A Fractional CFO career offers flexibility, but the reality of how it works in practice is more complex than most expect.
In this episode of The Finance Seat podcast, Headstar Managing Director, James Roach, sits down with Rachel Smith, Fractional CFO at RLS Finance, to explore what a Fractional CFO career actually looks like day to day. Rachel shares insights into her own move from a corporate finance career into Fractional CFO work, and why the shift was less about chasing a better work-life balance and more about finding a model that genuinely worked.
How fractional careers really start
There is often a moment where the traditional path stops fitting. For Rachel, it was a mix of wanting to work more closely with smaller businesses and needing a career that worked alongside family life.
The move into becoming a Fractional CFO was not a single decision. It evolved over time through projects, interim roles and building confidence in what she could offer. That gradual shift is something many people underestimate when they think about making the move.
The reality behind the flexibility
Flexibility is one of the big draws of fractional work, but it comes with trade-offs.
In this podcast episode, Rachel talks openly about the juggling act. Multiple clients, shifting priorities and the constant need to balance workload. Some weeks are full, others quieter. It requires a level of comfort with uncertainty and the discipline to set clear boundaries.
Shaping the role around what you do best
One of the biggest advantages of fractional work is the ability to shape your role over time. Rachel shares how she has refined the type of work she takes on, focusing more on strategic input and less on day-to-day delivery. That shift has not happened overnight. It has come from experience, saying no at the right time and being clear about where she adds the most value.
If you are considering a move into becoming a Fractional CFO, or trying to understand how it works in practice, this conversation offers a clear and honest view.
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