Virtual, Fractional, Portfolio FD - What's the Difference?

If you're exploring strategic finance support for your business, you’ve probably come across a few different terms: Virtual FD, Fractional FD, Portfolio FD, even Part-Time FD. But what do they all mean – and is there any real difference?

The short answer is: not really. These terms are all used to describe an experienced Finance Director who works with multiple clients on a flexible, part-time basis – without the overheads and obligations that come with employing someone full-time.

Virtual FD typically refers to someone who works remotely, however many also provide in-person support when needed, as I do at Ascott Financial Direction.

Fractional FD emphasises that they work with a business for a fraction of the time (and cost) of a full-time FD – perhaps one day a week or a few days each month.

Portfolio FD highlights that they support a portfolio of clients, rather than being employed by a single business.

Regardless of the label, the role is the same — providing senior financial leadership to businesses that don’t need (or want) a full-time FD. That means forward-looking financial strategy, decision support, planning and forecasting, performance monitoring, and turning complex financials into clear, actionable insight.

SMEs often have a bookkeeper and accountant covering the essential day-to-day and year-end requirements. But what’s often missing is someone focused on the future – helping you make better decisions, improve performance and navigate what’s ahead.

I offer Finance Director services – whether you want to call it virtual, fractional or portfolio – tailored to your business needs. Some clients want ongoing support each week or month, others prefer to work on a project basis. Either way, you get trusted financial direction from someone who understands your business, only when you need it.

If you’d like to discuss whether this could be a fit for your business, please get in touch.