ups
🌟 Cross-border financial leadership
🔎 Strategic planning and performance optimization
📊 Fractional CFO services for international startups

‍

🟠 John Xue, CPA, MBA

Founder | Custom CPA

🔗 LinkedIn

John Xue merges corporate precision with startup speed. As founder of Custom CPA, he provides fractional CFO and accounting services tailored for growth-stage companies. With a CPA and MBA under his belt, John excels in designing financial architectures that scale.

His clients often highlight his clear communication style and ability to bring order to chaos — perfect for startups juggling rapid growth and resource constraints. Whether it’s implementing cost control systems or optimizing cash flow, John’s data-led decision-making has helped numerous founders gain clarity.

💡 Key strengths:
🧭 Financial systems implementation
🏷️ Cash flow and forecasting optimization
🌟 Cross-functional leadership with founders
🔎 Finance automation & technology integration
📈 Data-informed decision-making

‍

🟠 Conor McCutcheon (ACA)

Director | Marathon Accountants

🔗 LinkedIn

With a background in audit and startup advisory, Conor McCutcheon brings a disciplined yet innovative perspective to fractional CFO services. At Marathon Accountants, he helps UK-based startups and SMEs create scalable, compliant, and investor-ready financial systems.

Conor’s deep technical accounting knowledge is complemented by a sharp eye for business strategy. He often partners with founders to prepare for funding rounds or acquisitions, ensuring all numbers align with long-term vision and growth metrics.

💡 Key strengths:
🧭 Audit readiness and compliance
🏷️ Financial reporting for startups
🌟 Business model evaluation & advisory
🔎 Investor due diligence preparation
📈 Growth-stage strategic finance

‍

🟠 Rob Ingram

Founder | CFO on Demand

🔗 LinkedIn

Rob Ingram has been helping entrepreneurs demystify finance for over 25 years. As the founder of CFO on Demand, he delivers fractional financial leadership for startups, scale-ups, and small businesses. Rob’s strength lies in transforming financial management into a powerful storytelling tool, one that investors and employees alike can rally behind.

He’s worked with companies across manufacturing, logistics, and software, bringing data-driven discipline to fast-moving teams. His hallmark? Turning chaos into clarity and spreadsheets into strategy.

💡 Key strengths:
🧭 Strategic cash flow management
🏷️ Fractional CFO services for scaling firms
🌟 Business turnaround & transformation
🔎 Profitability and margin optimization
📊 Leadership mentoring for finance teams

‍

🟠 Remco Marcelis

Co-founder and Managing Partner | Standard Ledger

🔗 LinkedIn

Operating out of Australia, Remco Marcelis is the Managing Partner of Standard Ledger, a leading provider of fractional CFO and startup accounting services for high-growth businesses. His approach blends data, culture, and strategy — all with the founder’s journey at heart.

Remco’s background in venture capital and startup mentoring enables him to guide founders through funding, forecasting, and expansion with confidence. His ability to translate financial insight into strategic decisions has made him one of the most trusted names in the Asia-Pacific startup scene.

💡 Key strengths:
🧭 Startup financial operations
🏷️ Venture capital and funding strategy
🌟 SaaS and tech-sector finance specialization
🔎 Cross-border scaling expertise
📈 Financial storytelling for investors

‍

🟠 Adam Gerstein

Fractional CFO to startups  and Director | Novo Venture Partners

🔗 LinkedIn

At Novo Partners, Adam Gerstein helps startups and scale-ups navigate the intersection of financial health and strategic growth. As a Fractional CFO, Adam combines financial modeling, business intelligence, and leadership coaching, ensuring that finance becomes a growth enabler, not a constraint.

His career includes advising tech founders through fundraising and M&A and helping teams build KPI dashboards that link business outcomes to financial performance. Adam’s clarity and operational empathy make him a standout partner for mission-driven leaders.

💡 Key strengths:
🧭 Financial modeling for M&A and fundraising
🏷️ Performance metrics and dashboards
🌟 Operational and cultural alignment
🔎 Investor presentation development
📈 Strategic scaling for purpose-driven startups

How Digital Reference Curates fCFO Excellence

At Digital Reference, our methodology is built around integrity, depth, and relevance. We don’t just aggregate profiles; we analyze impact. Each featured CFO is selected through detailed review processes that include:

• Direct evaluation of professional history and client outcomes
  
• Alignment with Digital Reference’s principles of agility, data excellence, and strategic foresight
  
• Proven results in financial transformation within their domain
  

By featuring professionals like Daniya Stewart, we aim to highlight the people reshaping how modern startups operate those who turn financial management into strategic advantage.

The Growing Influence of Fractional CFOs in Startup Culture

In cities and startup hubs across the world, fractional CFOs have become integral to entrepreneurial success stories. They allow founders to focus on growth while keeping the financial engine strong and compliant. They’re part strategist, part analyst, and part storyteller ensuring every decision is backed by clarity.

The rise of professionals like Daniya reflects how startups are prioritizing smart financial architecture earlier in their journey. Rather than reacting to problems, these companies now design systems that anticipate growth.

If you’re a founder looking to scale your vision sustainably, exploring a fractional CFO model could be one of the most transformative decisions you’ll make this year.

Why Digital Reference Exists

At its heart, Digital Reference connects decision-makers to trusted consultants who create measurable impact. From Fractional CFOs to executive coaches, and from Healthcare experts to marketing leaders, we serve as a bridge between expertise and execution.

Our commitment lies in building a resource that’s reliable, current, and grounded in real-world achievements. Every feature, like this one, contributes to that mission.

👉 Discover more through related resources from Digital Reference, or explore our broader series highlighting fractional leadership across industries.
🌟 Best Fractional CFOs in Las Vegas
🔎 Best Fractional CFOs in Melbourne
🧭 Best Fractional CFOs in Toronto 

Because when you choose the right partner, financial clarity becomes not just an outcome but a competitive advantage.