FCFO-500

Fractional Chief Financial Officer Certification

Become a strategic financial leader who delivers transformative insights and drives growth across multiple organizations

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Fractional CFO Certification

Program Overview

The Fractional CFO Certification Program prepares financial leaders to excel in the high-demand field of fractional executive leadership.

Organizations need sophisticated financial guidance and strategic oversight—but many cannot justify a full-time CFO. The fractional model allows experienced finance executives to serve multiple companies simultaneously, bringing C-suite expertise to organizations that need financial leadership, investor relations support, and strategic planning.

Our certification program equips you with the specialized skills needed to thrive in this unique role, combining financial expertise with business strategy and the ability to rapidly understand and support diverse business models and growth stages.

The modern fractional CFO must be more than a financial expert—they must be a strategic business partner who can quickly identify financial opportunities, mitigate risks, and translate complex financial concepts into actionable insights for diverse stakeholders. Our program develops these critical capabilities.
— Jennifer Blackwell, Lead Instructor

Throughout this 12-week program, you'll develop mastery of the tools, frameworks, and communication approaches that deliver immediate value to clients. You'll also join a powerful network of financial leaders who provide ongoing collaboration, referrals, and professional development.

Program Details

Duration

12 weeks, part-time

Format

On-demand with optional in-person workshops

Time Commitment

8-10 hours per week

Cohort Size

Limited to 30 participants

Certification

Globally recognized

Investment

$5,295 USD

Payment Options

  • Full payment (5% discount)
  • Three-part payment plan
  • Employer sponsorship
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Why Choose the FCFO Certification

Stand out as a qualified financial leader with specialized expertise in the fractional model

Industry Recognition

Gain a credential recognized by organizations seeking proven fractional financial leadership.

Financial Strategy

Master methodologies for developing strategic financial roadmaps across diverse business models.

Practical Application

Apply your learning to real-world scenarios through case studies and a comprehensive capstone project.

Professional Network

Connect with a community of financial leaders for ongoing support, referrals, and collaboration.

Business Growth

Develop the business skills to market your services and scale your fractional practice.

Financial Toolkit

Receive financial analysis frameworks, modeling templates, and strategic tools for immediate client use.

Curriculum Overview

A comprehensive program designed to develop all aspects of fractional financial leadership

1

Foundations of Fractional Financial Leadership

Establish the fundamentals of the fractional CFO role and how it differs from traditional financial leadership positions.

Topics Covered:

  • The fractional CFO landscape and market opportunities
  • Core responsibilities and engagement scoping
  • Establishing authority with limited time and resources
  • Rapid financial assessment frameworks
  • Building relationships with executive teams and boards

Learning Outcomes:

Define your unique value proposition as a fractional CFO, establish effective client engagement models, and develop strategies for quickly assessing financial environments and building executive trust.

2

Strategic Financial Planning & Analysis

Develop comprehensive financial strategies aligned with business objectives and effective financial planning models.

Topics Covered:

  • Financial strategy development for diverse business models
  • Rapid financial health assessment methodologies
  • Financial modeling and forecasting techniques
  • KPI development and financial dashboards
  • Advanced FP&A approaches for fractional engagements
  • Scenario planning and sensitivity analysis

Learning Outcomes:

Master the ability to create insightful financial models, develop actionable forecasts, define effective metrics, and translate complex financial data into strategic insights for decision-making.

3

Cash Flow Management & Optimization

Build expertise in cash flow forecasting, working capital optimization, and financial sustainability strategies.

Topics Covered:

  • Advanced cash flow forecasting techniques
  • Working capital optimization strategies
  • Cash conversion cycle improvement
  • Liquidity management frameworks
  • Financial stress testing methodologies
  • Treasury management for smaller organizations

Learning Outcomes:

Develop the expertise to improve cash flow visibility, optimize working capital, identify and address cash flow challenges, and implement sustainable liquidity management systems.

