Rethinking Financial Leadership: Why Midsize Companies Should Consider a CFO Sooner Than Later
Published on by Corey Asman in Client Accounting & Advisory
The finance function is evolving. While large corporations are already deep into AI, automation, and strategic finance initiatives, many midsize companies in the $25 million to $100 million range are still managing growth with lean teams focused on the basics. For many, a full-time CFO feels like too big of a leap. But without someone at the helm of strategic finance, the risk of falling behind grows every day.
From financial reporting to strategic direction
According to Sage’s latest report, The Secrets of Successful CFOs, most CFOs expect to play a more prominent role in shaping overall business strategy. Yet for many midsize companies, finance leaders are often locked into reporting cycles, compliance tasks, and putting out fires. The strategic layer gets pushed to the side.
A fractional CFO offers an on-ramp to strategic finance without the full-time cost. These leaders bring immediate value by stabilizing the day-to-day, upgrading reporting systems, and providing insights that inform smarter decisions. It’s not about adding overhead. It’s about unlocking capacity, reducing chaos, and preparing the business for the next stage of growth.
AI is here. Are you ready?
Large organizations have already invested heavily in AI and IT. They have the budgets to experiment, automate, and attract talent with modern systems. Midsize businesses often hesitate. The stakes feel higher, and the margin for error feels smaller.
A fractional CFO can help right-size the technology conversation. They can assess what matters, what scales, and what makes sense for your current stage. They focus on practical investments that enhance cash visibility, streamline operations, and provide the data leaders need to move forward with confidence.
Financial leadership helps you compete for talent
Technology matters not just for efficiency, but also for retention. Top talent wants to work in environments that are forward-thinking and well run. If internal systems are clunky, reporting is slow, or the company lacks financial clarity, the best employees will find opportunities elsewhere.
Fractional CFOs influence more than financials. They bring structure, improve decision-making, and often collaborate closely with operations and HR. That kind of leadership elevates the entire organization and helps build a workplace that attracts high performers.
You may not need a full-time CFO, but you probably need a CFO
Hiring a full-time CFO is a big commitment. A fractional CFO is a more flexible option for companies that are growing fast but still figuring out what they need. It allows leaders to access the insight and experience of a CFO while scaling investment over time.
At Barnes Dennig, we partner with midsize businesses who are ready for more. More visibility, more control, and more confidence in the future. Our fractional CFOs support everything from core financial operations to strategic planning and technology adoption.
If your business is starting to outgrow its current financial model, now is the time to explore what the right financial leadership could look like. Not later. Now.
Ready to elevate your impact with a fractional CFO?
Contact us to unlock the tools, insights, and support you need to thrive in today’s finance leadership landscape. We’re here to help.
More Insights
