Sarah Patterson is a Fractional CFO who provides financial leadership, strategy, and analysis to companies ready to grow or pivot.
I partner with CEOs and their leadership teams to provide the financial leadership and analysis they need to make business decisions grounded in numbers. My clients are small to mid-sized businesses who need the oversight and analysis of a CFO on a fractional basis.
I free CEOs up to focus on growing and optimizing the business, providing peace of mind in knowing that the financial bases are covered.
I bring clarity to the financial picture. We come up with metrics that quantify the success of the business, and then we track them against your vision and goals.
As an attentive listener, I ensure business owners feel heard and supported as they navigate complex challenges. I prioritize working with individuals whose presence I find genuinely enjoyable, and while I have a passion for numbers, my true motivation lies in the joy of authentic connection.
Strategic Finance & Business Partnership
Since 2011, I have worked with over 30 companies as a Fractional CFO with engagements lasting from 6 months to 8 years. My primary clients have been professional services businesses with 15-75 employees and up to $30m in annual revenue. I ensure the financial reporting tells a clear, actionable story and forecasting is aligned with the overall business strategy.
I lead proactive discussions on opportunities, risks, and operational efficiencies to improve overall agency/business performance. I evaluate optimal growth strategies supported by robust financial modeling, and I bring order and clarity to business transitions.
Planning & Analysis
I establish financial reports and a dashboard of metrics that shows the current picture of the overall business against stated goals and industry benchmarks. I lead the annual budgeting process to align financial goals with business strategy and create a roadmap for the year.
I conduct multi-level profitability analysis: for the company, by line of business, client, and project, and then I collaborate cross-functionally to find and fix the leaks. I oversee staff in budget-to-actuals variance reporting and continuous reforecasting—these are critical tools in providing clarity around the current financial status and the projection for the year.
I oversee staff in cash flow forecasting, anticipate capital needs, and work with banks to secure financing. I establish a rate model to ensure billable rates include the minimum profit margin required. I build staffing models to project resources needed for smart business growth and scale, and I integrate pipeline data to align staffing with constantly updated revenue expectations.
“Having worked with Sarah on a number of assignments, I’ve found her to be thorough, to bring valuable critical thinking to any situation, and to reliably make it happen: done well and on time. I welcome her unique mix of crisp analytical thinking and creative ideation. She is great working inside the company as well as with clients and influentials outside our firm. I highly recommend Sarah Patterson.”
John Mallen, JMC
Who are EssJay Clients?
Companies who are:
generating up to $30m in annual revenue
employing 15 to 75 people (full time + contractors)
run by a CEO or business partners who wear too many hats
agencies, consultancies, and professional services businesses (this is my wheelhouse but I do work outside this vertical)
Business owners who are:
extremely intelligent, creative, ambitious
multi-talented with broad and deep capabilities
motivated by a strong sense of purpose
driven to have a positive impact on the world
just nice people