Virtual CFO Services for Chicago Startups

Grow Smarter, Not Harder. Finance Leadership for Ambitious Founders

Chicago startup founders

Chicago is one of America’s leading hubs for fast-growth startups, from SaaS and fintech to health, food tech, and logistics. According to Built In Chicago and 1871, the city is home to thousands of startups and one of the fastest-growing tech economies in North America

At Delegate CFO, we understand the unique opportunities and challenges of building and scaling a company in Chicago’s dynamic business environment. Unlike most firms, every engagement includes a proactive review of your startup’s internal controls by a forensic accountant, so you’re ready for funding, audits, and top-tier investor confidence. Whether you’re in the West Loop, River North, Fulton Market, Lincoln Park, or throughout Chicagoland, our virtual CFOs provide the hands-on financial leadership and risk management that Chicago founders expect.

What We Do for Chicago Startups

  • Financial Modeling & Forecasting
    Develop robust financial models for fundraising, growth planning, and decision-making.
  • KPI Dashboards & Reporting
    Build custom dashboards for key metrics; customer acquisition cost, burn rate, unit economics, and more.
  • Budgeting & Cash Flow Management
    Get monthly budget vs. actuals, proactive runway projection, and actionable insights.
  • Fundraising Support
    Prepare investor-ready financials, scenario analyses, and compelling stories for debt or equity rounds.
  • Systems Setup & Automation
    Optimize your financial processes with cloud-based solutions that save time and prevent errors.
  • Compliance & Back Office
    Ensure friendly, efficient support for bookkeeping, payroll, and tax readiness.
  • Internal Controls
    Internal controls and forensic review to attract investors and reduce risk.

Why Choose Delegate CFO for Your Chicago Startup?

We’re startup and growth experts:
  • Flexible & Scalable: Pay only for the CFO services you need, as you need them. No bloated salaries or long-term contracts.
  • Fundraising Support: From pitch decks to detailed financial models, we’ll help you speak investors’ language and close your next round.
  • Cash Flow & Runway: Know exactly where you stand and plan out your capital so you’re never left scrambling.
  • Growth Strategy: Make informed decisions with reliable revenue forecasting and scenario planning.

Unlock Financial Insights for Exponential Growth

Delegate CFO has supported startups and high-growth businesses across, tech, consumer brands, and more. Whether you’re bootstrapped, venture-backed, or just exploring next steps. We’re ready to support your journey.

Virtual CFO Services

We offer three different service levels, each with additional a-la-carte services that can be added on, so you only pay for exactly what you want and need.

VIRTUAL CFO

Our Virtual CFO service provides year-round strategy by partnering you with a Virtual CFO and a remote accounting team. Our Virtual CFO services provide companies with insight into their future. Unlike traditional accounting—which is a representation of the money that has already come into a business or has been spent by a company— Virtual CFO goes further. It addresses how companies project and plan the business’s future to enable growth and to reach its full potential.

If you have a growing business that needs professional financial advice but don’t need a full-time CFO or controller, our Virtual CFO service is a perfect fit.

CONTROLLER

Our Virtual Controller is an accountant responsible for making sure accounting records are complete and accurate. With the aid of a Virtual Controller, a company gains insight into the financial health of the business at any point. They help your company grow financially. Careful, clear planning and transparent data enable companies to achieve their goals.

If you’re a growing business that needs professional financial advice don’t need a full-time Controller, our Controller service is a perfect fit.

 
 
ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Our Virtual Accounting Manager takes over where your bookkeeper leaves off. We review the information at month end close and adjust to accrual accounting. Essentially, we perform a ‘mini-audit’ each month to ensure information is complete and accurate. Without accurate financial statements, a business cannot react properly to the business environment.

If you’re a growing business that needs professional financial advice, our Accounting Manager service is a perfect fit.

Pricing for virtual cfo services

Delegate CFO promises we will never hide our pricing or charge you ‘hourly billing’ rates. Our fees are fixed and based on your company’s specific needs. Our pricing is fixed for 12 months and you are never billed for miscellaneous items.

During our free consultation, we’ll discuss the services your company needs and your personal and professional goals. As an added benefit, all of our meetings are held virtually.

Looking for more detailed information on our virtual CFO charges and service packages?

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

$ 800 Avg. Weekly Rate
  • Month-End Close
  • Financial Statements
  • Scheduled Meeting (x1/mo)
  • Online Support (unlimited)

Controller

$ 1000 Avg. Weekly Rate
  • Month-End Close
  • Financial Statements
  • Scheduled Meetings (x2/mo)
  • Online Support (unlimited)
  • Company Wide-KPI
  • 12-Month Forecasting
  • Accounting Standards

virtual cfo

$ 1400 Avg. Weekly Rate
  • Month-End Close
  • Financial Statements
  • Scheduled Meetings (x6/mo)
  • Online Support (unlimited)
  • Company Wide-KPI
  • 12-Month Forecasting
  • Accounting Standards
  • Incentive Plans
  • Performance By Project
  • Team Member Performance
  • Department Performance
  • Customized Department Reports
  • Bank Relationships
  • Director Meetings
  • Resource Planning
What types of Chicago startups can you support?

Delegate CFO can partner with high-growth startups in tech, SaaS, fintech, health/medtech, logistics, and consumer, helping businesses across the West Loop, River North, Fulton Market, Lincoln Park, the Loop, and all of Chicago.

Can you help with fundraising and local investor reporting?

Absolutely. We can assist Chicago startup clients get investor-ready financials, models, deck/data room review, and ongoing VC and board reporting from Seed and beyond.

Are Delegate CFO’s services a fit for early-stage or pre-revenue startups?

Yes, we can work with pre-seed, seed, and scaling startups in Chicago, providing tailored finance guidance to help you grow and secure investment.

What value does the internal controls and forensic review add?

Every Chicago client will receive a comprehensive internal controls risk review, led by our forensic accountant founder, preparing you for audits, diligence, and growth with confidence.

How do we get started?

Schedule a complimentary consultation to see how Delegate CFO can support your Chicago startup’s financial success.

Ready to scale your Chicago startup with best-in-class financial expertise?

Book your free virtual CFO consultation with Delegate CFO today.