4

Financial Systems & Reporting Excellence

Learn strategies for assessing, optimizing, and implementing effective financial systems and reporting processes.

Topics Covered:

  • Financial systems assessment and selection
  • Financial reporting optimization
  • Data integrity and financial controls
  • Financial process improvement
  • Compliance management for diverse industries
  • Financial technology implementation strategies

Learning Outcomes:

Develop the ability to assess financial systems, implement effective reporting frameworks, strengthen financial controls, and leverage technology to enhance financial operations.

5

Capital Strategy & Fundraising

Master approaches for developing capital strategies, preparing for fundraising, and supporting investment activities.

Topics Covered:

  • Capital structure optimization
  • Fundraising preparation and strategy
  • Investor communication and relationships
  • Valuation approaches and methodologies
  • Due diligence management
  • Post-investment financial integration

Learning Outcomes:

Develop the ability to create optimal capital structures, prepare organizations for fundraising, support valuation activities, manage investor relations, and guide financial aspects of investment processes.

6

Fractional CFO Business Operations

Develop the business acumen and operational skills to build and scale a successful fractional CFO practice.

Topics Covered:

  • Fractional practice models and service packaging
  • Pricing strategies and value-based fee structures
  • Marketing your fractional CFO services
  • Client acquisition and relationship management
  • Contracting and scope management
  • Balancing multiple client engagements

Learning Outcomes:

Structure your fractional CFO practice for success by developing effective service packages, pricing models, marketing strategies, and operational approaches to manage multiple client relationships.

Capstone Project

Apply your learning to a comprehensive fractional CFO scenario that simulates real-world challenges.

Project Components:

  • Comprehensive financial assessment
  • Strategic financial planning and analysis
  • Cash flow optimization strategy
  • Financial systems and reporting recommendations
  • Executive presentation and stakeholder communication
  • Peer review and feedback

Learning Outcomes:

Demonstrate your ability to integrate all aspects of the fractional CFO role into a cohesive approach for a simulated client engagement, preparing you for real-world success in this position.

Your Instructors

Jennifer Blackwell

Jennifer Blackwell, CPA, MBA

Lead Instructor & Program Director

Jennifer brings over 18 years of financial leadership experience including 6 years as a successful Fractional CFO serving companies across SaaS, e-commerce, professional services, and manufacturing sectors. Prior to her fractional career, she held CFO positions at two venture-backed startups and served as VP of Finance at a publicly-traded technology company.

She has guided more than 30 companies through financial transformations, fundraising processes, and strategic financial planning. Jennifer holds an MBA in Finance from Wharton, is a Certified Public Accountant, and has completed advanced training in strategic financial leadership.

MBA, Finance Certified Public Accountant Former CFO at TechVenture

"Today's most effective fractional CFOs are true business partners who bring financial clarity and strategic insight to every decision. Our program develops both the technical expertise and the leadership capabilities needed to excel in this challenging role."

Additional Program Instructors

Michael Chen

Michael Chen, CFA

Financial Strategy Specialist

Former Investment Banking Director with extensive experience in capital raising, M&A, and financial strategy. Now serves as a fractional CFO for high-growth technology companies.

Sandra Morris

Sandra Morris, CPA

Financial Systems Expert

Specialized in financial systems optimization and reporting excellence. Has implemented financial infrastructure for over 25 companies as both a consultant and fractional CFO.

David Washington

David Washington, MBA

Cash Flow & Working Capital Specialist

Expert in cash flow optimization and working capital management with a background in corporate treasury and fractional financial leadership for manufacturing and distribution companies.

Success Stories

Hear from graduates who have transformed their careers with the FCFO certification

The strategic financial planning frameworks I learned in this program have completely transformed my client relationships. I'm now seen as a true strategic partner rather than just a financial expert. My clients are making better decisions, and I've been able to increase my rates by 40% since completing the certification.

