Fractional Controller Services

Financial management is crucial for every business, but as companies grow, so do the complexities of handling finances. Many growing businesses find themselves in a dangerous middle ground: their bookkeeping needs have outgrown standard data entry, but they are not yet ready to hire a full-time, six-figure Financial Controller. They struggle to balance the need for high-level financial oversight with the costs and logistics of hiring in-house staff.

Maxim Liberty’s Fractional Controller services provide the high-level oversight, internal controls, and audit-ready accuracy your company needs to protect its assets. Outsourcing your controller role can be a game-changer, offering flexibility, expertise, and massive cost efficiency.

What Are Fractional Controller Services?

Financial controller services include overseeing financial reporting, ensuring compliance, budgeting, forecasting, and providing strategic insights. Controllers act as a critical bridge between raw financial data and actionable business strategies.

A financial controller plays a vital role in maintaining financial health. They go beyond bookkeeping to analyze trends, monitor cash flow, and ensure regulatory compliance. Without a skilled controller, businesses risk making uninformed decisions that could lead to financial instability. By outsourcing this role, companies gain access to these high-level skills without the burden of hiring full-time staff.

The Role of a Fractional Controller vs. Bookkeeping

How does a controller differ from standard bookkeeping and tax filings? Bookkeeping focuses on recording daily transactions, while tax filings handle compliance with tax laws. A controller bridges the gap by interpreting financial data, ensuring accuracy, and providing actionable insights. For example, while a bookkeeper records expenses, a controller identifies cost-saving opportunities.

While your bookkeepers handle the day-to-day transactional work (A/P, A/R, and payroll), our Fractional Controllers step in to verify the integrity of that data. We establish the accounting policies and close procedures that prevent fraud, eliminate errors, and ensure GAAP compliance.

Why Not Just Hire a Local Part-Time Controller?

Hiring a full-time Controller often costs upwards of $130,000 per year, plus benefits. However, most small to mid-market businesses only require a Controller’s expertise for a few hours a week—specifically around the month-end close.

While hiring a local part-time controller might seem cost-effective, it often lacks scalability and access to advanced tools. Remote and outsourced controllers, on the other hand, leverage cloud-based systems, enabling real-time access to financial data and seamless communication. This eliminates geographical constraints and often results in massive cost savings compared to hiring locally. Virtual controllers also adapt quickly to changing business needs, offering scalability and efficiency.

By utilizing our Fractional Controller services, you gain access to seasoned financial professionals on a flexible, as-needed basis. We integrate seamlessly with your preferred software—whether that is QuickBooks Enterprise, Sage, or NetSuite—ensuring your data remains secure and fully under your control.

5 Essential Reasons to Outsource Your Controller

1. Cost Savings Without Compromise: Outsourcing eliminates the need for salaries, benefits, and office space. You get high-quality services at a fraction of the cost of hiring in-house staff.
2. Access to Specialized Expertise: Outsourced controllers often have experience across industries, bringing a wealth of knowledge and best practices to your business.
3. Enhanced Scalability and Flexibility: Whether your business is scaling up or facing seasonal fluctuations, outsourced controllers can adapt to meet your exact needs.
4. Streamlined Financial Processes: With advanced tools and automation, outsourced controllers deliver faster, more accurate financial reporting and insights.
5. Focus on Strategic Growth: Freeing your internal leadership team from financial oversight allows them to focus on driving innovation and business expansion.