Is This Client Ready for Virtual CFO Services? Use this five-step scoring framework to evaluate whether a prospective client has the financial maturity, operational complexity, and leadership engagement to benefit from—and fully utilize—a strategic CFO partnership.
1. Financial Infrastructure (0–5 points)
Evaluate how clean, timely, and usable the client’s data is.
Questions to Ask:
- How often are your financials closed and reviewed?
- Who currently handles bookkeeping, and what’s their process for reconciliation?
- Do you currently track cash flow or forecast ahead?
- Do your reports give you actionable insight or just historical numbers?
- What’s your accounting method, cash or accrual?
Scoring Guide:
|
Score |
Description |
|
1–2 |
No consistent bookkeeping or reporting. Reactive and incomplete data. |
|
3 |
Regular bookkeeping but weak close process; ad hoc reporting. |
|
4 |
Strong data hygiene; consistent monthly close; limited forecasting. |
|
5 |
Clean accrual accounting, monthly close within 10 days, consistent dashboards & KPIs. |
2. Operational Complexity (0–5 points)
Gauge business model sophistication, multi-entity needs, and scale.
Questions to Ask:
- How many locations or operating entities do you manage?
- How many doctors, providers, or key producers are in the business?
- Are you planning expansion, new locations, or ownership changes?
- Do you have any existing legal or management entities (e.g., MSOs, DSOs)?
- How integrated are your systems (HR/payroll, billing, accounting, CRM)?
Scoring Guide:
|
Score |
Description |
|
1–2 |
Single-entity, low-growth operation with simple needs. |
|
3 |
Growing operation with 1–2 entities, manual systems. |
|
4 |
Multi-entity, moderate complexity, some internal controls. |
|
5 |
Multi-location or multi-entity organization with integrated systems and growth initiatives underway. |
3. Leadership & Decision Cadence (0–5 points)
Assess the client’s management rhythm, discipline, and openness to accountability.
Questions to Ask:
- Do you hold regular leadership or financial review meetings?
- Who’s responsible for key financial decisions?
- How often do you look ahead versus just reviewing last month’s numbers?
- Do you have KPIs or goals that are regularly tracked?
- Would you describe your team as reactive or proactive?
Scoring Guide:
|
Score |
Description |
|
1–2 |
No structured reviews or planning cadence. |
|
3 |
Some accountability, but inconsistent follow-up. |
|
4 |
Regular meetings and goal tracking; leadership is engaged. |
|
5 |
Established executive rhythm; uses data for forward planning. |
4. Strategic Intent & Growth Readiness (0–5 points)
Determine whether the client is thinking proactively about growth, exit, or transition.
Questions to Ask:
- What are your 12–24 month goals?
- Are you considering adding partners, locations, or selling equity?
- What does success look like for you in 3 years?
- How do you currently make strategic decisions (gut, data, advisor input)?
- Are you investing in future growth (marketing, expansion, tech, people)?
Scoring Guide:
|
Score |
Description |
|
1–2 |
No clear growth or transition goals. |
|
3 |
General direction but unclear roadmap. |
|
4 |
Defined goals and appetite for structured planning. |
|
5 |
Clear growth vision; understands capital and tax implications; seeking leadership accountability. |
5. Engagement Culture & Fit (0–5 points)
Judge whether the client will value an advisory partnership.
Questions to Ask:
- What are you hoping a Virtual CFO will help you achieve?
- How quickly can your team act on recommendations?
- Have you worked with strategic advisors before (coach, consultant, CFO)?
- How do you prefer to communicate and make decisions?
- Would you be open to having recurring structured meetings (weekly/monthly/quarterly)?
Scoring Guide:
|
Score |
Description |
|
1–2 |
Transactional mindset; expects compliance, not partnership. |
|
3 |
Sees value but uncertain about advisory relationship. |
|
4 |
Collaborative and curious; wants strategic accountability. |
|
5 |
Proactive leadership team ready for high-trust, high-engagement partnership. |
