Porter

Fractional CFO vs controller vs bookkeeper: what each does and when you need which

A bookkeeper records transactions and keeps accounts reconciled, a controller owns the monthly close, controls and accurate reporting, and a CFO uses those numbers to plan, forecast and raise money. Most small businesses need a bookkeeper first, a controller once the close and multiple entities get complex, and CFO-level planning when decisions about cash, hiring or financing get larger.

Illustrative example

At a glance

RoleMain jobTypical outputsYou need it when
BookkeeperRecord and reconcileCategorized transactions, reconciled accounts, invoices and bills enteredYou have real transactions and no one keeping the books current
ControllerClose and controlMonthly close, accruals, approval rules, accurate financial statements, consolidationThe close slips, there are several entities, or lenders and investors rely on your numbers
CFO (fractional or full time)Plan and decideForecasts, budgets, cash planning, fundraising and lender supportBig decisions on hiring, pricing, financing or acquisitions depend on the numbers

What a bookkeeper does

Categorizes transactions, reconciles bank and card accounts, records invoices and bills, and keeps the books current. Good bookkeeping is the foundation everything else depends on.

What a controller does

Owns the monthly close, accounting policies, approval rules and the accuracy of the financial statements. In a multi-entity business, the controller usually owns consolidation and intercompany activity.

What a fractional CFO does

A fractional CFO works part time on forecasting, budgeting, cash planning and conversations with investors and lenders. The role depends on reliable books and a reliable close; a CFO working from unreconciled books is guessing.

Signs you need more than a bookkeeper

  • You have stopped looking at the reports, or stopped trusting them.
  • The monthly close regularly runs more than 30 days late.
  • You run more than one company.
  • A lender, investor or buyer is about to look at your numbers.

How Porter fits

Porter is a finance team plus software that covers work across these roles: bookkeeping and accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, taxes, and financial planning and analysis. Start with the books and add controls and planning as you grow, without a hiring cycle.

Common questions

01What is the difference between a bookkeeper and a controller?
A bookkeeper records and reconciles transactions. A controller owns the monthly close, accounting controls and the accuracy of the financial statements, and reviews the bookkeeper's work.
02What is the difference between a controller and a CFO?
A controller looks backward and makes sure the numbers are right. A CFO looks forward and uses those numbers to plan, forecast and finance the business.
03When does a small business need a fractional CFO?
When large decisions on hiring, pricing, financing or an acquisition depend on a forecast, and the books are already current and reliable enough to support one.
04Can one provider cover bookkeeping, controller and CFO work?
Yes. Some providers, including Porter, combine bookkeeping, close, payables, receivables, payroll and financial planning in one team, so you add scope as you grow instead of hiring each role.
05Should I hire a CFO before my books are clean?
Usually not. Forecasts built on unreconciled books are unreliable, so most businesses get the books current first.
06Do I need a controller if I have multiple entities?
Often yes. Consolidation and intercompany activity are controller-level work, whether done in house or by an outsourced team.

Tell us about your business and what you want handled.

The Porter team will recommend a plan and a scope.