Outsourced CFO Services in Lafayette, CA
Trusted, Affordable Solutions Near You
If your Lafayette business is making money but you’re unsure where it’s going—or you’re growing fast without a financial strategy in place—it may be time to bring in an expert guide. At Clear Action Business Advisors, we provide trusted, outsourced CFO services to help local business owners take control of their finances, unlock sustainable cash flow, and finally experience the profit they’ve been working so hard for.
We specialize in serving small and mid-sized companies in Lafayette that have outgrown their basic bookkeeping and tax support but aren’t ready to hire a full-time CFO. With over 20 years of financial leadership experience, we deliver the same high-level financial insight and strategy you’d expect from a corporate CFO—without the executive-level overhead.
From the shops near Mt. Diablo Boulevard to service-based firms in Happy Valley, Lafayette businesses turn to Clear Action Business Advisors when they’re ready for next-level financial direction. Our proven approach helps uncover what’s happening behind the numbers—so you can make smarter decisions, reduce stress, and take home more money.
We Fix Financial Roadblocks For Small Businesses. Get The Cashflow You Need To Run Your Business And The Profit You Want to Enjoy Your Life. Contact us now.
Let’s be honest: running a business in today’s economy isn’t easy. And it’s even harder when you don’t have clear financial visibility. Maybe you’re wondering why your profit isn’t matching your effort. Or maybe you’re constantly worried about cash—even when sales are strong. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. These are signs that you need more than just bookkeeping—you need strategic financial leadership.
Our Outsourced CFO Services in Lafayette are designed specifically for small business owners like you. We don’t just track your finances—we help you understand what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. Our process combines hands-on analysis with a practical, step-by-step roadmap so you can stop putting out fires and start building a business that runs smoothly, grows predictably, and supports your life goals.
Whether you’re in early growth mode, facing a major pivot, or preparing for a successful exit, we’ll help you:
You’ve built something worth protecting. We’re here to make sure it thrives.
Let’s talk today about where you are—and where you want to go.
We Fix Financial Roadblocks For Small Businesses. Get The Cashflow You Need To Run Your Business And The Profit You Want to Enjoy Your Life. Contact us now.
Too many small business owners are bogged down by day-to-day decisions without the time, data, or clarity to focus on long-term growth. That’s where we come in.
Here’s how to get started with Clear Action Business Advisors:
We’ll begin with a short discovery conversation to see if there’s a good mutual fit. We typically work best with businesses earning $ 250,000 or more in annual revenue who are ready to grow with intention.
Once onboard, your dedicated CFO will assess your current financial situation and identify key areas of strength, weakness, and opportunity. You’ll walk away with clarity and direction.
From there, we meet with you monthly to track progress, refine your strategy, and keep your business financially aligned with your goals.
Lafayette business owners choose Clear Action Business Advisors because we offer more than just accounting—we offer financial direction that makes a measurable difference. For over 20 years, we’ve helped service-based businesses, professional firms, consultants, and local entrepreneurs move from financial confusion to confident, strategic growth.
At the center of our firm is Joel S. Smith, CPA and CMA, a financial expert with 27 years of experience helping businesses across industries—from real estate and construction to tech and nonprofits. Joel doesn’t just interpret the numbers—he helps business owners use them to lead, grow, and breathe easier.
Here’s what makes us different:
We’re not here to hand you another spreadsheet or vague report. We provide real, tailored guidance through every stage of your financial journey, helping you:
We speak your language—no jargon, no guesswork, just clear insight that leads to real results.
Honest advice. Fast action. Friendly guidance. Dependable results. That’s what sets us apart.
See if we’re a good fit for your business.
We Fix Financial Roadblocks For Small Businesses. Get The Cashflow You Need To Run Your Business And The Profit You Want to Enjoy Your Life. Contact us now.
Comprehensive Outsourced CFO Service in Lafayette
We’ve built our services around what small businesses need—not corporate fluff, and not cookie-cutter solutions. Our outsourced CFO services in Lafayette are designed to address the root causes of financial stress while unlocking long-term profitability.
Here’s what we bring to the table:
Whether you’re scaling up or preparing to step away, we’ll guide you with strategies that protect your time, value, and legacy.
Each service is customized based on your current financial condition and future vision. We’re not just advisors—we’re partners in your long-term success.
Explore all our services here.
Clear Action Business Advisors proudly serves businesses throughout Lafayette, California. From locally owned retailers and family-run service businesses to scaling professional firms, we support growth in every corner of this vibrant community.
Here are some of the key Lafayette areas we serve:
We support boutique retailers, wellness studios, cafes, and consultants navigating financial complexity in this bustling business district.
Family-owned service businesses in Burton Valley turn to us when growth begins to outpace their internal financial systems.
This semi-rural neighborhood is home to contractors, real estate investors, and professionals we’ve helped streamline their finances for greater profitability.
