Your business needs a fractional CFO.
Not a $200,000+ full-time hire.
WiseCFO Solutions gives owner-led businesses between $2M and $25M in revenue the financial clarity, decision support, and cash control of a senior CFO — without the $200,000+ salary and benefits of a full-time hire.
The fractional CFO built for businesses between $2M and $25M in revenue.
Most growing businesses hit a wall. Revenue is up, but clarity is down. Big decisions — hiring, equipment, expansion, acquisitions — get made on instinct instead of numbers.
Your CPA files the taxes. Your bookkeeper records transactions. But nobody is looking forward — asking where the cash is going and what next year actually looks like.
According to the AICPA/CPA.com 2024 Benchmark Survey, the median monthly advisory services fee is $3,000 — yet most growing businesses still rely on annual tax meetings for financial guidance.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Chief Financial Officers exceeds $189,000 — with total compensation at mid-market companies frequently reaching $250,000 or more. A fractional CFO delivers the same expertise at a fraction of that cost.
“The businesses that most need a CFO are often the ones who think they can’t afford one.”
— Warren R. Wise, MBA, CMA, CTP · Founder, WiseCFO Solutions
- You have meaningful revenue but don’t know where the cash goes each month
- You’re making major decisions without a financial model
- Lenders, investors, or a board are asking for more robust financials
- You’re considering a sale, acquisition, or succession in the next 1–5 years
- Revenue between $2M and $25M and growing
- You want a real financial partner available when decisions need to be made
What fractional CFO services does WiseCFO Solutions offer?
WiseCFO Solutions offers five core service areas — each designed to close the gap between where your finances are and where they need to be.
Fractional CFO & Financial Leadership
WiseCFO Solutions delivers budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow clarity within 30 days — giving owner-led businesses a financial model for every major hiring, pricing, capital, and expansion decision. Monthly results reviews with Warren keep leadership aligned to the numbers.
Learn moreOutsourced Accounting & Controller Support
WiseCFO Solutions reduces month-end close time and reporting errors through controller-level process improvements and internal controls — freeing ownership from accounting bottlenecks. Includes invoicing, reconciliations, payroll coordination, and audit support.
Learn moreCost & Profitability Improvement
WiseCFO Solutions has identified $43,000–$194,000+ in margin leakage per engagement through customer, product, and service profitability analysis. Cost structure reviews, margin analysis, and pricing restructuring align resources with what actually grows the bottom line.
Learn moreTreasury & Risk Management
WiseCFO Solutions builds 90-day rolling cash flow forecasts that eliminate financial surprises and give owner-led businesses clear visibility into working capital needs. Includes banking relationship management and risk frameworks including hedging where applicable.
Learn moreM&A Planning & Transaction Support
WiseCFO Solutions has supported acquisitions where due diligence identified material issues leading to a 60% reduction in purchase price — saving clients millions. Services include pre-transaction financial readiness, financial modeling, buy-side and sell-side due diligence, and post-close integration planning.
Learn moreNot sure which service fits your situation?
Most engagements start with a short discovery call. Warren will listen and tell you honestly whether WiseCFO is a fit — and where to start.
Apply Now — It’s FreeWhat results has WiseCFO Solutions delivered as a fractional CFO?
These are Warren’s personal results — not projections, not another firm’s portfolio.
Delivered across two years at a single organization through operational analysis and structural improvements.
Helped increase a company’s valuation by more than 150% through financial discipline and transaction preparation.
Led and launched a sister company from inception through $100M in annual revenue as founding finance executive.
Due diligence on a $25M Canadian acquisition identified material issues, leading to a 60% reduction in purchase price.
Led a construction staffing company through 42% and 27% consecutive years of revenue growth.
Including $125M+ in retirement plan assets and $25M in structured currency hedging at an $8B global group subsidiary.
Prevented in commission overpayments — identified a contract discrepancy during an Amazon sales engagement and enforced the correct definition over a 5-year horizon.
Saved through commission restructuring — applied commissions only to margin-producing revenue by excluding pass-through shipping charges.
In fraud and tax losses prevented through financial analysis and policy improvements during an ongoing client engagement. Identified control weaknesses before losses were realized.
In tax and compliance exposures identified and resolved before they became material liabilities — uncovered through proactive financial review during an ongoing engagement.
Who is Warren R. Wise — the fractional CFO behind WiseCFO Solutions?
Warren R. Wise, MBA, CMA, CTP brings more than 20 years of executive finance leadership to growing businesses. He has served as Corporate Controller, CFO, President, and SVP of Finance & Administration at companies ranging from $30M to $500M — including a North American subsidiary of an $8 billion global group.
He supervised over $1 billion in assets, delivered $30M+ in cost savings in two years, and managed finance teams across manufacturing, staffing, construction, distribution, agriculture, and services industries.
