Best Fractional CFOs in Philadelphia

Philadelphia Fractional CFO Services

Philadelphia has always been more than just cheesesteaks, sports, and history. It’s a financial hub that often goes overlooked compared to nearby New York, but make no mistake — the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area is buzzing with innovation. From biotech and healthcare startups along University City’s research corridor, to fintech ventures popping up in Center City, to family-owned manufacturing companies across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the need for fractional CFO consultants has never been stronger.

Why? Because today’s businesses don’t just need accountants. They need strategic partners who understand capital raising, investor relations, operational efficiency, and long-term financial modeling. A Fractional CFO brings C-suite financial expertise without the cost of a full-time hire — and that’s a game-changer for growth-stage companies in Philly’s competitive ecosystem.

At Digital Reference, we believe the right leadership can unlock exponential growth. That’s why we’ve taken the time to curate this list of the top Fractional CFO consultants in Philadelphia to watch. 

Before we dive into the professionals, if you’re curious about how these roles fit into a company’s evolution, check out our explainer on the rise of fractional executives — it highlights why part-time leadership is becoming essential.

Now, let’s spotlight the consultants shaping Philadelphia’s future.

🌟 Meet Philadelphias’ Fractional CMOs Making things Happen

♦️ Jim Emerich‍

Founder, BackboneCFO

🔗 LinkedIn | Website

Jim Emerich is a name that comes up again and again in conversations with Philadelphia-area founders. With more than two decades of experience across SaaS, life sciences, and professional services, Jim has built a reputation for being the steady financial backbone that scaling businesses desperately need — which is exactly why he named his firm BackboneCFO.

What sets Jim apart is his hybrid approach. He’s not just about crunching numbers or presenting clean financials — he specializes in guiding entrepreneurs through the messy, unpredictable early- and mid-stage growth cycles. Whether it’s preparing for a fundraising round, untangling cash flow challenges, or restructuring operations for long-term profitability, Jim’s fingerprints are on some of the most successful scaling stories in Philly.

⭐ Highlights of Jim’s work:

📌 Expert in capital raising, including angel, VC, and private equity engagements

📌 Deep knowledge in biotech and SaaS financial models, both critical sectors in Philadelphia

📌 Hands-on approach: Jim often embeds directly with leadership teams to shape strategic decisions

📌 Strong advocate for founder education — making sure CEOs understand the numbers, not just rely on them

Jim also leverages his wide professional network. His connections in Philadelphia’s startup ecosystem — particularly in University City and across healthcare and life sciences — mean his clients don’t just get financial strategy, they get access to doors that might otherwise stay closed.

♦️Jenny Boylan‍

Strategic Fractional CFO & Finance Advisor

🔗 LinkedIn

Jenny Boylan’s career is a masterclass in versatility. Having served as a CFO for venture-backed startups, nonprofits, and established mid-market companies, Jenny brings a rare ability to adapt her expertise to vastly different industries. In the Philadelphia region, she’s best known for her collaborative style and people-first financial leadership.

Jenny’s strength lies in bridging the gap between finance and operations. Many CFOs stick to their spreadsheets; Jenny sits at the table with CEOs, boards, and department heads, ensuring financial planning is aligned with organizational culture and growth goals.

🌟 What makes Jenny stand out:

💡 Skilled at designing scalable financial systems for startups preparing to raise capital

💡 Deep experience in nonprofit finance, making her an invaluable partner for mission-driven organizations in Philly

💡 Known for mentorship — Jenny often works with junior finance teams to build capacity internally

💡 Passionate about inclusive growth strategies, ensuring financial practices align with broader social impact

What clients consistently say about Jenny is that she brings calm clarity to chaotic situations. In industries like healthcare, education, and tech — where funding cycles are unpredictable — Jenny builds financial structures that keep organizations stable and resilient.

♦️ Deep Parmar‍

CFO at Caramel Global

🔗 LinkedIn | Website‍

If Philadelphia’s business scene thrives on grit and adaptability, then Deep Parmar embodies both. As CFO of Caramel Global, Deep operates at the intersection of international markets, tech-driven solutions, and complex financial modeling. His background makes him an ideal fractional partner for companies with global ambitions.

Caramel Global itself is a fascinating player — supporting clients with cross-border strategy, digital transformation, and financial restructuring. In his fractional capacity, Deep has positioned himself as not just a financial steward, but a growth architect who helps Philly-area companies break into new markets.

