u/SalvatoreTirabassi1

Recently worked with a client trying to get Claude to handle parts of their close process. Every time it “misunderstood” me I realized the problem was actually my instructions.
Ended up with better documentation than I’ve ever had. Didn’t expect that to be the output. One of the pleasant surprises was its ability to seek out the best ways to connect with data sources.

I run a CFO Services business - Fractional CFO and interim CFO. Over the past several months I've been systematically researching and taking demos from companies claiming AI as a core value driver for finance and accounting functions

I am maintaining a growing list of over 30 companies targeting the CFO function across accounting, FP&A, AP/AR, tax, audit, cash flow, bookkeeping, and adjacent categories. Every one of them leads with AI.

Here's what I've found:

There are no silver bullets.

The landscape is extremely fragmented. Capabilities vary wildly. Pricing is in a wide range and honestly I don't see how this isn't a race to the bottom. Many vendors are solving the same problem in slightly different ways, and the overlap between categories is significant. Some tools are genuinely impressive in narrow use cases. Most are not ready to replace anything end-to-end.

It is a very confusing time for any finance leader trying to identify technology that will actually enhance efficiency and deliver real value — not just demos well.

If you're evaluating any of these tools, happy to compare notes. Especially interested in hearing from anyone who has moved past the demo stage and actually implemented something that stuck.

Hey everyone! I'm u/SalvatoreTirabassi1, a founding moderator of r/CFORealtalk. This is our new home for all things related to Fractional CFOs and Interim CFOs — plus great content on finance, accounting, and the business challenges that come with growth and change.

The goal is productive conversations for problem-solving in emerging and evolving organizations, all through the Fractional CFO lens. We will also welcome discussion on Interim CFO challenges and issues. And, of course. plain old in-house, full-time CFO discussions are welcome. We won't hold it against you 😉. Glad you're here.

What to Post

Post anything the community would find interesting, helpful, or worth debating. Some ideas to get you started:

• Real war stories — messy books, surprise audits, chaotic transitions, and how you handled them
• Questions about cash flow, financial modeling, fundraising prep, or month-end close
• Wins worth sharing — a deal that closed, a remediation that worked, a client that finally trusted the numbers
• Tools and tech you're using (or ditching) — ERP, FP&A platforms, dashboards, AI tools
• How you price, scope, and structure fractional engagements
• Founder and operator questions about when to hire a fractional CFO vs. a full-time one
• Industry trends, articles, or takes on what's changing in finance leadership
• Challenging transitions in businesses and use cases for Interim CFOs

Community Vibe

Friendly, constructive, and no-BS. This is a space for practitioners and the people who work with them — not a pitch fest. Share real experiences, ask real questions, and help each other think through hard problems.

How to Get Started

1. Introduce yourself in the comments below.
2. Post something today — even a simple question can spark a great conversation.
3. Know someone who'd love this? Invite them.
4. Want to help moderate? Reach out.

Thanks for being part of the first wave. Let's build something worth coming back to.