It was 9 PM. Vardaan sat at his desk, staring at two financial proposals. Numbers? Check. Certifications? Check. But something didn’t feel right.
“I wish choosing a virtual CFO was as easy as ordering food,” he joked while calling Astraea.
She laughed. “If only! But it’s not just about someone who knows numbers — it’s about someone who knows your numbers.”
A CFO Who Gets You
Astraea had worked with enough businesses to know one truth — the wrong financial advisor can slow you down more than doing it alone.
“When founders ask me how to choose the right virtual CFO,” she said, “I always say: find someone who understands your stage, your industry, and your ambition.”
Vardaanleaned in. “So, not just someone with experience?”
“Exactly. You want someone who thinks like a founder — not just an accountant in disguise.”
What Makes a Virtual CFO the Right Fit?
Here’s what Astraea shared with Vardaan — and what every entrepreneur should keep in mind:
1. Do they understand where you’re headed?
Your startup isn’t static. Whether you’re pre-revenue, scaling, or prepping for fundraising, your CFO should align their strategy to your goals — not just follow templates.
2. Are they asking smart questions?
“A good CFO will ask about your burn rate, pricing assumptions, unit economics, and customer churn — not just GST returns and TDS,” Astraea said. The right CFO digs into the why, not just the what.
3. Do they simplify or complicate things?
You don’t need jargon. You need clarity. The right CFO explains your numbers in plain English — so you can make confident decisions without a finance degree.
4. Are they proactive or reactive?
“Waiting for you to ask questions is a red flag,” Astraea warned. A great virtual CFO will bring insights to you, spot red flags in advance, and forecast the road ahead.
Why This Choice Matters
Choosing the right virtual CFO isn’t about outsourcing tasks. It’s about choosing a financial partner. Someone who walks with you through pivots, investor meetings, hiring decisions, and yes — even the slow months.At 21DEGREES, we begin every engagement with a discovery session — diving into your metrics, models, and mission. Because we believe the best CFOs don’t just answer questions — they ask the ones that matter most.
🔗 Want to work with a virtual CFO who fits your business like a glove?
Explore our approach at 21DEGREES.in — and let’s build clarity into your numbers from day one.