Fractional CFO & controller services · San Luis Obispo
Fractional CFO & outsourced controller services in San Luis Obispo
Controller-level oversight without adding a full-time controller to your payroll. We close your books every month, produce the financial reports you need and help you plan ahead with budgets and forecasts, for businesses across San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, South Lake Tahoe and online.
What we do
Controller-level expertise without the payroll cost of a full-time hire
Monthly close
A disciplined close every month, with a general ledger review so the numbers hold up.
Financial reporting & analysis
Statements and reports that show what's driving your results, explained in plain English.
Budgets & forecasting
An annual budget, monthly comparisons and a forecast of where the business is headed.
Cash flow management
Know your cash position weeks ahead, and plan for payroll, taxes and big purchases.
Fixed assets & depreciation
Equipment, vehicles and improvements tracked and depreciated correctly.
Accounting team oversight
Training and oversight for in-house staff, with processes that keep your books reliable.
Plans
Controller & CFO plans
A flat monthly fee, so you know what financial oversight costs before you start.
Core CFO
For busy or growing businesses
- Weekly reconciliation and entry
- Weekly general ledger review
- Monthly P&L and balance sheet
Fully Outsourced CFO
Controller-level, fully outsourced
- Everything weekly, unlimited transactions
- Full-service A/R, A/P and bill pay
- Fixed asset & depreciation reconciliation
- Forecasting and budgets
- Advanced reports and analysis
Custom Plan
We build a package around what your business needs
- Built around your accounts, volume and schedule
- A/R, A/P and bill pay managed for you
- Vendor and customer correspondence from your company email
- Monthly, quarterly or as-needed options
- Add payroll, cleanup or tax work as needed
See all plans on the pricing page. Tax preparation and business consulting are billed at an hourly rate.
Who we work with
Built for owners who've outgrown basic bookkeeping
Contractors & builders
Job costing, cash flow by job and financial statements your lender can rely on.
Real estate investors & property managers
Property-by-property reporting, owner statements and cash flow across your portfolio.
Growing businesses
Reliable numbers to hire, borrow, expand or plan for taxes, with someone to talk them through.
See how we helped a contractor grow from $150K to $5M+ in our construction case study, and how an established contractor grew from $4M to about $9M in this case study.
How it works
From first call to a monthly financial picture you can trust
Free consultation
We review your books, systems and goals, and recommend the right plan.
Cleanup & setup
We catch up any back months and set up QuickBooks so the numbers can be trusted.
Monthly close & reporting
Books closed and reviewed every month, with reports explained in plain English.
Planning ahead
Budgets, forecasts and tax planning, so big decisions rest on real numbers.
Is it time?
Signs you need a controller
Most growing businesses reach a point where bookkeeping alone isn't enough.
- You've outgrown your bookkeeper but can't justify a full-time controller
- A lender or investor is asking for real financial statements
- You're making big decisions without reliable numbers
- Cash is tight even though sales are up
- Your in-house staff needs oversight and training
Questions
Common questions
What's the difference between a bookkeeper and a controller?
A bookkeeper records transactions. A controller makes sure the books are complete and accurate, closes each month, and produces the reports and analysis you use to run the business.
What does a fractional CFO do?
Forward-looking work: budgets, forecasts, cash flow planning and financial strategy, part-time instead of full-time.
What does it cost?
Our Core CFO plan starts at $1,500/month and our Fully Outsourced CFO plan starts at $3,000/month. Custom plans are available.
Can you work with my in-house bookkeeper?
Yes. We can review and oversee your in-house staff's work, train them, and handle the monthly close and reporting.
Do you handle taxes too?
Yes. Controller and CFO clients can have their business tax returns and year-round tax planning done here, so the books flow straight into the return.
Do you only work with businesses in San Luis Obispo?
No. We serve San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County and South Lake Tahoe, and work online with clients anywhere.
Serving San Luis Obispo County, Santa Barbara County and South Lake Tahoe.
Ready to talk?
Your first consultation is free. Send us a note or email alexa@heteraccountancy.com.