Is a Fractional Finance Career Right for You?

Are you an experienced finance professional wondering if there’s a better way to work – one that offers flexibility, fulfilment, and financial reward? If so, stepping into a career as a Fractional Finance Director might be the right move for you.

But what does it mean to be a Fractional FD? What are the benefits and challenges, and how can you transition successfully? Well keep reading, I’m about to tell you…

My Journey to Becoming a Fractional FD

I’ve been a Chartered Accountant since 2006. I built my career in corporate finance, working my way up before landing in the commercial finance space – the work that truly excited me.

However, despite my professional success, I found myself questioning the balance in my life. The long hours, the high-pressure environments, and the limited time with my family made me reconsider what I wanted from my career. Was there another way?

So, in October 2020, I made the leap into fractional work, and I haven’t looked back since. Not only did I establish a successful portfolio quickly, but I also started helping other finance professionals do the same. That passion led me to create PowerUP!, a course designed to help aspiring Fractional FDs build their businesses successfully.

What is a Fractional FD?

Let’s start at the beginning – Fractional FD (sometimes also called a Portfolio FD or Part-Time FD) is an experienced finance professional who works with multiple businesses on a part-time basis, providing strategic financial leadership. Unlike traditional full-time roles, Fractional FDs operate as consultants, supporting businesses without being employed in-house.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often don’t need – or can’t afford – a full-time Finance Director. Instead, they benefit from a seasoned expert who can provide commercial insight, financial strategy, and hands-on support as needed.

Fractional FD work typically involves:

• Offering strategic finance leadership to businesses
• Working one to two days per week with each client
• Helping companies interpret financial data and make informed decisions
• Rolling up your sleeves to provide financial insight and analysis

This model is ideal for businesses with £1m–£10m turnover, where finance teams are small, and owners need expert financial guidance without the cost of a full-time hire.

Why Businesses Need Fractional FDs

Many businesses operate without a dedicated FD, relying instead on bookkeepers or junior accountants who may lack the strategic expertise to drive growth. As a Fractional FD, you fill this gap, helping businesses:

• Make informed decisions with clear financial insights
• Improve profitability by identifying key financial drivers
• Prepare for growth through better financial planning
• Avoid financial pitfalls by spotting risks early

One of the rewarding aspects of this career is seeing the direct impact of your work – helping businesses transform and thrive with your strategic input.

The Benefits of Being a Fractional FD

A portfolio FD career offers a range of benefits, making it an attractive alternative to traditional corporate roles:

1. Flexibility & Work-Life Balance – Set your own schedule and work with clients who align with your values.
2. Financial Reward – Fractional FDs typically charge between £500–£900 per day, often earning the same or more than a full-time corporate role with fewer hours.
3. Variety & Challenge – Work across multiple industries and business models, keeping your work engaging and dynamic.
4. Autonomy & Control – Choose the clients you want to work with, avoiding toxic environments and unnecessary stress.
5. Impact & Fulfilment – Make a tangible difference in SMEs, helping them grow and thrive without corporate red tape.

Challenges to Consider

While the rewards are great, becoming a Fractional FD isn’t without its challenges. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• You Need to Sell Yourself – Building a client base requires networking, personal branding, and business development skills.
• You’re Running a Business – You’ll need to manage your own finances, contracts, and client relationships.
• Uncertain Income at First – Unlike employment, there’s no guaranteed salary – you’ll need to build stability over time.
• Juggling Multiple Clients – Switching between different businesses and industries requires adaptability and strong time management.

That said, these challenges are entirely manageable with the right mindset and approach – something we focus on in PowerUP!, our course designed to help finance professionals transition successfully into portfolio work.

Is This Career Right for You? Take the Quiz!

Not sure if the Fractional FD lifestyle is for you? We’ve developed a free diagnostic quiz to help you assess your readiness and identify areas where you might need to develop your skills.

Take the Quiz Now

Next Steps: How to Get Started

If you’re serious about making the transition, here’s how you can take the first steps:

Understand Your Legal & Professional Requirements – As a Chartered Accountant, you’ll need a practising certificate to operate legally as an FD consultant.

Define Your Target Market – Identify the types of businesses you want to work with and tailor your branding and messaging accordingly.

Build Your Network & Online Presence – Leverage LinkedIn and professional networks to start positioning yourself in the market.

Develop Your Sales & Marketing Skills – Selling yourself as a Fractional FD is different from job hunting – learning how to attract and convert clients is key.

Consider Joining PowerUP! – Our course provides a structured approach to launching your portfolio FD career, covering everything from branding to sales to pricing.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a Fractional FD is the most rewarding career shift I have ever made. It’s given me financial freedom, greater work-life balance, and the ability to work on my terms. Sure, there’s a learning curve, but the rewards – both personal and professional – are significant.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out our PowerUP! course or check out my free webinar, where I’ll walk through a week in the life of a Fractional FD.

Learn More About PowerUP!

Ready to take control of your career? Let’s make it happen!