Outsourcing a CFO is affordable for business owners like you who recognize the need for a financial expert with construction business experience. CFOs provide top-level advice when needed, offering incredible value and cost savings to companies focused on growth and long-term success.
But what happens when you hire a CFO without a construction business experience? At the very least, you and your CFO would constantly struggle between having all the documents needed for data entry and providing the tools to the Bookkeeper to deliver the reports correctly.
As a construction business owner, you want answers to the following questions:
Furthermore, a financial challenge sometimes comes beyond your team's skill or experience level. This is where a fractional construction CFO can be of great benefit. Some of the issues they assist with include:
Hopefully, these situations don't come up often, but when they do, it's beneficial to have an expert on your side to guide you through.
Your small construction business might want to consider the benefits of working with a fractional construction CFO.
Achieving goals
A fractional CFO can help you realize your dreams by deciphering the numbers. They will look at where you are now and help you plan where to go next. This includes:
There are plenty of ways a fractional CFO improves your operations. The specific skills and experience they provide will clarify your situation and help you achieve what you want.
Managing growth
Taking your construction business to the next level can seem daunting. You want to grow but don't want to risk your success by taking on too much or making a damaging misstep.
A CFO will help you navigate the steps ahead. If you're already growing at a rate that makes you feel like losing control, they will help you retake the reins.
A fractional CFO will help by:
Ultimately, a fractional CFO is helpful to guide you through the growth process so that you can feel confident as your business expands.
High-level decision making
A CFO can analyze your construction company finances and provide expert advice to help you make more informed, strategic decisions for ongoing profitability. That senior-level financial oversight can help you understand any risks or weak spots, identify opportunities, and create a realistic and actionable business plan that steers the company precisely where you want it to go.
Managing risk
Your business is an asset that needs protection from any potential risk that may threaten its ongoing success. A fire or flood, cyber attack, or employee theft can all cause long-term damage if you don't protect your business. A CFO can undertake a risk assessment and ensure that you invest wisely, have appropriate insurance, and secure sensitive data, equipment, and inventory.
Field tools are a given. The truck has a rack for ladders and lumber. Vans have shelves and bins; they are tall enough to stand in, saving wear and tear on employees' knees. Less strain on knees can keep or postpone possible Worker's Compensation claims. Worker Comp claims lead to increased premiums.
Once the Tools and Equipment are updated, it is much easier to see which employees are productive.
In the Field – Who is bringing their jobs in on time, under budget is reasonable. Jobs without warranty work and signing billable change orders add to the bottom line.
Simple Efficiency is a "Win-Win" for everyone:
Everyone Wins When:
1. The Contractor Owner knows the accounting records are accurate and can make decisions
2. The CFO can be confident that clients are billed, and no one is paid twice.
3. The Office Manager or Bookkeeper can easily track Job Costing and Timecards
4. The Field Staff stays on top of the job and gets signed Change Orders
5. The Customer is happy with an excellent job without any warranty work.
Final thoughts
When you hire a fractional CFO, you decide how often their services are required and only pay for the services you need. Hiring a financial expert on contract is a cost-effective solution for construction businesses that only need part-time support.
Staying on top of your company's financial management is a struggle for many small business owners, who spend much time attending to clients and profit-generating activities.
Working with a team of accountants, bookkeepers, and a CFO can help you better manage the most critical aspect of your business for ongoing growth: your bottom line.
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