How outsourced CFOs help SMEs grow
- Leomar R. Cabarles
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
FOR many small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the thought of hiring a full-time chief financial officer (CFO) can feel like a far-off dream — something reserved for large corporations with deep pockets and complex financial structures. But that mindset is quickly changing.
In recent years, outsourced CFO services have become a rising trend among growing businesses that want professional financial leadership without the steep salary and long-term commitment. For many entrepreneurs, this is proving to be a smart and timely move.
An outsourced CFO is exactly what it appears — a seasoned financial expert who steps in to help a business on a part-time, project-based or retainer basis. These professionals don't just "keep the books." They dig into the numbers to help owners make sense of their business' financial health, plan for growth and navigate complex decisions.
They can help with everything from cash flow management and financial forecasting to fundraising, budgeting and even preparing for an IPO or acquisition. In short, they provide the kind of strategic financial direction that small businesses often lack, but really need.
For many small business owners, managing money goes beyond balancing the checkbook. There are tough questions to answer, such as "are we really making money, or just surviving?", "can we afford to expand next year?" or "what's the plan if sales dip or a big client pulls out?"
An outsourced CFO helps answer these questions with clarity and confidence. They act like a financial co-pilot — helping the business owner steer toward profitability and sustainability.
In practice, most clients seek outsourced CFO services not because they're in financial trouble, but because they're preparing for growth and want a clear strategic path forward. They often find that simply having someone organize and analyze their numbers brings a level of insight they didn't realize they were missing.
Hiring a full-time CFO in the Philippines can easily cost over P2 million a year — and that's before benefits. For SMEs, that's often out of reach. But outsourcing lets them get the same caliber of talent at a fraction of the cost, typically anywhere from P50,000 to P300,000 per month, depending on the level of support needed.
Some businesses only need help quarterly for board meetings or budgeting. Others want someone more hands-on, especially during big changes like launching a new product line or digitizing their financial systems.
Many small businesses discover that while they appear profitable on paper, they still face ongoing cash flow challenges. Without clear visibility into where money is going and when it's coming in, day-to-day operations can feel like a constant balancing act.
Outsourced CFOs often address this by setting up more effective financial dashboards, renegotiating supplier terms and helping businesses secure credit facilities to stabilize cash flow. These improvements not only reduce financial stress, but also give business owners the clarity they need to make smarter and more confident decisions.
In the startup world, outsourced CFOs also play a crucial role in helping founders prepare for investor engagement. By organizing financial data and developing clear and professional reports, they make it easier for startups to attract funding and scale with purpose.
While some companies bring in outsourced CFOs during tough times, many now see it as a proactive move — one that positions them for success. Whether it's to support a big expansion, improve financial reporting, or simply give the business owner someone to talk to about the numbers, outsourced CFOs are proving to be valuable partners.
Of course, not every outsourcing experience is perfect. It's important to work with someone you can trust, who understands your industry and communicates clearly. This isn't just a back-office role — it's someone who will likely be part of strategic discussions and long-term planning.
And while credentials matter (look for CPAs or MBAs with experience in your type of business), chemistry counts, too. A good outsourced CFO will feel like a part of your team, not just a consultant ticking off a checklist.
In the past, small business owners had to choose between hiring an expensive CFO or going without strategic financial guidance. Today, outsourcing makes it possible to have the best of both worlds. And for many business owners, the moment they bring in that extra layer of financial expertise is the moment their business starts to truly level up.
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Leomar R. Cabarles is an audit, assurance and consulting partner in AMYu & Associates, CPAs. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified accounting professionals or financial advisors for tailored guidance specific to their business needs. The author and publisher are not responsible for any decisions made based on the content of this article.
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