🔥 Deep’s areas of expertise:

🌍 International finance and cross-border transactions, crucial for startups eyeing global expansion

📊 Skilled in M&A due diligence, helping companies evaluate potential partnerships and acquisitions

🚀 Strategic CFO leadership for tech-enabled companies, especially those scaling rapidly

🤝 Collaborative approach: Deep is known for his ability to integrate seamlessly into existing leadership teams

Deep’s unique strength is his global outlook applied locally. For Philadelphia companies — many of which sit just hours from New York but often aim to reach Europe and beyond — Deep provides the expertise needed to build sustainable, internationally-minded growth strategies.

♦️ Michel Lautensack‍

Strategic Finance Leader for Growth Companies

🔗Linkedin‍

Michel Lautensack brings over 25 years of high-level financial expertise to the Philadelphia region. His career spans corporate finance, venture-backed startups, and private equity — making him one of the most seasoned fractional CFO leaders in the area. What makes Michel invaluable to growth-stage companies is his ability to think like an investor while executing like an operator.

Michel is particularly known for guiding complex transactions. Whether it’s raising Series A/B rounds, structuring debt facilities, or preparing companies for acquisition, Michel has the toolkit and the relationships to make deals happen. His strategic insight often positions him less like a “part-time CFO” and more like a critical partner at the leadership table.

✨ Why Michel stands out in Philadelphia’s financial ecosystem:

📌 Extensive experience with venture-backed tech companies and private equity portfolio firms

📌 Deep understanding of fundraising mechanics — from pitch decks to valuation negotiations

📌 Skilled in financial transformations, helping companies move from early-stage scrappiness to institutional-level discipline

📌 Trusted by both boards and founders for his ability to translate complex numbers into actionable strategy

One of Michel’s defining traits is his mentorship mindset. He doesn’t just implement processes; he trains teams, aligns leaders, and ensures organizations can sustain momentum long after his engagement. For Philly-area startups entering high-stakes growth phases, Michel is the kind of fractional CFO who can stabilize the ship while steering it toward bigger opportunities.

♦️ Shondra Washington

Co-Founder, TBC Capital

🔗 LinkedIn |Website

Shondra Washington is not only a powerhouse in finance — she’s also a trailblazer in diversifying access to capital. As the co-founder of TBC Capital, Shondra has carved out a reputation as both a financial strategist and a community builder in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington region.

TBC Capital provides advisory services to high-growth businesses, particularly those led by women and diverse founders. Shondra’s mission-driven approach combines traditional financial rigor with an equity-focused perspective that has become increasingly critical in today’s business climate.

🔥 Shondra’s unique expertise:

💡 Specialized in capital raising for underrepresented founders, ensuring equity in access to funding

💡 Strong background in financial planning and investor readiness, with a keen focus on positioning companies to attract capital

💡 Known for her boardroom presence — she’s adept at presenting complex financials in a compelling, investor-friendly way

💡 Deeply networked in both finance and entrepreneurial ecosystems, opening doors for her clients

Clients consistently highlight Shondra’s ability to combine technical excellence with empathy. She doesn’t just structure financials — she listens to founders, understands their unique challenges, and aligns strategy with long-term vision. In a city like Philadelphia, with its rich but often under-capitalized entrepreneurial base, Shondra is shaping the next wave of financial leadership.

Why Philadelphia’s Fractional CFOs Are Essential

What ties all of these consultants together is their shared ability to elevate companies beyond bookkeeping and reporting. Philadelphia’s businesses face rising competition, shifting capital markets, and increasing complexity in compliance and global expansion. Fractional CFOs like Jim Emerich, Jenny Boylan, Deep Parmar, Michel Lautensack, and Shondra Washington are the steady hands helping organizations navigate that uncertainty.

From biotech labs in University City to fintech ventures across Center City and family-owned businesses in South Jersey, these consultants prove that world-class financial leadership doesn’t have to come with the overhead of a full-time executive. They are partners, advisors, and growth architects — and in Philadelphia’s thriving business ecosystem, they’re the ones to watch.

At Digital Reference,  our mission is to highlight exactly this kind of talent. We go beyond the surface, offering tools like video resumes, professional reference collection, and curated consultant spotlights that put authenticity at the heart of professional growth.

👉 Curious about how the consulting space is changing? Check out our guides:

🔥 Finance & Accounting Consultants: What Do They Do?

🔥 Top Outsourced & Fractional CFO Agencies in the USA

Philadelphia’s businesses deserve consultants who combine strategy, execution, and authenticity. These fractional CFOs are leading the way.