What Makes a Great CFO – And Why I Don’t Do “Fractional”

Greg Khan - Managing Director

When businesses think about engaging a CFO, they often imagine two extremes: a full-time executive sitting in the boardroom every day, or a “fractional” CFO providing numbers on a part-time basis. At Elevate Advisory Partners, I don’t fit either box. I believe there’s nothing fractional about the way I work with clients.

My approach is simple: if I’m in your business, I’m all in.

More Than Just the Numbers

A mediocre CFO will focus only on balance sheets, compliance, and reporting deadlines. A great CFO, however, goes beyond the numbers to drive real outcomes. That means understanding your business model, your industry pressures, your growth opportunities, and your people. It means spotting risks before they become problems, creating strategies to protect and grow margins and helping you make decisions with confidence.

Numbers matter, but numbers only tell part of the story. A great CFO turns those numbers into action, strategy and results.

Fully Invested in Relationships

I don’t “drop in” to tick boxes and then disappear until the next meeting. I build long-term partnerships, becoming a trusted advisor who knows your business inside and out. I invest the time to sit with you, your leadership team, and even your frontline staff if needed, to ensure I understand the heartbeat of your business.

This isn’t about providing a spreadsheet. It’s about providing clarity, certainty and confidence at every step of your journey.

110% Effort – Every Time

My service may come at a fraction of the cost of a full-time CFO, but my commitment is never fractional. I give 110% to every client, every time. That means being available when challenges arise, delivering more than expected, and pushing myself to consistently create value above and beyond the scope of a typical CFO.

What Makes Elevate Advisory Different?

• Proactive, not reactive – spotting opportunities and risks before they appear in the P&L.

• Execution focused – strategy is only valuable if it’s implemented, and I make sure plans turn into results.

• Relationship driven – I’m not a contractor, I’m a partner.

• Value above cost – while my fee is a fraction of a full-time CFO’s salary, the value I deliver is far greater.

Why It Matters

Great businesses don’t grow by accident. They grow when leaders surround themselves with advisors who are invested, honest and committed to their success. That’s what I deliver every time.

Because in my world, there’s no such thing as a “fractional” CFO. There’s only fully committed.

by Greg Khan