On-demand CFO (outsourced finance) lets an SME access senior financial leadership without a full-time hire. In French-speaking Switzerland, it helps secure cash flow, structure reporting, and meet bank and investor expectations. It also fits growth phases, digital transformation, or restructuring.
On-demand CFO: when to outsource?
The situations that most often justify outsourcing are:
- rapid growth without a solid finance structure
- the need for reliable monthly reporting for shareholders or the bank
- preparation for fundraising, an acquisition, or a succession plan
- increasing complexity (multi-entity, international, new VAT obligations)
- an ERP rollout (Odoo, Abacus, Sage) or a process redesign
A company can start with a few days per month and adjust the scope as needs evolve.
Scope of intervention for an on-demand CFO
The scope depends on the mandate, but typically includes:
- Financial steering and reporting: fast close, dashboards, margin analysis.
- Treasury and cash flow: 13-week forecasts, scenarios, credit line management.
- Compliance and tax: VAT coordination, internal controls, CO obligations.
- Processes and tools: ERP setup, invoicing automation, data reliability.
- Executive advisory: investment priorities, cost/risk trade-offs, strategic decisions.
Example deliverables
| Mission | Deliverable | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Financial reporting | KPI dashboard (margin, EBITDA, cash) | Monthly |
| Treasury | 13-week forecast + stress tests | Weekly |
| Governance | Steering committee, action plan | Monthly |
| Project finance | Business plan, scenarios | Ad hoc |
Governance and KPIs to track
Clear governance avoids dependency and secures decisions. Recommended practices include:
- appointing an internal sponsor (management or owner)
- holding a monthly steering committee with tracked decisions
- documenting financial assumptions and calculation logic
Priority KPIs for Swiss SMEs
- gross margin and operating margin
- cash runway (months of available cash)
- DSO and DPO (customer/supplier payment delays)
- team or project utilization rates
- equity ratios required by banks
Costs and pricing models
On-demand CFO services are generally billed as:
- a monthly retainer for 2 to 6 days of intervention
- a one-off mission (business plan, audit, fundraising)
- shared time with seasonal adjustments
In Switzerland, a monthly retainer often ranges between CHF 2,500 and 8,000, depending on size, complexity, and autonomy. The cost remains below a senior hire and helps smooth the workload.
Securing the collaboration
A few best practices:
- confidentiality clause and access management (FDPA)
- clear responsibility matrix (who approves, who signs)
- centralized documentation in a shared workspace
- quarterly review of objectives and KPIs
How to choose a partner
Before signing, check:
- sector experience and local references
- ability to work with your ERP and tools
- knowledge of Swiss obligations (CO, VAT, LPP)
- availability during critical phases
FAQ – On-demand CFO
What is the difference with an accountant?
An on-demand CFO drives financial strategy and cash management, while the accountant focuses on compliance and financial statements.
How many days per month should we plan for?
Most SMEs start with 2 to 4 days per month, then adjust based on workload.
Can we combine an external CFO with an internal team?
Yes. The model works well when bookkeeping is in-house but financial leadership lacks time or expertise.
Is an on-demand CFO suitable in crisis situations?
Yes, especially to restructure costs, renegotiate credit lines, and secure cash flow.