From Numbers to Business Therapist: The Real CFO Role

Your clients need more than someone to read spreadsheets. They need a partner who sees the bigger picture.

Many think a Fractional CFO only handles reports and numbers. But this role goes much deeper. It's about being a business advisor, a reliable partner, and sometimes a therapist for entrepreneurs.

The "Will Do/Won’t Do" list

One effective tool Michelle Scribner uses is the “Will Do/Won’t Do” list. This sets clear boundaries and builds mutual respect. For example:

Will do: Help with financial decisions, provide accurate forecasts, and keep you accountable.

Won’t do: Sugarcoat the truth, let you ignore the numbers, or allow personal spending to harm your business.

This clarity helps both CFOs and clients focus on growth while avoiding burnout.

Beyond the balance sheet

Numbers tell part of the story, but a skilled Fractional CFO looks deeper. Business owners often feel personal pressures. These include family duties, fear of failure, and financial trauma. A great CFO knows these factors can affect business outcomes as much as the numbers.

Why entrepreneurs need more than reports

Running a business can feel lonely. Many entrepreneurs lack someone to be completely honest with about financial pressures. A Fractional CFO provides advice and support. They help owners lead with clarity.

This builds what Michelle calls an “unbreakable bond.” Clients know they are not alone. They have someone who gets the money side and the personal struggles of running a business.

A practical framework you can use

Want to set your own boundaries as an advisor or business owner? Start your “Will Do/Won’t Do” list today:

• Write down what you will always deliver.

• List what you won’t accept.

• Share it with your clients or team to create accountability.

This simple practice prevents misalignment and builds trust from the start.

Continue the series.

If you like the idea of a CFO as a strategist and therapist, check out the earlier blogs in this series. In "Breaking Free from the Bookkeeping Price Trap," we look at how hourly pricing can trap business owners. We also discuss ways to break that cycle. In "The 4X Price Increase That Changed Everything," we show how one bold move changed a business model. We also highlight the lessons learned.

Watch the full webinar replay here to see the conversation that inspired this series.