As a business grows, the question shifts from “are my books accurate?” to “what should I do with what they’re telling me?” That’s the line between outsourced accounting and a fractional CFO. Knowing which you need — and when — keeps you from overpaying for strategy you’re not ready for, or under-serving decisions that need it.
## Outsourced Accounting: The Foundation
Outsourced accounting keeps the engine running — bookkeeping, payroll, tax prep, and accurate monthly financials. It answers *what happened*: here’s your profit, your cash position, your tax picture. Every business needs this, and for most Kaysville small businesses it’s the right and sufficient level of service.
## Fractional CFO: The Strategy Layer
A fractional CFO sits on top of clean accounting and answers *what to do next*: cash flow forecasting, pricing and margin analysis, financing decisions, growth planning, and the financial modeling behind big moves. It’s CFO-level expertise on a part-time basis — without a full-time CFO’s salary.
## Which Do You Need?
| If you… | You need… |
|—|—|
| Need accurate books, payroll, and taxes | Outsourced accounting |
| Know *what happened* but not *what to do* | Add a fractional CFO |
| Are planning growth, financing, or a sale | Fractional CFO |
| Are early-stage and cost-focused | Outsourced accounting (add CFO later) |
FJ & Associates provides [outsourced accounting](https://cpaone.net/accountant/) and can layer in fractional CFO and controller support as your business grows — so the strategy is built on books the same team already knows.
## When It’s Time to Add a CFO
Common triggers: you’re making seven-figure decisions on gut feel, cash flow is unpredictable despite profitability, you’re considering financing or acquisition, or you simply can’t see far enough ahead.
## FAQs
**What’s the difference between a CFO and an accountant?**
An accountant keeps your financials accurate (what happened); a CFO uses them to guide strategy (what to do next). A fractional CFO provides that strategy part-time.
**How much does a fractional CFO cost?**
Far less than a full-time CFO. FJ scopes CFO and controller support to your needs — controller work starts around $225/hr.
**Can one firm do both my accounting and CFO work?**
Yes — and that’s ideal, because the strategy is built on books the same team already maintains.
—
**Missy Dennis, CPA** | Partner, FJ & Associates, PLLC — Kaysville, UT. Licensed CPA with 20+ years in public accounting, specializing in advisory and business strategy.
