Q: What is a “CFO”?
A: The acronym “CFO” stands for Chief Financial Officer.  Typically these individuals are tertiary qualified business people from an accountancy background and qualification that are experienced in growing business and implementing sound corporate governance.  All organisations require this skill set at some point or other – most large businesses will have someone in this role on a permanent basis however small / medium sized enterprises seldom do.  Dial a CFO is a means of these businesses accessing CFO resource when they need it, for as long as they need it, and on competitive terms.  Similarly for larger organisations where they need this resource to fill a temporary resource gap, for example, where the CFO role is vacated unexpectedly or to backfill where the current CFO is seconded to a project. 

Q: How does Dial a CFO work?
A: You call or email Dial a CFO specifying the nature of the engagement and the skill set of the individuals you are seeking.  One of our Leadership Team will usually meet you to clarify your requirements. We review and match available Associates against your requirements and Dial will present no more than two Associate profiles.  You review profiles and meet one or both Associates. Assuming one meets your requirements, you select a preferred Associate and negotiate terms, either directly or with Dial a CFO's assistance which is evidenced by way of an agreement. The Associate commences the engagement and completes a time sheet of services rendered with an accompanying invoice which is usually paid through Accounts Payable  direct to the Associate. The Associate is managed directly by you in the same manner as though they are an employee however with the flexibility of switching the service on and off as required.  The Dial Principal works with Client and Associate to ensure objectives are being met and this service is funded by a seperate fee.

Q:  What is the difference between a CFO, Financial Controller, and Finance Manager?
A:  In New Zealand, the term Financial Controller and Finance Manager are generally used to define the same role – that is, an individual responsible for the accounting records (general ledger and monthly accounts), accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, tax returns, administration.  In small / medium sized organisations, this tends to be the most senior finance role however the same individual seldom has the time, or the ability to fulfil the “value add” contribution of a real CFO in a larger entity.  A CFO is differentiated by the ability to work beyond the numbers and drive commercial outcomes that improve profitability as well as implementing a risk management program that identfies and mitigates where approriate business risk, both of which protect stakeholder interests.  From  a practical pespective this means fundamentally understanding the business and working with the business owner as a trusted advisor.

Q: How much does engaging Dial a CFO cost?
A: Please refer to the Fees page.

Q: As a Client, can I use more than one Associate at any one time?
A: Yes, there is no limit to the number of Associates than can be used by a Client at any one time.