Last Updated on February 19, 2026 by Ewen Finser
As a CPA, I’ve spent my fair share of time in the weeds of financial statements. I’ve seen the difference between a set of books that simply checks the compliance boxes and a financial strategy that can actually do something meaningful to gross revenue. For most growing businesses, there comes a point where the DIY approach or the local tax-focused CPA just isn’t enough. You need someone who looks forward, not just backward. You need a CFO, or sometimes a controller, but you probably don’t need or want the $250,000-plus annual price tag that comes with a full-time hire.
The fractional model has exploded because it solves this specific problem: it gives you C-suite intelligence on a part-time budget. But here’s the rub…not all fractional services are created equal. Some are just glorified bookkeepers with a fancy title, while others are high-level strategists who might be a bit too high-level to actually help you fix your cash flow.
In this guide, I’m breaking down five of the top fractional controller services on the market for 2026. We’ll look at what they do well, where they fall short, and exactly what they’ll cost you.
The Bottom Line Up Front
Pillar Advisors is a premier choice for growth-stage companies seeking a “high-touch” partnership that balances AI-driven reporting with deep, owner-minded strategic advisory.
I believe Pilot and Kruze are the standard for venture-backed startups needing standardized compliance, and FocusCFO offers traditional, veteran operational support. However, Pillar distinguishes itself by providing a bespoke, “full-stack” financial infrastructure. They are uniquely positioned for businesses that have outgrown basic bookkeeping and require a sophisticated, tech-enabled C-suite partner to manage complex scaling, capital structures, and growth.
1. Pillar Advisors
If you’re looking for a firm that treats your business like an owner would, Pillar Advisors is making splashes. They position themselves not just as a service provider, but as a “partnership-first” firm, and in my experience, that’s where the real value lies.
What They Excel At
Pillar Advisors excels at bridging the gap between “clean books” and “strategic decisions.” They don’t just hand you a P&L and wish you luck; they can build a comprehensive financial infrastructure. Their approach is heavily rooted in AI technology, but don’t let the AI buzzword fool you. Unlike some tech-heavy firms that use AI to automate human oversight out of the equation, Pillar uses it to enhance accuracy and speed up reporting so their human CFOs and controllers can focus on high-level advisory.
They are particularly strong for businesses that need a “full-stack” approach. This means you need the bookkeeping and tax compliance handled, but you also need capital structure advisory and scenario modeling for your next big growth move.
Where They Could Improve
Because they offer such a customized, high-touch experience, they aren’t the cheapest option for a fledgling business just looking for a “CFO-lite.” If you only need someone to look at your spreadsheets for an hour a month, Pillar might be more horsepower than you need. They are built for businesses that are scaling and need a dedicated team, not just a freelancer on a platform.
Rates and Customer Service
Pillar doesn’t do “one-size-fits-all” pricing. Their engagements are bespoke, which is a breath of fresh air for companies with complex needs. Generally, you can expect their services to align with premium industry standards, typically starting in the $3,000 to $7,000 per month range, depending on complexity. Customer service is their hallmark; they prioritize “relentless excellence” and “thoughtful ownership,” meaning you’re getting a partner who is actually available when a crisis hits or an opportunity arises.
2. Pilot
Pilot has become a darling of the venture-backed startup world. If you’ve raised seed or Series A funding and your investors are breathing down your neck for GAAP-compliant financials, Pilot is often the first call founders make.
What They Excel At
Pilot is a tech-enabled powerhouse. Their strength lies in their standardized processes. Because they work with thousands of startups, they have “investor-ready” reporting down to a science. They excel at SaaS metrics for things like churn rates, burn multiples, and runway projections. If you are a tech founder who wants a dashboard that looks beautiful and is easy to share with your board, Pilot delivers.
Where They Could Improve
The “standardized” nature of Pilot can be a double-edged sword. If your business model doesn’t fit into their tech-optimized box, you’ll feel friction. For example, if you’re a complex construction firm with heavy project-based accounting, you might find their service a bit rigid. They are excellent for “standard” startups, but less so for “unique” brick-and-mortar operations. Some users have also noted that as they’ve grown, the “personal touch” can sometimes feel a bit more like a ticketing system.
Rates and Customer Service
Pilot’s pricing is relatively transparent, which is rare in this industry. Their bookkeeping starts around $650 to $850 per month, but their actual CFO and Controller services are custom-quoted and usually sit in the $2,000 to $5,000+ range. Their customer service is responsive, but it is definitely more “platform-centric” than “embedded partner.”
3. FocusCFO
Based out of the Midwest but operating nationally, FocusCFO takes a very traditional, boots-on-the-ground approach to fractional leadership. They focus heavily on small-to-mid-sized businesses (SMBs) that have reached a plateau and need a veteran hand to guide them.
