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When your financial systems are messy, running your nonprofit can start to feel like an uphill battle. Reports are late, numbers don’t match, and you’re constantly double-checking transactions instead of focusing on your mission.
That’s where a fractional controller for nonprofits comes in.
They step in with structure, clarity, and financial expertise to help you untangle your finances, prepare for audits, and keep your programs funded and moving forward.
Let’s break down exactly what a fractional controller is, what they do, and why they may be the missing piece in your nonprofit’s financial strategy.
A fractional controller is a part-time, outsourced financial management professional who specializes in financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance.
They have the certification and expertise needed to prepare your financial reports on time, by understanding your cash flow, structuring your statements correctly, and auditing your reports to support strong financial planning for next year’s budget.
A fractional controller may wear several hats, depending on your organization’s needs:
With this ongoing support, your nonprofit controller brings to the table, you can finally stop worrying about your numbers being organized and focus on your organization's mission.
Having a fractional controller sounds great, but you must be wondering what you can expect from a fractional controller. From cleaning up your books to building systems that prevent future problems, a fractional controller supports your nonprofit by:
Fractional controllers for nonprofits efficiently execute the following responsibilities:
Hiring a fractional controller doesn’t just keep your finances in order; it transforms how you manage and think about money in your organization.
Every nonprofit has its own mission, funding structure, and operational challenges.
A fractional controller takes the time to understand your specific situation, then creates a financial strategy tailored to your needs. This might include rethinking how you allocate resources, improving grant tracking, or building more accurate program budgets.
Hiring a full-time financial controller can be a significant financial commitment, especially for smaller nonprofits.
A fractional controller offers a more flexible solution. They provide expert financial guidance without the overhead costs associated with a full-time employee. This allows you to access high-level expertise tailored to your budget and needs, ensuring you have the right support when you need it most.
In today’s data-driven world, making informed decisions is crucial for the financial sustainability and growth of your nonprofit. A fractional controller analyzes your financial data to uncover trends, forecast future needs, and identify opportunities to save money or reallocate resources for greater impact.
Strong financial management is a team effort. A fractional controller works with your staff, board, and program managers to build financial literacy and ensure everyone understands their role in maintaining a healthy budget.
For smaller and mid-sized nonprofits, hiring multiple separate roles, such as bookkeepers and accountants, can be costly. A fractional controller consolidates many of these functions into one cost-effective package.
Follow this quick self-assessment checklist to see if it might be time to bring in a financial controller:
If your nonprofit is facing anyone or all of these issues, book a consultation today!
Choosing the right fractional controller for your nonprofit is a critical decision. This person will have a direct impact on how smoothly your finances run and how effectively your organization can achieve its mission. When evaluating candidates, consider these factors to ensure they are the right fit for your organization’s needs:
Most fractional controller services range from $999–$5,000 per month, depending on:
Compared to the cost of a full-time controller, fractional services offer an affordable and scalable option for nonprofits.
At Complete Balance CPA, our Outsourced Controller package starts at $999 a month.
If you need accurate financial reports, improved compliance, and better day-to-day financial management, but can’t commit to a full-time hire, it’s likely the right time.
Identify where you are falling off with your finances, search for fractional controller services that align with your needs, and inquire about how they can help you the best.
For example, when a nonprofit approaches Complete Balance CPA, we listen to their current financial situation and create customized expert offers that solve their needs.
A fractional financial controller focuses on daily operations, such as bookkeeping oversight, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance.
A fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO) focuses on big-picture strategy, such as financial forecasting, capital planning, and guiding major funding or investment decisions. Many nonprofits start with a fractional controller to get their systems in order before adding a CFO for strategic growth.
If your nonprofit's financial health is feeling strained, it's time to invest in some help. With a fractional controller, you gain more than just clean books. You gain clarity, stability, and the freedom to focus on your mission without financial stress weighing you down.
We offer customized fractional controller and fractional CFO services with flexible offers for nonprofits. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and explore customized solutions that will elevate your financial management!
