FAQs

A fractional Controller is a part-time finance and accounting leader who keeps the books clean, the numbers accurate, and the back office running smoothly, without the cost of a full-time Controller.  They oversee day-to-day accounting operations like AP, AR, payroll, job costing, month-end close, and financial reporting, making sure transactions are right, reconciliations are timely, and reports can actually be trusted.

A Fractional CFO is an experienced financial executive who works with your business on a part-time or project basis. You get the expertise of a CFO without the cost of a full-time hire.

Your CPA or accountant focuses on compliance and historical records. A Fractional CFO looks ahead: forecasting, strategy, financial clarity, and helping owners make smarter decisions.

We specialize in small to mid-sized companies that need financial leadership but don’t require a full-time CFO. Clients often include construction, real estate, manufacturing, professional services, startups, and nonprofits.

We engage in two primary ways: ongoing support and focused projects.

For ongoing work, we operate as a fractional finance leader—at the Controller or CFO level—providing steady rhythm, ownership, and accountability without the cost of a full-time hire. This often includes oversight of the close and reporting, cash visibility, dashboards, leadership cadence, and ongoing guidance as the business grows.

For project-based work, we lead defined, time-bound initiatives where experienced financial leadership is needed. Common examples include cleaning up financials, strengthening close and reporting processes, improving cash flow visibility, implementing or fixing systems, supporting lender or refinancing events, or executing a focused 90-day priority.

Some clients start with a project and move into ongoing support. Others begin with ongoing support right away. In every case, the goal is to match the right level of financial leadership and execution to where the business is today—without overbuilding, overpaying, or overcomplicating.

Pricing varies by scope and level of support. Ongoing retainers provide Controller or CFO-level leadership at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire, while project work is scoped and priced per engagement. All proposals are transparent and tailored to the needs of the business.

It starts with a free consultation. We’ll learn about your goals and challenges, then recommend either an ongoing engagement or project based support.

Yes. We serve companies across the Upper Midwest and virtually nationwide. Many services are delivered remotely, with in-person options available.

Absolutely. We build proformas, pitch decks, and financial reports that give stakeholders confidence and help you tell your story clearly.

That works. We do fast, fixed-scope projects to solve urgent problems—then we train your team and step back. If you want ongoing leadership after that, you can keep a light retainer; if not, everything we built still runs.

Because finance should be about more than recording transactions.

“UnBean Numbers” reflects our belief that clean books are just the starting point. What matters most is using the right numbers to drive clarity, traction, and confident decisions. We focus on turning financial information into insight leaders can actually use to run the business.

This name is a reminder that accounting should support execution and strategy—not slow it down.

No. We complement your existing team. We work alongside bookkeepers, Controllers, and CPAs to provide the financial leadership and structure many growing businesses need. In some cases, we act as a fractional Controller. In others, we focus on higher-level financial leadership. Either way, the goal is clean numbers, better insight, and smoother collaboration across your finance partners.

Yes. One of our most common engagements is building a 13-week cash flow forecast to give business owners clarity and confidence around liquidity.

We don’t file taxes directly. We work with your tax CPA, ensuring your financials are clean, strategic, and ready for compliance.

Most projects start within 2–3 weeks of the initial consultation. Urgent engagements can often begin sooner.

Our background includes real estate, construction, property management, manufacturing, logistics, and service-based businesses. We adapt quickly to new industries.

Both. Many of our clients prefer remote support for efficiency, but we also provide on-site sessions for strategy workshops, board meetings, or key milestones.

Yes. We’ve led ERP upgrades and financial system transitions. We bridge the gap between operations, IT, and finance to make sure systems actually serve the business.

Yes. Some clients just need a one-time deep dive into their financials, a forecast review, or help with a bank package. We’re flexible.

We typically work with businesses doing $2M–$100M+ in revenue, but we adapt our approach to the size and stage of the company.

Yes, we can help establish a solid foundation for your new business. Set up a complimentary strategy session to determine your current needs and to anticipate future needs as your business grows.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I don’t fully trust or understand my numbers.”

• “Our reports are late, messy, or hard to use.”

• “Cash flow feels tighter than it should.”

• “We need better visibility, but we’re not ready for a full-time hire.”

• “I need more than basic accounting, but less than a full executive right now.”

Then fractional financial leadership is likely a good fit.

Some businesses need Controller-level support to strengthen the close, reporting, and day-to-day financial operations. Others need CFO-level guidance to improve forecasting, cash management, lender communication, and strategic decision-making. Many start with one and grow into the other.

The goal isn’t to decide on a title. It’s to get the right level of financial leadership for where your business is today, without overbuilding or overpaying.