Exploring Your Path to Becoming a Fractional Finance Director

If you’re here because you are intrigued, and you’re wondering how to make this new career path work for you – then you’re in exactly the right place.

This blog explores the different ways you can launch your portfolio FD career, the pros and cons of each approach, and how to make the choice that aligns with your goals, lifestyle, and values.

Option 1: Going It Alone

The most flexible – and often most rewarding – route is to go it alone. As a self-employed portfolio FD, you’re in full control. You set your day rate, you choose your clients, and you design a business around your life, not the other way around.

Pros:

• Higher earning potential: you keep 100% of your fees.

   

• Total autonomy: shape your business your way.

   

• Freedom to choose clients and projects that align with your values.

   

Challenges:

• It can feel lonely without a team around you.

   

• You’re responsible for everything – contracts, admin, compliance, branding, networking, and marketing.

   

• It requires commitment: this isn’t a stop-gap or fallback option. Building a sustainable fractional FD business takes time, consistency, and visibility.

   

This is exactly why we created the PowerUP Course – to de-risk the leap into freelancing and give you the tools to build a business that works on your terms.

Option 2: Joining a Collective

Working through a collective or consultancy (like us, the CFO Centre or similar organisations) is another valid route. It can be particularly helpful for those looking for a sense of community or needing help with lead generation.

Pros:

• Some level of support and camaraderie.

   

• Established brand might help with initial client acquisition.

   

• Could reduce your need to market yourself independently.

   

Challenges:

• You give away a portion of your day rate (20% to 40%).

   

• Varying expectations across different collectives – many still require you to attend sales meetings and networking events.

   

• Loss of control over client selection and overall autonomy.

   

Always read the fine print, understand what you’re committing to, and check whether the support you’re receiving is worth the margin you’re giving up.

Option 3: The Best of Both Worlds

There is a middle ground: going it alone, but with the guidance and community of those who’ve walked the path before you.

That’s what the PowerUP Course and Community is all about.

You gain access to a structured, self-paced online course that walks you through everything from setting up legally and safely, to finding clients, building your brand, and pricing your services. Plus, you’ll become part of a vibrant community of like-minded professionals, with access to regular Q&As, peer support, and a library of useful insights.

What’s Included in the PowerUP Course?

• Module 1: SetUP – Covering all the legal and practical steps to get up and running safely.

   

• Module 2: ShowUP – Defining your personal brand and attracting your ideal clients.

   

• Module 3: GrowUP – Building a growth mindset and staying resilient.

   

• Module 4: LinkUP – Getting the most from LinkedIn to stay visible and relevant.

   

• Module 5: MeetUP – Networking confidently and effectively.

   

• Module 6: UPSell – Learning how to sell your services without the ick factor.

   

• Module 7: ToolUP – Exploring software tools for you and your clients.

   

• Module 8: Hit MeUP – Answering FAQs and addressing common concerns.

   

Each module is packed with video lessons, workbooks, and real-world advice from someone who’s done it before.

After the course, you’ll get a 1:1 session with me to refine your plan, troubleshoot challenges, and tailor the next steps to suit you. You’ll also be welcomed into our PowerUP Community – a space to bounce ideas, ask questions, and continue learning together.

Ready to Take the Leap?

Whether you decide to go it alone, join a collective, or find your own hybrid path, the key is understanding what’s right for you. Your business, your lifestyle, your values.

Fractional FD life isn’t for everyone – but for those who are ready, it offers flexibility, autonomy, and work that feels purposeful.

And if you’re ready to make the leap?

Start the PowerUP Course — and build a business that works for you.

Still unsure? Take our free quiz to discover where you are on your journey — and get tailored tips to move forward with clarity.

Let’s power up your next chapter.