We help professionals and high-income earners operating in this sought-after neighborhood gain strategic financial clarity and control.
Near this iconic local landmark, we support small business owners balancing seasonal income and long-term cash flow goals.
Wherever you’re based in Lafayette, we bring financial leadership right to your door. Let’s build the systems your business needs to thrive.
We Fix Financial Roadblocks For Small Businesses. Get The Cashflow You Need To Run Your Business And The Profit You Want to Enjoy Your Life. Contact us now.
Businesses come to us when they’re stuck. Often, the owner is overwhelmed, unsure where the money’s going, and struggling to scale. Here are some of the most common financial problems we help solve:
These aren’t just financial issues—they’re business roadblocks. We fix them.
Contact us now and let’s get started.
With over two decades of experience, we’ve worked with hundreds of businesses across the East Bay, including right here in Lafayette. We understand the challenges local businesses face—from navigating Bay Area market pressures to managing high operating costs and rapid growth cycles.
Led by Joel S. Smith, CPA, CMA, our team delivers proven financial leadership rooted in professionalism, technical excellence, and approachable guidance. We’ve seen the patterns, corrected the mistakes, and guided countless owners to higher profits and peace of mind.
We don’t just show up once and disappear. We walk alongside you through implementation, accountability, and continuous progress—month after month.
Let us help you build the financially resilient business you deserve.
Schedule your intro call here.
If your financials are unclear, your cash flow is unpredictable, or your goals are stalling out, don’t wait for the problem to fix itself. Small issues compound quickly—especially when you’re wearing every hat in your business.
Here’s what to do:
In addition to Lafayette, we’re proud to serve business owners throughout the East Bay, providing tailored financial guidance that drives growth, profitability, and clarity:
Wherever you are in the East Bay, Clear Action Business Advisors serves as your trusted financial partner, providing hands-on support, strategic planning, and expert insights to help your business thrive now and in the future.
We Fix Financial Roadblocks For Small Businesses. Get The Cashflow You Need To Run Your Business And The Profit You Want to Enjoy Your Life. Contact us now.
An outsourced CFO (Chief Financial Officer) is a part-time or contract-based financial expert who provides high-level strategy, oversight, and financial planning for your business. Unlike a bookkeeper or CPA, an outsourced CFO dives deep into your company’s numbers to uncover opportunities, forecast growth, analyze risks, manage cash flow, and help you hit your profit targets. At Clear Action Business Advisors, we bring clarity and control to your finances—so you can make confident, informed decisions about your business.
Our goal is to give you the clarity and confidence to make smarter decisions that lead to lasting results.
Bookkeepers record your financial transactions. CPAs prepare your taxes and ensure compliance. An outsourced CFO does neither of those alone—but instead focuses on forward-looking financial leadership. We interpret your data, set realistic goals, solve cash flow issues, and improve margins. Our role is to connect all the dots across your business—from pricing and operations to growth planning and exit strategy.
If you’re earning over $250K in annual revenue and find yourself asking questions like:
“How can I scale this without chaos?”
…it’s probably time to bring in a fractional CFO. Our clients in Lafayette typically reach out when they’re facing growth pains, cash flow issues, or simply want to build a healthier, more profitable business.
Yes. Hiring a full-time CFO can cost $150K+ annually, not including benefits. With outsourced CFO services, you get executive-level insight without the executive-level salary. Our goal is to deliver more value than we cost—often within the first few months of working together.
No—we don’t replace them; we complement them. We work alongside your CPA and bookkeeper, using their data and reports to create a strategic financial roadmap. We help bridge the gap between day-to-day recordkeeping and long-term business vision.
We work with a wide range of service-based and product-driven businesses, including:
Nonprofits and social enterprises
Our strategies are tailored to your business model, challenges, and goals.
We’re fluent in QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, Xero, Excel, and various CRM, inventory, and project management systems. We won’t force you into a new tech stack—we work with what you already use and recommend enhancements only when they truly make sense for your bottom line.
Typically, we meet monthly to review your financial performance, troubleshoot issues, and plan ahead. We also provide ongoing support via email and check-ins between meetings. Our process includes:
Clients often experience:
More peace of mind
We don’t just give advice—we help implement real changes that lead to long-term growth.
Great question. The best way to find out is to schedule a no-pressure discovery call. We’ll listen to what’s going on in your business, identify where you’re stuck, and share how we might help. If it’s not a fit, we’ll point you in the right direction. Let’s talk.
You don’t need to keep guessing where your money is going—or how to finally make your business work for you.
At Clear Action Business Advisors, we offer more than outsourced CFO services—we give you one clear path to a more profitable, more enjoyable business. With the right structure, strategy, and support, you can finally take control of your financial future.
We Fix Financial Roadblocks For Small Businesses. Get The Cashflow You Need To Run Your Business And The Profit You Want to Enjoy Your Life. Contact us now.
