In the purest sense, a Fractional CFO delivers forward‑looking strategic guidance. Think “Where do we need to be next week, next quarter, next year to hit our five‑year exit target?” rather than bookkeeping or basic statement reviews.
A high‑impact Fractional CFO will:
- Set an achievable North Star (owner income, valuation, exit, or capital efficiency).
- Build rolling cash‑flow and margin models to map the road ahead.
- Stress‑test tax, debt, and equity scenarios.
- Coach the CEO and leadership team through weekly, monthly, and quarterly priorities.
We’ve scoured the Denver area to compile this definitive list of top-notch Fractional CFOs.
Our criteria?
Years of experience, range of services, and recommendations, to name a few. This list aims to fast-track your search and elevate your financial operations. Whether you’re a startup or a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME).
Let’s dive in.
1. NUOPTIMA’s C-Suite Connect
NUOPTIMA’s C-Suite Connect, founded by Alexej Pikovsky, redefines financial leadership for Denver’s dynamic businesses by offering access to pre-vetted, fractional CFOs who drive profit through data-driven strategies.
Specializing in founder-led companies, our CFOs are hand-selected through a rigorous vetting process overseen by Alexej himself, ensuring only top-tier talent joins our network.
The selection criteria include:
- Background check: Verifying a robust track record of financial success.
- Financial modeling exam: Assessing expertise in strategic forecasting and analysis.
- Reference calls: Confirming credibility and impact.
- Culture fit interview: Ensuring alignment with your company’s vision and values.
- Paid trial sprint: Demonstrating real-world execution and results.
What sets NUOPTIMA C-Suite Connect apart:
- Strategy + Execution: CFOs who combine high-level financial planning with hands-on implementation.
- Denver Expertise: Deep understanding of the city’s competitive markets, from tech to ecommerce.
- Rapid Matching: Connect with a tailored CFO in 7–10 days.
- Founder-Aligned Precision: Alexej personally reviews each placement to guarantee cultural and strategic fit.
With C-Suite Connect, NUOPTIMA empowers Denver businesses to optimize cash flow, scale efficiently, and align financial strategy with growth goals, all while leveraging our data-driven marketing insights.
Next step: Hire an expert—Alexej will present you with a selection of vetted CFOs within 10 days.
2. Dan DeGolier, Ascent CFO
Core Focus
Fractional CFO with nearly three decades of experience elevating entrepreneurs and high‑growth businesses across SaaS, manufacturing, and eCommerce.
Operational Finance Highlights
- Cash‑flow forecasting and scenario modelling that simplify complex finances.
- Custom financial models and KPI dashboards tailored to each client.
Fundraising / M&A Highlights
- End‑to‑end capital‑raising support, from lender negotiation to investor presentations.
- Buy‑side and sell‑side advisory through Ascent CFO’s flexible engagement model.
Other Experience
- Former Big 4 CPA and full‑time CFO for multiple private companies.
- B.S. in Accounting from Colorado State University.
- Reputation for a client‑centric, “upward” partnership style.
3. Griffen O’Shaughnessy, Canopy Advisory Group
Core Focus
Griffen O’Shaughnessy is a unique blend of attorney and CPA, boasting over two decades of professional experience. She honed her skills in M&A and auditing before founding Canopy in 2009.
Operational Finance Highlights
- Builds project‑based financial roadmaps and interim leadership solutions.
- Curates top independent professionals for contract and project finance work.
Fundraising / M&A Highlights
- Deep deal‑structuring skill set from Holland & Hart’s M&A practice.
- Advises on contract terms and diligence to streamline transactions.
Other Experience
- BA in Accounting (Goshen College) and JD, magna cum laude (American University).
- Denver Business Journal “40 Under 40” (2018) and Outstanding Women in Business finalist (2016).
4. David Cox, Focused Energy
Core Focus
An adept technology and media executive who turns finance functions into customer‑centric, data‑driven growth engines.
Operational Finance Highlights
- Player‑coach model that installs cost‑effective finance teams and KPI dashboards.
- Expertise in ERP implementations (Oracle, PeopleSoft) to scale reporting.
Fundraising / M&A Highlights
- Has led six recent acquisitions across global media and technology sectors, as noted in his public résumé.
- Partners with senior executives and PE firms to craft growth strategies.
Other Experience
- Former COO driving significant revenue growth via marketing and operations.
- Proven track record in real‑estate oversight and HR collaboration.
5. Brooke Martellaro, C Squared Solutions
Core Focus
A Master’s‑educated finance leader, Brooke Martello has specialized in risk mitigation and operational strategy across construction, finance, healthcare, and tech for over 20 years.
Operational Finance Highlights
- Budgeting, forecasting, and KPI reporting that fortified financial standing.
- Drove more than 200 % revenue growth and first profitable year for a high‑growth start‑up.
Fundraising / M&A Highlights
- Led M&A due‑diligence processes for private‑equity‑backed companies.
- Guided successful 2019 acquisition following operational turnaround.
Other Experience
- MBA from Colorado State University; B.A. in Organisational Communication from Western Colorado University.
- Skilled in stakeholder communication and relationship building.
6. Paul Heffner, Finance Pals
Core Focus
This Fractional CFO and FP&A specialist has been helping startups and small businesses decode their numbers and accelerate growth. With over 12 years of experience, Paul Heffner combines his love for numbers, business, and helping people to offer tailored financial services.
Operational Finance Highlights
- Bookkeeping, accounting, and cash‑flow forecasting for over 30 CEOs.
