Yes, and bringing one in early can meaningfully impact what you walk away with. Buyers and their advisors will scrutinize your financials in ways that normal business operations never require. A fractional CFO helps you see your numbers the way a buyer will and fix problems before they become negotiating points.

The first thing buyers examine is the quality of your financial records. They want to see accurate, well-organized books that tell a clear story. If your financials are messy, inconsistent, or missing documentation, buyers either walk away or discount their offer to account for the risk. A fractional CFO reviews your records with a buyer’s eye and addresses gaps before due diligence begins.

Earnings normalization is where real value gets created or lost. Buyers price businesses based on adjusted EBITDA or seller’s discretionary earnings, not raw profit. Owner compensation above market rate, one-time expenses, personal expenses running through the business, and non-recurring items all need to be identified and documented. Miss something and you’re leaving money on the table. Include something that doesn’t belong and you lose credibility when the buyer’s accountants catch it.

Customer and revenue concentration is another area buyers focus on. If 40% of your revenue comes from one client, that’s a risk buyers will price into their offer. A fractional CFO can help you understand how buyers will view your revenue mix and develop strategies to address concentration before you go to market.

Working capital analysis matters more than most sellers realize. The amount of cash and receivables you need to keep the business running day-to-day affects how much cash you actually take home at closing. Understanding your working capital requirements and how they’ll be calculated in the purchase agreement prevents surprises during negotiations.

During due diligence, buyers ask detailed questions about your financials. Having someone who can respond quickly and accurately keeps the deal moving. Delays and unclear answers create doubt. A fractional CFO manages the financial side of due diligence so you can stay focused on running the business through closing.

Most business owners in South Florida who are thinking about selling wait too long to get their financial house in order. Starting 12 to 24 months before you want to sell gives you time to clean up issues, demonstrate consistent performance, and make operational improvements that show up in your numbers. A Boca Raton fractional CFO who understands exit planning can help you create a timeline and prioritize what matters most for your specific situation.

The cost of this preparation is typically a fraction of what it returns in purchase price. Buyers pay more for businesses that are easy to understand and don’t carry hidden risks. Clean financials and a well-prepared seller signal a well-run business worth paying a premium for.