Strategic CFO Services for Australian Businesses

Al Cranswick

August 13, 2025

Strategic CFO Services for Australian Businesses

Brisbane-based | Australia-wide

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What Are Fractional CFO Services?

A fractional CFO is a highly qualified financial professional who provides part-time or remote CFO-level support to businesses that do not require a full-time executive. Acting as your trusted financial partner, they oversee your finances, guide strategy, manage risks and enhance profitability—at a significantly lower cost than hiring in-house.

Fractional CFOs are increasingly used by Australian SMEs that need expert financial input to make smarter business decisions. From cash flow planning and budgeting to growth forecasting and compliance, a fractional CFO brings clarity to your financial position and confidence to your future planning.

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Why Businesses Choose Lucia Business Partners

Our clients partner with us for more than just financial services—they seek trusted strategic leadership. Here’s what sets our CFO services apart:

✔ Based in Brisbane, Supporting Australia-Wide

Our head office is located in Brisbane, and we service businesses across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and regional areas. Whether you’re local or interstate, our team delivers the same level of personalised service and strategic oversight.

✔ Proven CFO Expertise

Our team includes senior finance executives with decades of experience across multiple industries. We’ve supported businesses from early-stage start-ups through to complex, multi-entity operations—so we understand the challenges and opportunities at every stage.

✔ Tailored, Scalable Support

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Our services are tailored to your business goals and can scale as your business evolves—whether you need a few hours per month or ongoing weekly involvement.

✔ Strategic, Not Just Operational

We go beyond compliance and bookkeeping. As strategic thinkers, our CFOs align financial management with your broader business vision—empowering you with insights that support sustainable growth.

✔ Clear Communication & Reporting

No jargon. No guesswork. We communicate your financial position clearly, and we present data in a way that’s meaningful and actionable for decision-makers.

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Our Core CFO Services

We offer a complete range of strategic financial services, delivered flexibly to suit your needs:

Strategic Financial Planning

We help define your long-term business goals and design the financial roadmap to achieve them. This includes financial modelling, business planning and scenario analysis.

Budgeting & Forecasting

Robust forecasting is essential for business success. We develop forward-looking budgets and re-forecast regularly to reflect changing market and operational conditions.

Cash Flow Management

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. We implement strategies to improve collections, manage outflows, and maintain liquidity—even during challenging cycles.

Profitability Improvement

We identify inefficiencies, examine margins, and suggest revenue and cost optimisation strategies to enhance profitability and long-term value.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

Receive accurate, timely reports that go beyond numbers—so you know what’s driving performance and where to focus your efforts.

Risk Management & Compliance

Our CFOs ensure your business stays compliant with regulatory obligations and implement internal controls to protect your finances and reputation.

Business Advisory & Mentoring

Gain a sounding board for major decisions. We act as your financial mentor, helping you navigate investments, expansions, restructures or exit strategies.

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Who We Work With

Our clients span a wide range of industries, including:

• Professional services

• Tech and SaaS

• Construction and trades

• Retail and eCommerce

• Manufacturing

• Health and allied industries

• Not-for-profits

We specialise in supporting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and rapidly scaling businesses who need experienced financial leadership but do not require (or cannot yet justify) a full-time CFO.

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A Simple, Collaborative Process

Our onboarding and engagement process is designed for clarity and ease:

1. Initial Discovery – We begin with a complimentary consultation to understand your current challenges and goals.

2. Custom Proposal – You receive a tailored engagement plan outlining services, scope and pricing.

3. Onboarding – We review your current systems, financial data and team structure, then set up a clear communication plan.

4. Regular Collaboration – Your dedicated CFO provides ongoing strategic support via scheduled sessions and is available as needed for advice and input.

5. Review & Optimise – We continually assess performance, review goals and adapt services as your business grows.

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Ready to Strengthen Your Financial Leadership?

If your business needs greater financial clarity, improved decision-making, or guidance for the next stage of growth, our Brisbane-based CFO team is ready to support you.

Call us today to schedule your free consultation

Based in Brisbane, serving all of Australia

Or enquire online and let’s start a conversation

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a fractional CFO do?

A fractional CFO provides high-level financial leadership without being a full-time, in-house employee. They work closely with business owners to improve financial performance, develop strategy, manage risk, and ensure ongoing compliance. This includes budgeting, forecasting, profit planning, reporting, and providing advice on key business decisions.

Unlike a bookkeeper or accountant, a CFO takes a broader, strategic view—interpreting data to inform action. Think of them as your right-hand finance partner, helping you steer the business towards greater stability and profitability.

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2. How do fractional CFO services work?

Once engaged, a fractional CFO integrates into your business as an external yet embedded part of your team. You’ll typically have monthly or fortnightly meetings—along with phone and email support when required.

We start by understanding your current financial position, reviewing historical performance, and setting clear goals. From there, we deliver reporting, strategic advice and recommendations tailored to your business. It’s a flexible, collaborative arrangement that grows with your needs.

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3. What’s the difference between a CFO, accountant, and bookkeeper?

Bookkeepers handle day-to-day transaction recording—such as invoices, payroll and reconciliations. Accountants focus on compliance and tax reporting. A CFO sits above both, using the financial data to make strategic recommendations.

While your accountant ensures your BAS is lodged and tax return filed, a CFO helps you understand where the business is going, what levers to pull for growth, and how to allocate capital effectively. They don’t replace your accountant—they complement them with higher-level insight.

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4. When should a business consider hiring a CFO?

There’s no set revenue threshold, but here are common signs you’re ready for CFO-level support:

• You’ve grown rapidly and need financial oversight

• You’re preparing for investment or funding

• You’re unsure about pricing, profit margins or cash flow

• You want to scale sustainably and reduce financial risk

• You spend too much time on finance, and not enough on strategy

If you’re asking big questions about the future—but lack financial clarity to make decisions—then it’s likely time to speak with a CFO.

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5. How much does a fractional CFO cost in Australia?

Costs vary depending on the scope and size of your business. A fractional CFO service typically starts from a few hundred dollars per month for light-touch support and can scale up to several thousand for comprehensive strategic oversight.

The key benefit is flexibility: you only pay for the services you need—whether it’s a few hours per month or weekly support. Compared to the salary of a full-time CFO (often $200K+ per year), it’s a cost-effective solution for most SMEs.

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6. Can a fractional CFO help raise capital or funding?

Yes. A fractional CFO plays a crucial role in helping your business become investment-ready. We support with financial modelling, investor presentations, cash flow forecasts and scenario planning.

We also assist with bank funding applications and liaise with lenders or investors on your behalf. Having a CFO involved in your funding journey adds credibility, clarity and confidence—both for you and for potential stakeholders.

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Start Today With Lucia Business Partners

If your business needs clear financial direction, greater control, or sharper strategy, our fractional CFO team is ready to help. Based in Brisbane and working with clients across Australia, we offer professional CFO services designed for ambitious businesses that want to grow with purpose.

Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and see how our expert team can help you build a stronger financial foundation—without hiring a full-time CFO.

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