What They Excel At
FocusCFO excels at operational finance. Their CFOs are usually seasoned veterans with 20-30 years of experience who have actually run companies. They are great at the “internal” stuff: cash flow management, internal controls, and helping the business owner get “out of the weeds.” They also offer a complimentary assessment that is actually quite valuable. It’s a half-day deep dive into your business before you even sign a contract.
Where They Could Improve
They are a bit more “old school.” If you’re looking for the latest AI-driven insights or a sleek mobile app to track your daily cash position, FocusCFO might feel a little dated. Their focus is on the fundamentals of business, which is great, but their “tech stack” isn’t as robust as some of the newer, tech-forward firms.
Rates and Customer Service
FocusCFO typically works on a recurring monthly retainer. While they don’t publish flat rates, most SMB clients end up in the $4,000 to $8,000 per month range. Their service model is highly personal; they aim to be an “embedded” part of your team, often attending your weekly leadership meetings.
4. Kruze Consulting
Kruze Consulting is essentially the specialized version of Pilot. While Pilot is broad, Kruze is deep. They are specifically for VC-funded startups in the SaaS, e-commerce, and Biotech spaces.
What They Excel At
Kruze is the king of tax credits and compliance for startups. If you need to claim R&D tax credits or you’re navigating the complex world of Delaware C-Corp tax filings, Kruze is arguably the best in the business. Their CFOs are intimately familiar with the requirements of top-tier VC firms like Sequoia or Andreessen Horowitz. They know exactly what “due diligence” looks like and can get your books ready for a Series B round faster than almost anyone else.
Where They Could Improve
Like Pilot, Kruze is very niche. If you aren’t a venture-backed tech company, you’re going to feel like you’re paying for expertise you don’t need. Their rates reflect their specialized knowledge, and for a traditional service business or a small e-commerce shop, the cost-to-value ratio might not make sense.
Rates and Customer Service
Pricing is tiered. Basic bookkeeping starts around $650, but for a “Founder” level service that includes more strategic support, you’re looking at $1,500 to $3,000+. Full-scale fractional CFO and controller advisory is custom and usually starts at $5,000 per month. Their customer service is high-level but very focused on the “startup cycle”. They are at their best when you are fundraising.
5. Paro
Paro isn’t a single firm, but rather a curated marketplace of freelance financial professionals. Think of it as a “high-end Upwork” specifically for CFOs, Controllers, and, if you need them bookkeepers. I included this one because I think it’s definitely a unique solution to a problem that continues to plague SMBs.
What They Excel At
Flexibility and niche expertise. If you need a CFO who specifically has experience with distressed debt restructuring in the hospitality industry, Paro can probably find that person. They use an AI-powered matching system to pair you with a freelancer who fits your specific project or ongoing needs. This is great for project-based work, like building a 5-year financial model for a loan application.
Where They Could Improve
The biggest risk with Paro is consistency. Because you are hiring an individual freelancer, the “firm” doesn’t provide the same level of standardized oversight or “team” support that you get with a place like Pillar Advisors. If your freelancer gets sick or takes another job, you lose that institutional knowledge. You are also responsible for managing the relationship and making sure the CFO is integrated into your existing systems.
Rates and Customer Service
Because it’s a marketplace, rates vary wildly. You might find a mid-level CFO for $150/hour or a senior veteran for $450/hour. Most monthly engagements end up between $3,000 and $10,000. Customer service depends entirely on the individual professional you are matched with, though Paro does have “Account Managers” to help if things go south.
So, Who Are We Working With?
As a CPA, I think the old adage of penny-wise, pound-foolish comes to mind here. I always tell my clients: don’t buy for the price; buy for the outcome. If you’re a venture-backed startup that just needs to keep your board happy and your tax credits filed, Kruze or Pilot are your safest bets. They’re cheap, and they have the playbook you need.
If you’re a more traditional, established business that needs to fix operational inefficiencies and get a better handle on your cash, FocusCFO offers that “gray hair” experience that is hard to beat (no offense to anyone with gray hair – it’s a sign of wisdom, not age!). However, if you want the best of both worlds…the tech-forward efficiency of AI combined with the deep, “act like an owner” partnership of a dedicated team, Pillar is the standout. They occupy a unique space in the market: they are small enough to give you a dedicated team of actual human experts (not just a portal), but sophisticated enough to handle complex capital structures and strategic growth. They aren’t just “outsourced help”; they are an extension of your leadership team.
Choosing a controller is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your business. Don’t just look for someone who can count the beans; look for someone who can help you grow them.