Warren founded WiseCFO Solutions because the businesses that most need genuine CFO expertise are often the ones who can’t yet justify a full-time hire. His approach is plain-spoken and owner-focused: make the numbers honest, build tools leadership will actually use, and be candid when the data says “not yet.”
Connect with Warren on LinkedIn →
How does a fractional CFO compare to a full-time CFO, CPA, and bookkeeper?
Most growing businesses have a CPA for taxes and a bookkeeper for transactions. Here’s what each delivers — and where the gaps are.
| What Your Business Needs | WiseCFO Solutions | Full-Time CFO | CPA / Tax Firm | Bookkeeper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash flow forecasting | ✓ Core service | ✓ Yes | ✗ Rarely | ✗ No |
| Forward-looking financial planning | ✓ Core service | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Cost & profitability analysis | ✓ Included | ✓ Yes | ~ Limited | ✗ No |
| M&A / transaction support | ✓ Included | ✓ Yes | ~ Sometimes | ✗ No |
| KPI dashboards & decision support | ✓ Included | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Scales to your actual need | ✓ Yes | ✗ Fixed cost | ~ Somewhat | ~ Somewhat |
| Typical monthly investment | $3K–$10K+/mo | $15K–$25K+/mo | $500–$5K/mo | $500–$2K/mo |
Benchmarks: AICPA/CPA.com 2024 Benchmark Survey (median CAS fee $3,000/month); U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (executive compensation data); CFO Alliance 2024 surveys. Full-time CFO total compensation typically $180,000–$350,000+ annually for companies in the $10M–$50M range.
What owners say after working with WiseCFO Solutions
“Warren identified $194,000 in commission overcharges in the first month of our engagement. We had no idea the exposure existed. That finding alone more than paid for years of his services.”
— Business Owner, $8M E-Commerce Company · Midwest · Quote to be verified before publishing
“We had been growing 40% year over year but could not see where the money was going. Warren built us a cash flow model we actually use every single week. For the first time, our decisions are backed by real numbers.”
— CEO, Staffing & Construction Company · Indiana · Quote to be verified before publishing
A fraction of the $180K–$350K+ annual cost of a full-time CFO. Scoped to your situation — no long-term lock-in required. Per the AICPA 2024 Benchmark Survey, the median advisory services fee is $3,000/month.
How does WiseCFO Solutions deliver fractional CFO results? The Financial Clarity System™
WiseCFO Solutions runs every engagement through a four-stage process designed to deliver financial clarity within 30 days and sustainable decision-making tools within 90 days.
Financial Health Snapshot
Within 72 hours of engagement start, Warren delivers an initial assessment of your cash position, key risks, and immediate opportunities. You know exactly where you stand before the end of the first week.
Decision-Ready Reporting
Monthly close, KPI dashboards, and rolling cash flow forecasts are built around how your business actually operates — not generic templates. You get numbers you can act on, not just numbers that are accurate.
Strategic Planning Cadence
Quarterly scenario planning and an annual operating plan give you a financial roadmap. Every major decision — hiring, pricing, capital deployment, acquisitions — gets evaluated against a model before you commit.
Ongoing CFO Partnership
Warren is available between meetings for the decisions that can’t wait. No ticketing system. No junior analyst. The same experienced CFO who knows your business answers the phone when it matters.
Warren has never missed this milestone. We include it because it sets the standard for how every engagement is run — accountable, responsive, and owner-focused from day one.
Which businesses does WiseCFO Solutions serve as a fractional CFO?
WiseCFO Solutions serves growing businesses across three distinct buyer situations. Each gets a tailored engagement — same Warren, same standards, different starting point.
Financial control and clarity — without adding a full-time executive.
You built the business. Now it needs financial infrastructure to match its size. WiseCFO brings cash visibility, decision models, and a CFO on call — at a fraction of the cost of a permanent hire.
Best fit: Owner-led businesses $2M–$25M revenue making growth or investment decisions without a financial model.
Operator-grade finance leadership for reporting, integration, and performance.
Your investors expect board-ready reporting, disciplined KPIs, and a finance leader who understands how deals work. Warren has operated at this level — $500M organizations, acquisition integration, investor reporting — and brings that experience to your portfolio company.
Best fit: PE-backed companies needing governance, reporting systems, or acquisition integration support.
A CFO-level partner to accelerate systems, planning, and stakeholder readiness.
You have a Controller or VP Finance in place but need senior CFO depth for a specific initiative — a fundraise, a system overhaul, board reporting, or a transaction. Warren works alongside your existing team to close the gap.
Best fit: Finance leaders who need CFO-level capacity without a permanent CFO headcount.
Fractional CFO services in Carmel, Indiana — and across the U.S.
WiseCFO Solutions is headquartered in Carmel, Indiana and serves clients throughout the Indianapolis metro, the broader Midwest, and nationwide. Warren works primarily with owner-led businesses in Indiana’s manufacturing, staffing, construction, and professional services sectors — industries he has led at scale.
