Learn · Fractional CFO vs. CPA
What's the difference between a fractional CFO and a CPA?
A CPA looks backward: they handle tax compliance, filing, and historical reporting. A fractional CFO looks forward: targets, forecasting, KPIs, and turning numbers into decisions. They do different jobs and work best together, the CPA keeps you compliant while the CFO helps you grow.
Different jobs, not competitors
A CPA is essential for tax preparation, compliance, and accurate historical financials. A fractional CFO uses those financials to build forward-looking targets, forecasts, and a monthly decision rhythm.
The clearest way to think about it: your CPA tells you what happened, a fractional CFO helps you decide what to do next. At Boston Integrity, our CFO work goes one step further by connecting those business decisions to the owner's personal financial plan.
Common questions
Many growing businesses do. The CPA handles tax and compliance; the fractional CFO handles forecasting, KPIs, and decisions. They coordinate, we work with your CPA, not instead of them.
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