When it makes sense to bring in financial leadership—even if you’re not a big company

Most people associate CFOs with large or complex businesses. But a CFO isn’t just about board meetings, financial statements, or investor decks. It’s about clarity. Forecasting. Sounding out decisions with someone who knows how to think strategically about money.

And if you’re a growing business, you may be closer to needing that kind of input than you think.

What a CFO actually does

CFOs aren’t bookkeepers, and they don’t just tidy up spreadsheets. They bring a layer of structure and insight that shifts your finance function from reactive to proactive.

Here are some things a good CFO will typically handle:

• Strategic forecasting and scenario planning

• Cash flow modelling

• Gross margin and cost structure analysis

• Investment or fundraising readiness

• Business case support for new hires, expansions, or product development

• Acting as a sounding board for decisions with financial impact

In short: they help you make smarter decisions with clearer financial context.

Signs you might need a CFO

You probably don’t need a full-time CFO. But you may need someone who can step in when it counts. Here are some signs it’s worth the conversation:

• You’re making key decisions without clear financial visibility

• You’re preparing for funding, expansion, or sale

• Your cash flow is unpredictable or hard to explain

• You’re not confident your margins are where they should be

• You want support thinking ahead—not just keeping up

Why outsource it?

Hiring a full-time CFO is expensive. And often, unnecessary.

With outsourced support, you can get the financial clarity you need without adding headcount. You’re not locked into a long-term commitment, and you get access to experience that might otherwise be out of reach.

More importantly, outsourced CFOs bring a broader perspective—they’ve seen what works across a range of businesses and industries, and can apply that to yours.

How it works at Arlo Performance

We offer flexible CFO support that meets you where you’re at. That might mean:

• Quarterly check-ins to review financial performance

• Yearly strategy and budgeting sessions

• Support during a funding round or exit prep

You can use our CFO services on their own, or alongside our bookkeeping and AR support.

Thinking about it?

If any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to bring someone in. Not permanently. Just when it matters.

Book a call—we’ll talk it through.