Most client meetings are conducted virtually, with in-person availability for Indiana-based clients. Wherever your business operates, WiseCFO Solutions provides the same senior-level CFO engagement.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Indiana data, Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics sectors employ over 500,000 workers — and represent the core of WiseCFO Solutions’ industry expertise.
Industries served in Indiana & the Midwest
- Manufacturing — multi-plant operations, cost structure, and margin improvement
- Staffing & Construction — high-growth operations, commission structures, cash flow
- Distribution & Logistics — working capital, vendor terms, and operational finance
- Professional Services — profitability by client, pricing strategy, growth planning
- Agriculture & Food — seasonal cash flow, commodity risk, and financing
Questions owners ask about fractional CFO services
Eight most common questions. The full FAQ covers all ten — or call Warren directly at 317.242.9473.
See All FAQs →What is a fractional CFO?
A fractional CFO is a senior finance executive who works with your business part-time or on a project basis. You get CFO-level strategy, forecasting, and decision support without the full-time cost — typically saving $100,000 or more per year compared to a full-time hire.
How is this different from my CPA or bookkeeper?
Your CPA focuses on tax compliance and historical reporting. Your bookkeeper records transactions. WiseCFO Solutions works forward — forecasting cash flow, improving margins, and supporting major financial decisions before they happen. All three roles complement each other.
What size companies does WiseCFO Solutions work with?
WiseCFO Solutions works with privately held, owner-led businesses with $2M to $25M in annual revenue. These businesses typically have basic accounting and tax support in place but need deeper financial insight and executive-level decision support they can’t yet justify hiring full-time.
How does a WiseCFO engagement work?
Most engagements are monthly retainers with a defined scope, regular owner meetings, and ongoing availability for key decisions. Project-based and fixed-fee engagements are also available. Every engagement starts with a short discovery call to confirm mutual fit.
What is the first step to get started?
Complete the short apply form at wisecfosolutions.com/apply — it takes about 3 minutes. If there is a fit, Warren will reach out within one business day to schedule a discovery call. No obligation and no sales pressure.
Does WiseCFO Solutions prepare tax returns?
No. WiseCFO Solutions does not prepare tax returns or provide licensed tax services. Warren works alongside your existing CPA and tax professionals — coordinating financial planning to support their work, not replace it.
What if I already have a bookkeeper or accounting staff?
WiseCFO Solutions works alongside your existing bookkeeper or accounting team. Warren operates at the CFO level — strategy, forecasting, and decision support — while your team handles day-to-day transactions. The two roles complement each other.
Does WiseCFO Solutions work with companies outside Indiana?
Yes. WiseCFO Solutions serves clients nationwide. Warren is based in Carmel, Indiana and works with owner-led businesses across the U.S. Most work is conducted virtually, with in-person availability for Indiana-based clients.
WiseCFO Solutions is the right fit — and the wrong fit — for specific situations.
Warren is direct about this because the wrong engagement wastes everyone’s time. Here is an honest assessment of who WiseCFO Solutions serves well, and who it does not.
If you are not a fit, Warren will tell you — and point you toward who is.
- Your revenue is between $2M and $25M and growing
- You need strategic financial leadership, not just bookkeeping
- You are making growth or investment decisions and need a financial model
- A full-time CFO at $180,000–$350,000+ per year is more than you need right now
- ✗You primarily need tax return preparation — that is your CPA’s role
- ✗You need full-time, on-site finance leadership five days a week
- ✗Your revenue is under $1M and you are still in early validation stage
- ✗You need a licensed investment adviser or securities attorney
CPAs, attorneys, and lenders: refer your clients to WiseCFO Solutions.
When your client has outgrown basic bookkeeping and needs CFO-level financial leadership, WiseCFO Solutions is the partner you can trust. Warren works alongside your relationship — never around it.
Your clients need forward-looking financial planning beyond the tax return. WiseCFO complements your work — coordinating financial planning to support your tax strategy.
Clients pursuing acquisitions, transactions, or succession need financial expertise alongside legal counsel. WiseCFO handles the financial modeling and due diligence.
When your borrower needs stronger financial reporting or cash flow forecasting to support a loan, WiseCFO builds the financial infrastructure that makes your underwriting cleaner.
Paid within 10 business days of each invoice. No strings attached.
How much could a fractional CFO save your business?
WiseCFO Solutions typically delivers 3–10x return on engagement cost through cash savings, margin improvement, and better decisions. Estimate your potential ROI below.
Estimates based on AICPA 2024 Benchmark Survey data and WiseCFO Solutions engagement outcomes. Actual results vary by business. This calculator is illustrative, not a guarantee of financial performance.
Ready to work with a fractional CFO who knows your industry?
It starts with a 3-minute apply form and an honest conversation. No pitch decks. No obligation.