- Monthly reporting packages that drive decision‑ready insights.
Fundraising / M&A Highlights
- Angel investor and mentor with Rockies Venture Club and Innosphere.
- Provides strategic guidance on fundraising strategy and investor relations.
Other Experience
- Diverse background including management consulting and international service roles.
- Presenter at Denver Startup Week and Ignite Denver, per event speaker lists.
7. Matt Draymore, CFO Share
Core Focus
This startup‑savvy Fractional CFO’s expertise lies in crafting financial and operational strategies for SaaS, MedTech, and consumer brands. Matt Draymore is the go-to expert for navigating financial uncertainties and turning them into actionable business strategies.
Operational Finance Highlights
- Leads outsourced and in‑house finance teams, implementing worry‑free accounting.
- Builds KPI frameworks and cash‑flow models that highlight risks and opportunities.
Fundraising / M&A Highlights
- Provides investment and M&A advisory, including board‑level presentations.
- Prepares companies for funding rounds and strategic exits.
Other Experience
- Finance degree from the University of Colorado.
- Embedded in Boulder/Denver accelerator and venture‑capital ecosystems.
How NUOPTIMA’s C-Suite Connect Matches You With Denver’s Best CFO Talent
The steps below show how Alexej hand‑picks and onboards the ideal finance partner for your brand, usually within seven days, through NUOPTIMA’s C-Suite Connect.
For a deeper dive into whether the investment pays off, read our guide Is a Fractional CFO Worth It?
Who It’s For
Six‑ to nine‑figure brands that have outgrown basic bookkeeping but need sharper insight than a controller can offer. Every engagement starts with your personal objectives—whether a seven‑figure exit, passive dividends, or global expansion—and then reverse‑engineers the finance roadmap.
Strategic Finance Pillars and Typical Impact
| Pillar | Focus Area | Typical Impact |
| Financial Road‑Mapping | 13‑week cash‑flow & five‑year models tied to founder goals | Clear runway & data‑driven milestones |
| Margin Expansion | SKU contribution, ad spend efficiency, 3PL benchmarking | +2–8 percentage‑points gross margin |
| Capital Strategy | Debt vs. equity mix, inventory financing, investor decks | Lower cost of capital, faster closes |
| Tax Optimisation | Inventory timing, R&D credits, cross‑border structuring | Reduced effective tax rate |
| Exit Readiness | Data‑room build, QoE‑ready numbers, valuation‑optimised KPIs | Multiple uplift at sale |
Engagement Models and Price Guide
| Model | Typical Scope | Price Guide |
| Monthly Retainer | Ongoing strategic finance leadership—cash‑flow forecasting, board reporting, KPI dashboards, lender / investor calls | $2 000–$6 000 / month |
| Hourly / Project | Deep dives such as SKU‑margin audit, 3PL tender, or fundraising deck | From $140 / hour |
| Equity / Success Fee | Optional kicker for capital raise or M&A | 1–3 % of capital raised or 0.5–1.5 × monthly retainer at close |
A part‑time CFO costs <10 % of a full‑time hire yet can add 5–10× that outlay in profit, cash‑flow resilience, or exit value.
Avoid the Hidden Cost of a Mis‑Hire – Choosing the wrong finance leader can wipe out six‑figures in lost EBITDA and deal‑value erosion. Read the breakdown in our Ultimate Guide before you decide.
Operational Finance
- Rolling 13‑week cash‑flow and SKU‑level margin dashboards
- Inventory, ad‑spend, and supplier‑terms optimisation to tighten cash‑conversion cycles
- ERP and Shopify Plus integrations for real‑time P&L views
Fundraising / M&A
- Investor‑grade multi‑scenario forecasts and sensitivity tables
- Capital‑stack design to balance dilution, debt service, and tax
- Full exit prep: data room, QoE coordination, buyer outreach, and bid comparison
Alexej’s Five‑Layer Vetting Gauntlet
- Background and fraud checks
- Case‑study modelling exam
- Reference calls with past CEOs and investors
- Soft‑skill and culture‑fit interview
- Paid trial sprint on a live client brief
Only candidates who clear every layer join the bench. Alexej re‑scores each operator quarterly to keep standards razor‑sharp.
Within seven days Alexej will present a selection of perfectly‑matched CFOs ready to start.
FAQ
A Fractional CFO offers their financial expertise to businesses on a part-time or project basis. Unlike a full-time CFO, a Fractional CFO offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal solution for startups, small businesses, and companies in transitional phases. They handle tasks like financial planning, budgeting, risk assessment, and strategic decision-making, among others.
Choosing a good Fractional CFO involves several factors such as experience, industry expertise, and the range of services offered. Look for professionals who have a proven track record in your industry and can demonstrate their impact through case studies or client testimonials. It’s also crucial to consider their communication skills, as they’ll be working closely with your executive team. Lastly, ensure they offer the specific services you need, whether it’s financial modelling, fundraising, or M&A advisory. For a full hiring checklist, see How to Hire a Fractional CFO.
The pricing model for Fractional CFOs can vary. Some may charge an hourly rate, while others may work on a retainer basis. It’s essential to discuss pricing upfront and ensure it aligns with your budget and the value you expect to receive.
Through his vetted network, Alexej can place a specialized Fractional CFO in as little as seven days, versus the typical two‑ to three‑month search. Whether you need a hands-on margin tactician or a deal‑seasoned finance strategist, Alexej can match you with the right partner—fast.
