In today’s dynamic business landscape, the role of the fractional CFO has emerged as a transformative force, offering high-growth companies a strategic financial partner to drive their success. Chris Ortega, the renowned founder of Fresh FP&A, shares his expertise on the evolving fractional CFO model and the key qualities that define success in this niche.
A Leap of Faith: Chris Ortega’s Journey
Chris Ortega’s path to becoming a fractional CFO is a testament to the power of following one’s passions and embracing new opportunities. After leading several companies to successful acquisitions, Chris found himself at a crossroads, recognizing the need for a “fresh perspective” in the world of finance. Inspired by a conversation with his sister, Chris made the bold decision to start Fresh FP&A, a global fractional CFO business, driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact and help others achieve greatness.
Solving the Challenges of High-Growth Businesses
The clients that Chris and his team at Fresh FP&A serve are typically high-growth businesses, ranging from startups to mid-market companies. These organizations often face a common challenge: a gap in strategic financial leadership. Navigating economic uncertainty, managing cash flow, optimizing processes, and aligning the finance organization with the overall business strategy can be daunting tasks for CEOs, business owners, and founders who may not have a strong finance background.
This is where the fractional CFO model shines. Chris and his team step in as strategic financial partners, helping these businesses transform and scale their finance operations. They don’t simply provide accounting services; instead, they focus on the bigger picture, working closely with clients to set the vision, develop the strategy, and execute the tactical plans necessary for long-term success.
The Qualities of a Successful Fractional CFO
When it comes to building his team of fractional CFOs, Chris emphasizes three key qualities:
1. Cultural Alignment: The fractional CFO must be deeply aligned with the company’s mission, values, and growth journey. They need to be invested in the client’s success and committed to making a lasting impact.
2. Depth of Experience: Clients are not looking for someone to simply “check the boxes”; they need a fractional CFO with a proven track record of navigating the complexities of high-growth businesses, having faced and overcome the challenges themselves.
3. Collaborative Mindset: Effective fractional CFOs are not just finance specialists; they are business partners who can collaborate across functions, from sales and marketing to operations, to solve the organization’s most pressing challenges.
Chris emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations and delivering tangible value from the very beginning of the engagement. By customizing a roadmap for the first one to four months, the Fresh FP&A team ensures that clients see the impact of their work quickly, building trust and establishing a strong foundation for a long-term partnership.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset: Lessons for Aspiring Fractional CFOs
For those considering a career as a fractional CFO, Chris offers valuable insights. He emphasizes the importance of developing an entrepreneurial mindset, even while maintaining a full-time job. By testing the waters through side projects and consulting work, aspiring fractional CFOs can gain practical experience and build a network before taking the leap into entrepreneurship.
Chris also stresses the need to be the “CEO of your career,” taking ownership of your professional development and being willing to take calculated risks. He believes that if there is something you truly want to achieve, you will find the time and resources to make it happen.
The Fresh FP&A Guarantee: Delivering Unparalleled Value
At the heart of Fresh FP&A’s approach is a commitment to delivering unparalleled value to their clients. Chris stands behind this promise with a unique guarantee: if the client does not believe they have worked with a more collaborative, communicative, and clarity-driven CFO than the Fresh FP&A team, he will refund their money.
This level of confidence and dedication to client success is a testament to the caliber of the Fresh FP&A team and the transformative impact they strive to have on the businesses they serve.
Embracing the Future of Fractional CFO Services
As the business world continues to evolve, the role of the fractional CFO is poised to become even more critical. Companies seeking strategic financial leadership, adaptability, and a data-driven approach will increasingly turn to fractional CFOs like those at Fresh FP&A to navigate the complexities of growth and unlock their full potential.
By combining deep expertise, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine commitment to client success, Chris Ortega and the Fresh FP&A team are redefining the fractional CFO landscape, empowering high-growth businesses to achieve their ambitious goals.
