Structuring your finance function in 6 months: the key role of the outsourced CFO
During pivotal phases such as fundraising, accelerated growth, build-up strategies, or reorganizations, a strong finance function becomes essential. Yet many mid-sized companies still operate with fragmented, ad hoc systems inherited from informal practices.
At Yérima Advisory, we believe it is entirely possible to structure a robust, efficient, and scalable finance function within six months, thanks to the focused intervention of an interim CFO. Our proven methodology combines deep analysis, operational implementation, and skills transfer.
A sequenced, impact-driven approach
Our approach follows four key stages, aligned with client business cycles and designed to generate visible results from the very first weeks.
Month 1: 360° diagnosis & issue prioritization
The mission begins with a thorough review of the entire finance function: quality of accounting data, closing processes, management and reporting tools, cash monitoring, interactions with external partners (accountants, auditors, banks, investors).
Goal: map friction points clearly and define a priority roadmap aligned with business needs and strategic deadlines (e.g. due diligence, bank reviews, investment committees).
Months 2–3: Laying the operational foundations
The aim here is to build a scalable finance organization that respects internal dynamics.
Key deliverables include:
- A strict monthly closing calendar
- Consolidated financial and operational reports
- Rolling cash flow forecasts
- Standardized administrative and accounting processes
At this stage, we secure the existing system while introducing habits that raise overall maturity.
Months 4–5: Reinforcement & scaling up
The system gains momentum. Reports become industrialized, management committees are structured, variances are analyzed, and budget processes are launched.
This phase also includes:
- The deployment of KPIs segmented by BU, geography, or channel
- The documentation of processes and tools to ensure operational continuity
- The training and delegation to internal teams to embed new practices
The organization enters a more robust, transparent, and shareable governance framework.
Month 6: Sustainability & strategic readiness
The final phase focuses on anchoring the changes. The objective is to make the organization autonomous, sustainable, and ready for the next growth phase.
The interim CFO supports:
- The creation of a 12–24 month financial roadmap
- Preparation for major milestones (fundraising, acquisition, international setup)
- The setup of handover processes or flexible support mechanisms
A framework designed for transformative contexts
Our interim CFO offering is tailored for companies facing demanding transitions:
- Hypergrowth
- Post-acquisition integration
- Governance overhaul
- Finance professionalization before or after investment
We combine methodological rigor, execution capability, and a deep understanding of investor expectations to accelerate structuring, without compromising the company’s DNA.
At Yérima Advisory, our interim CFO missions are designed to be modular, offering a balance between strategic perspective and hands-on impact from day one.
Our approach blends vision, operational precision, and personalized support to help transform your finance organization sustainably.
📩 Planning a strategic transition? Our team would be glad to connect.
Salim Orou Yérima
- Financial advisory, Accounting advisory and Audit