Frequently asked questions
Straight answers on how a fractional CFO/COO partnership with me works - scope, pricing, timelines, tools, contracts and fit.
Typically within 1-2 weeks after intake. We start with a thorough assessment (1-2 days) to get priorities clear, and build momentum quickly. For urgent situations (e.g., acute funding round), I can accelerate.
Flexible. Typically: 1 day per week/month on-site (depending on tier) + remote availability. For critical phases (e.g., M&A due diligence), I can be present for multiple days. Location: primarily NL/Belgium, selectively DACH region.
Fractional partnerships often last 12-24+ months - long enough to achieve real transformation. Project-based work is typically 2-6 months. Some clients scale up to full-time CFO after a year (where I help with selection), others stay with fractional because it fits perfectly.
We evaluate every 3-6 months if the tier still fits. Scaling up or down can be done with a 1-month notice period. For temporary spikes (e.g., funding round), we can also add project-based support on top of your retainer.
I am tool-agnostic and work with what you already have. Previous experiences include: Accounting: Exact Online, Exact Globe, Twinfield, AFAS, Odoo | ERP: Exact Globe, AFAS, Odoo | FP&A: Excel/Google Sheets, Anaplan, Adaptive Insights | BI: Power BI, Tableau, SQL-based tools | CRM: Salesforce, HubSpot, Pipedrive. And if your systems don't work, I help with selection & implementation.
Week 1-2: Deep dive assessment (finance, operations, systems, team) | Week 3: Priorities & roadmap determination together with you | Week 4: Implement quick wins + start structural improvements | From month 2: On schedule according to agreed tier (weekly/monthly).
Primarily, I work independently within your organization. For specialized issues (e.g., international tax structure, complex M&A), I work with a network of experts. This prevents you from having to build your own team for everything.
This partnership does not work if: You are under €2-3M revenue (too early - focus first on product-market fit) | You only need someone to keep the administration running (hire an accountant) | You expect me to 'fix' it without your involvement (partnership works two-way) | Your next step is a private equity deal where you are no longer operationally involved.
We always start with a free introductory call (30-60 min). If we both think it can work: a thorough intake/assessment (half day, at cost). Then we both know for sure if the chemistry is right and if I can add real value.
Primarily technology (SaaS and hardware), cleantech/EV, telecom. But the beauty of CFO/COO work is that many issues (cashflow, scaling, M&A) are universal. If your sector requires specific expertise (e.g., complex regulatory), I check if I am the right person or bring in specialists.
We set KPIs together at the start. For example: Financial: cash runway improvement, margin improvement, forecast accuracy | Operational: time-to-close financials, process efficiency, team capability, clarity/structure within the company | Strategic: funding secured, deal closed, exit valuation. We review these quarterly and tweak where necessary.
Direct ROI you see in: Better deals (5-15% better M&A or funding terms = €100k+ for a €5M deal) | Margin improvements (2-5% = €100-250k for a €5M revenue) | Preventing costly mistakes (1 bad hire costs €50-100k) | Freeing up your time (20+ hours/month = you focus on sales/strategy). Indirect ROI: faster growth through better decisions, avoiding cashflow problems, higher exit valuation through professionalism.
Fractional: mutually agreeable retainer contract (ovv). Project-based: fixed amount, clear scope, deliverables & timeline. No payroll hassle - I invoice through my BV.
My focus is fractional CFO/COO partnerships. Additionally, I do selective interim work (e.g., during transition phases or for exit preparation) if it fits my expertise, the client, and there is a good interpersonal and business fit. Regarding a permanent position - I never say never; but it is not my focus at this moment. A successful founder/CEO + CFO partnership in a scale-up only works if the personalities, egos, and ambitions fully align.
Normally not - I work on market-conform fees. For specific situations (e.g., pre-funding startup where cash is scarce, special strategic partnership, or the partnership evolves into a permanent position) a hybrid model (fee + limited equity) can be discussed. This is case-by-case customization.
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