Questions owners actually ask.
If yours is not here, ask it on the fit call. You will get a straight answer.
Questions owners actually ask.
What does a fractional CFO actually do?
Everything a full-time CFO does, scaled to what you need: cash forecasting, the monthly close, lender and board reporting, budgeting, pricing, controls and capital decisions. You get senior judgment on a set schedule instead of a full-time executive salary.
Why start with the Diagnostic instead of a retainer?
Because neither of us should commit before we see the truth. The Diagnostic is fixed in scope and fee, delivers real value on its own and tells both sides exactly what the right engagement looks like. If you continue, the fee is credited toward the retainer.
How is this different from my outside CPA?
Your CPA looks backward: tax returns, reviews and audits. A CFO looks forward and sits on your side of the table: cash, margins, pricing, financing and the decisions that change next quarter. Bucephalus is not a public accounting firm, and we work well alongside your CPA.
Do you work with my existing bookkeeper and software?
Yes. We work with your team and your systems, including QuickBooks, Sage, Epicor, Viewpoint, Foundation, NetSuite and the manufacturing MRP platforms. We fix the process before anyone talks about replacing software.
What if you are unavailable when I need you?
Your engagement has a set cadence, a direct line and agreed response times. The principal leads every engagement. On larger engagements, vetted associates support close work and analysis under his direction, so the work never stops.
Do you work outside Central Illinois?
Yes. Bucephalus is based in Bloomington-Normal and serves operators nationwide. The close, the 13-week cash forecast, WIP schedules and lender packages run on your cloud systems, a secure file share and video calls. On-site visits are scheduled when the work calls for them.
Will you talk to my bank?
Yes, and often that is the point. Lender meetings, covenant conversations, renewal packages and refinancing are core work, not extras.
Before you sign.
What do you need from us?
Read-only access to your accounting system and bank activity, your job or product reports, and about four hours of the owner's time across the 30 days. Your office team spends a few hours answering questions.
What does it cost exactly?
From $4,500. The final fee depends on entity count and transaction volume, and it is quoted in writing before work begins. If you continue into a retainer, the fee is credited.
What if you find nothing?
Then you get a written, independent confirmation that your finance function is sound, which your banker and buyer will value. In practice we have rarely seen a company with nothing to fix.
Do we have to hire you afterward?
No. Every deliverable is yours. Many clients run the 90-day plan themselves. Others want us in the seat. Either way, the decision is yours with full information.
Can my banker be involved?
Yes, and it often helps. A lender who sees an independent diagnostic and a credible plan is more likely to extend patience and better terms.