Empowering Healthy Business Podcast Episode 20: How to Achieve a Successful Fractional CFO Engagement with Dave Hartley

Many business owners feel stuck with just the basics of bookkeeping and simple financial reports. While these services track what’s already happened, they don’t help you plan for what’s next. That’s where successful fractional CFO engagements come in. These part-time financial experts fill the gap between bookkeeping and strategic planning, giving small businesses access to senior-level insights without the full-time cost.

In this episode of the Empowering Healthy Business Podcast, Dave Hartley explains how to make these engagements work. He’s seen what separates a thriving financial partnership from one that stalls. And it all starts with clarity.

Keys to Creating Successful Fractional CFO Engagements

So, how do you make the most out of this model? According to Dave, the first step is setting clear goals and expectations. Your CFO should understand your growth targets, risk tolerance, and financial pain points. When both parties are aligned, the engagement becomes much more than a reporting exercise—it becomes a roadmap to financial health.

A successful fractional CFO engagement also requires regular check-ins. That might include monthly dashboards, cash flow projections, or budget reviews. This ongoing conversation helps businesses stay on track and respond quickly to change.

Avoid These Common Pitfalls in Fractional CFO Engagements

Dave also points out where businesses go wrong. One common mistake? Treating the CFO like a glorified accountant. Another is expecting overnight results. A successful fractional CFO engagement is a long-term relationship—it builds over time as trust and insight grow.

Hiring someone with industry experience is another plus. They’ll hit the ground running and understand your challenges without a steep learning curve. And don’t forget: the best CFOs act as teachers. They don’t just provide reports—they help you understand them.

Listen now to learn how to build successful fractional CFO engagements that actually move the needle for your business.

Check us out at www.empoweringhealthybusiness.com.