Fractional CFO
Strategic support on an ad-hoc or part-time basis. You get the expertise you need to grow the business, without the high overhead cost of a permanent CFO.
Ad-hoc or part-timeCFO advisory for South African SMEs
Senior CFO leadership for growing businesses. Without the permanent overhead.
Mullen Keystone Advisory gives fast-growing SMEs the strategic financial leadership they need to keep growing, on the terms that suit your business.
What got you your growth is not what will sustain it.
Fast-growing SMEs often have a niche product and a simple structure. That is a great start. Sustaining the growth takes decisive action, the right structure and a team pulling in the same direction. We help you get there.
About us
A CFO for the stage your business is at
Mullen Keystone Advisory provides senior strategic CFO leadership to SMEs, without a permanent overhead to contend with. Depending on what your business needs, that can mean part-time support, full-time cover while you recruit, or a focused project.
There are multiple facets to structuring a business for growth. Some of them call for thought-provoking conversations and firm decisions. Our objective is to help your business succeed by asking the right questions, then helping you act on the answers.
Services
Four ways to work with us
Choose the level of CFO involvement that fits your business today. You can change it as your business changes.
Interim CFO
Full-time CFO executive leadership for a set period. If there is a gap in your business while a permanent CFO is sourced, we step in to provide the skillset you need.
Full-time, fixed periodContractual
Project overview of your business plans, and assistance with potential buyouts, including a review of the offering presented to you.
Project-basedAncillary services
BEE, business continuity and disaster recovery, plus insurance support: directors and officers, professional indemnity, cyber and group benefits for your staff.
Available alongside any engagement
How we help
Seven questions every growing business should be asking
We work through the areas that matter most, so you can see what is really happening in your business and decide what to do next.
1
Results
Review of results year to date, against budget and year on year. What is happening in your business?
2
Business plan
Is it on track? Where are you going? Do you need to change direction?
3
Forecast
Expectations based on your business plan. What is likely, based on current data?
4
Products and profitability
Which products are working, and which are not?
5
Cash flow
Key to every business decision.
6
Debtors
Debtors enable the business to function.
7
Creditors
Do you have the right suppliers? Are you paying on time to protect your credibility and reputation in the market?
Experience
Hands-on finance leadership
Experience across insurance and a fast-growing credit bureau, backed by a record of practical results.
300%+
Growth achieved by a credit bureau between 2019 and 2025, despite the Covid pandemic.
Level 3 to Level 1
Improvement in the credit bureau's BEE score, moving from a QSE to a Generic scorecard.
Group life
Group life benefits implemented for staff.
Credit bureau
- Chief Financial Officer
- Implemented sales reporting by client, market segment, product, usage and revenue, for a clearer view of client performance
- Implemented group life benefits for staff
Insurance
- Worked for insurers, brokers and an underwriting management agency (UMA)
- Roles including Group Financial Manager, Portfolio Manager and Claims Administrator
- Classes including commercial, personal, engineering, liability, cyber, D&O, credit and guarantee
- Monthly reporting packs, quarterly reinsurance results, statement T accounts, SARB returns, and IBNR and UPR calculations
Community
- Treasurer of a primary school
FAQ
Common questions about CFO services for SMEs
What is a fractional CFO?
A fractional CFO is a senior finance leader who supports your business on an ad-hoc or part-time basis. You get the expertise needed to grow the business without the high overhead cost of a permanent CFO.
What is the difference between a fractional, interim and contractual CFO?
A fractional CFO provides part-time or ad-hoc strategic support. An interim CFO provides full-time executive leadership for a set period while a permanent CFO is sourced. A contractual engagement is project-based, for example reviewing a business plan or assisting with a potential buyout.
When does an SME need CFO-level support?
Fast-growing SMEs often reach a point where what worked to get the growth will not sustain it. CFO-level support helps you identify the obstacles to growth, decide what to change, and get the team pulling in the same direction.
What does Mullen Keystone Advisory review in a business?
We review results against year-to-date, budget and prior year figures, whether your business plan is on track, forecasts based on that plan, which products are profitable, cash flow, debtors and creditors.
Can you help with a potential buyout?
Yes. Contractual engagements include assistance with potential buyouts and a review of the offering presented.
Do you offer BEE, business continuity and insurance support?
Yes. Ancillary services include BEE, business continuity, disaster recovery and insurance support, covering directors and officers, professional indemnity, cyber insurance and group benefits for staff.
What industries has Shaun Mullen worked in?
Shaun has worked in insurance (insurers, brokers and underwriting management agencies) and at a credit bureau where he was Chief Financial Officer. He has also served as Treasurer of a primary school.
How do I get started?
Contact us by phone or email using the details in the Contact section. The first step is a conversation about where your business is today and where you want it to go.
Contact us
Let's talk about your business
Get in touch for a conversation about where your business is today and where you want it to go.
Shaun Mullen
Mullen Keystone Advisory
Phone: [Phone number to be confirmed]
Email: [Email address to be confirmed]
Location: [Location to be confirmed]