Thomas Rodriguez

Thomas Rodriguez

Fractional CFO for Tech Companies

Class of 2022

After 15 years in corporate finance, I was hesitant to make the leap to fractional work. This program gave me both the confidence and the practical tools to build a successful practice. Within three months of graduating, I had a full client roster and was earning more than in my corporate role, with much greater flexibility.

Amanda Lee

Amanda Lee

Fractional CFO & Financial Strategist

Class of 2021

The most valuable aspect of this program was learning how to effectively manage multiple client engagements while delivering exceptional value. The frameworks for scoping engagements, managing client expectations, and creating deliverables have been game-changers for my practice.

James Patel

James Patel

Fractional CFO & Growth Advisor

Class of 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

This program is designed for experienced financial professionals with at least 8 years in senior finance roles (CFO, VP of Finance, Finance Director, Controller, etc.). Candidates should have a strong understanding of financial planning, reporting, analysis, and leadership. Prior experience in advisory or consulting roles is beneficial but not required. Professional designations such as CPA, CMA, or CFA are preferred but not mandatory.

The program follows a hybrid format with:

  • Weekly online modules with video lectures and reading materials
  • Bi-weekly live virtual sessions for discussions and case studies
  • Two in-person weekend workshops (can be attended virtually if needed)
  • Practical assignments and a capstone project
  • One-on-one coaching sessions with experienced fractional CFOs

The program requires approximately 8-10 hours per week, which includes:

  • 2-3 hours of video content and reading materials
  • 2 hours of live sessions (recorded for those who cannot attend)
  • 3-5 hours of assignments and practical application
  • Two weekend workshops (Friday evening and all-day Saturday)

The program is designed to accommodate working professionals with flexible scheduling for most components.

We offer several payment options to accommodate different financial situations:

  • Full upfront payment of $5,295 with a 5% discount ($5,030)
  • Three-part payment plan ($1,765 per payment)
  • Employer sponsorship (we can provide documentation for reimbursement)

Additionally, we offer a limited number of scholarships for qualified candidates with demonstrated financial need.

Graduates of our program report several key benefits:

  • Increased ability to secure fractional CFO engagements
  • Higher rates (average increase of 40% after certification)
  • Improved confidence in positioning and delivering fractional services
  • Access to a network of peers and ongoing professional development
  • Recognition by companies seeking qualified fractional financial leadership
  • Practical tools and frameworks that accelerate client impact

Upon certification, you'll join our community of fractional financial leaders which includes:

  • Monthly virtual meetups with guest speakers and peer discussions
  • Access to our online resource library and continuously updated tools
  • Quarterly business development workshops
  • Opportunity to participate in our client referral network
  • Listing in our directory of certified fractional CFOs
  • Ongoing professional development and specialized courses

Upcoming Cohorts

Select the cohort that best fits your schedule

Spring 2023

Limited Seats

Start Date

April 17, 2023

Application Deadline

March 27, 2023

Availability

5 seats remaining

Live Sessions

Wednesdays, 6-8pm EST

Apply Now

Summer 2023

Open

Start Date

July 31, 2023

Application Deadline

July 10, 2023

Availability

18 seats remaining

Live Sessions

Thursdays, 6-8pm EST

Apply Now

Fall 2023

Early Access

Start Date

October 23, 2023

Application Deadline

October 2, 2023

Availability

30 seats remaining

Live Sessions

Tuesdays, 6-8pm EST

Apply Now

Application Process

Four simple steps to begin your journey toward FCFO certification

1

Submit Application

Complete our online application form with your professional background, experience, and goals for the certification.

2

Financial Assessment

Take a brief financial leadership assessment designed to evaluate your strategic finance experience and identify areas for development.

3

Admissions Interview

Participate in a 30-minute interview with a program advisor to discuss your background and ensure the program aligns with your goals.

4

Finalize Enrollment

Upon acceptance, complete your registration by selecting your payment plan and preparing for your cohort start date.

Ready to advance your career as a Fractional CFO?

Start Your Application

Applications are reviewed within 5 business days. Early application is recommended as cohorts fill quickly.