Fractional CFO Services In the

Chicago Area

Running a growing business is hard enough without flying blind on the numbers. That's where FocusCFO comes in. As a leading provider of fractional CFO services in Chicago, we embed experienced, part-time CFOs inside small and medium-sized businesses across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs—including Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, and Kane counties—so owners can stop reacting to cash flow surprises and start building toward something bigger. Rather than just cleaning up your books, our outsourced CFO services help you build the financial infrastructure and strategic clarity to scale with confidence, increase what your business is actually worth, and put you in control of what happens next.

REGIONS

THE SHERPAS

Area Presidents

Brett Novey

Chicago

Brett Novey

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CFOs

Contact this Regional Team

Interested in joining the FocusCFO team in Chicago?

Learn About Becoming a Sherpa

Fractional CFO Services in the Chicago Area

Chicago Service Areas

We proudly serve the entire Chicago area and beyond, including:

Near West / Western Suburbs
- Naperville, Aurora, Berwyn, Cicero, Oak Park, River Forest, Riverside, Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Congress Park, Western Springs, Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Villa Park, Addison, Lisle, Oak Brook
North / North Shore
- Waukegan, Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Glenview, Deerfield, Park Ridge
Northwest Suburbs
- Elgin, Barrington, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Elk Grove Village, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates, Rolling Meadows
Southwest Suburbs
- Joliet, Bolingbrook, Lemont, Lockport, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos Heights, Palos Park
South Suburbs
- Homewood, Hazel Crest, Flossmoor, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Oak Forest, Country Club Hills, Chicago Heights, New Lenox, Frankfort
Northwest Indiana
- Gary, Hammond, Munster, East Chicago, Merrillville, Schererville, Dyer, Highland, Crown Point
Southeastern Wisconsin
- Kenosha, Racine, Pleasant Prairie, Twin Lakes, Burlington, Union Grove, Lake Geneva

For businesses outside of our physical footprint, we also offer virtual CFO services.

Local Community Involvement

From education and mentorship to community giving, FocusCFO takes pride in supporting our community and working to keep business local and thriving in Chicago.

Strategic Financial Leadership for Chicago and Chicagoland Businesses

Chicago is a rare example of true economic diversification—no single sector accounts for more than 13% of regional GDP. The metro is home to the nation's second-largest manufacturing base, anchored by food processing, metals, machinery, and advanced manufacturing. It's also a top-tier logistics and distribution hub, sitting at the intersection of six of the country's seven Class I railroads, ten interstate highways, and O'Hare International Airport. Add a growing fintech sector—home to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, the Chicago Board Options Exchange, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago—and you have a business environment as complex as it is opportunity-rich.

But diversification cuts both ways. Small and medium-sized businesses in Chicagoland face their own set of pressures: navigating Illinois's regulatory and tax environment, managing tight labor markets for skilled trades and manufacturing talent, and—for the many family-owned manufacturers and distributors that built this region—planning for leadership transitions and succession without a clear financial roadmap.

FocusCFO is on the ground across Chicago and its surrounding suburbs to help you navigate this landscape. We provide embedded fractional CFO services that give you the high-level financial strategy of a C-suite executive at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.

We Know the Chicago and Chicagoland Economy

Chicago's economy runs on scale and connectivity—but scale without financial discipline just means bigger blind spots. Whether you're a manufacturer managing supply chain costs, a logistics operator navigating thin margins, or a professional services firm scaling headcount, you need more than a bookkeeper to stay ahead. You need a strategic partner who understands regional labor costs, local capital markets, and what it actually takes to grow a business in one of the most competitive economies in the country.

How FocusCFO Helps Your Business

We don't just deliver reports; we join your team. Our fractional CFOs work on-site and virtually with you, becoming an integral part of your leadership structure. We are here to help you build sustainable, transferable business value.

Our Services Include:

Cash Flow Management: Move from "bank balance" accounting to predictive cash flow forecasting.
Strategic Business Planning: Align your financial capabilities with your long-term operational goals.
Exit Planning & Succession: Preparing your business for a future sale, merger, acquisition, or next-generation leadership transition.
Financial Modeling for Growth: Secure funding and manage capital for expansion into new regional markets.

Learn more about our approach →

Why Choose a Fractional CFO in Chicago?

For many SMBs across Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, and Kane counties, hiring a full-time Chief Financial Officer isn't feasible—especially with Chicago-area CFO salaries often exceeding $200k+ in base compensation. A fractional CFO bridges that gap. You get the expertise of a seasoned financial veteran for a few days a month—exactly what you need to gain clarity and control.

Ready to Scale?

Don't let financial uncertainty hold your business back. Schedule a Complimentary Consultation to discuss your vision and see how a FocusCFO partner can help you lead the way.

Flexible Part-Time CFO Job Openings

FocusCFO is a national leader in embedded Fractional CFO services and we are looking for seasoned CFOs to join the team in Illinois. As a Fractional CFO, you will have flexibility to set your hours, and control over your client roster. CFOs typically work between one to four and a half days a week.

Who is right for this role?

Passionate about Illinois businesses and eager to work alongside entrepreneurs and their teams. To make a real difference by rolling up your sleeves, sharing experience and expertise.
20+ years of financial and operational experience, with a significant amount at the CFO level.
Strong business acumen with extensive experience in strategic planning and operations.
Relish the role of a Sherpa. Not only guiding, but climbing alongside clients as they reach for their goals, as an embedded (fractional) member of their leadership team.

Learn more about becoming a Fractional CFO.

Business Consulting in Chicago: Become an Area President

Are you ready to help small and medium-sized businesses in Chicago thrive with a role that combines the impact of consulting with the satisfaction of business development?

What is an Area President?

The Area President role is unique to FocusCFO. It is most similar to roles in business consulting or business development. Many of our Area Presidents are former business owners, CEOs, CFOs, professional advisors, and leaders.

Area Presidents are the face of FocusCFO in the community; they play the vital role of matchmaker - connecting small and medium-sized businesses in need of high-level financial support and guidance with the right CFO from the FocusCFO team.

To be successful in this role, candidates should thrive on building relationships, be passionate about their local business community, and have a strong entrepreneurial spirit.

Learn more about the Area President Role