Fractional CFOs in Ann Arbor Making Things Happen in 2025

Ann Arbor Interim Chief Financial Officers to Know

Ann Arbor might not be the biggest city on the map—but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in brains, innovation, and economic diversity. Home to the University of Michigan, a tight-knit startup community, healthtech and research powerhouses, and deep roots in advanced manufacturing, Ann Arbor punches well above its weight when it comes to entrepreneurship.

And while the innovation is strong, financial infrastructure doesn’t always scale at the same pace.

That’s where fractional CFOs come in.

Whether it’s a lab-to-market startup navigating grants and venture funding, a service business stabilizing cash flow, or a founder looking to mature financial operations, fractional finance leadership is helping Ann Arbor companies grow smarter—and stay capital efficient.

At Digital Reference, we’ve compiled a list of active fractional CFOs based in or serving the greater Ann Arbor region. These professionals are experienced, execution-ready, and aligned with the needs of founders and operators across industries.

How We Curated This List

We take our curation seriously. Each executive featured here meets the following criteria:

• Is based in or serves companies in Ann Arbor or Southeast Michigan
  
  
• Is actively offering fractional or interim CFO services
  
  
• Has a track record of delivering strategic finance, forecasting, budgeting, or investor readiness
  
  
• Operates independently or as part of a focused firm
  
  
• Has a public-facing profile via firm website or LinkedIn
  
  

This list is designed to be useful—not exhaustive—and we’ll keep it updated as the talent pool evolves.

Ann Arbor-Area Fractional CFOs to Know

🔹 Jim Knighton

Fractional CFO | Operational Finance Leader
Jim brings decades of experience in finance, strategy, and operations. He works with companies that need more than just spreadsheets—they need financial systems that support leadership decision-making. With a calm and thorough approach, he helps early-stage and middle-market companies in Ann Arbor get clarity on costs, cash, and capital planning.

🔹 Kris Morris

Founder, KJM Consulting | Financial Infrastructure for Innovators
Kris helps founder-led businesses build the financial foundation needed to support product development and long-term scale. With deep experience in tech and R&D-heavy environments, Kris understands the nuance of grant funding, complex revenue models, and long-cycle growth planning. His work often supports startups coming out of university accelerators or transitioning from research to commercialization.

Why Fractional CFOs Are Key in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor’s economy is full of hybrid business models. Here’s what that looks like:

• 🚀 University spinouts navigating NIH or SBIR grants
  
  
• 🧪 Healthtech companies ramping up commercialization
  
  
• 🛠️ Advanced manufacturers managing capex-heavy growth
  
  
• 💼 Founder-led service firms scaling operations post-product/market fit
  
  

These companies often face serious financial questions—but they don’t need (or can’t yet justify) a full-time CFO.

That’s why fractional leaders are becoming the norm:

• They bring strategic thinking and tactical support
  
  
• They can work project-based, part-time, or in transition
  
  
• They’re plug-and-play—often bringing systems, templates, and infrastructure
  
  
• They’re the right call when you need clarity, not just compliance
  
  

Ann Arbor is a place where innovation meets budget reality. Fractional CFOs help make both work.

Use Cases We’re Seeing in Ann Arbor

🧠 Startup founders needing pre-raise modeling, KPI alignment, and finance decks
🏥 Healthtech execs building out revenue projections and clinical budgeting
🎓 Academic spinouts working through funding and commercialization pathways
💸 Small businesses improving margin visibility and cash flow management
📊 Nonprofits and social enterprises navigating compliance-heavy financial reporting

From pre-seed to post-revenue, the model flexes across needs—and fits the region’s collaborative, capital-efficient culture.

Related Content on Digital Reference

📘 How to Hire a Fractional Executive: A Guide for Founders and Operators
This is your tactical playbook for identifying, vetting, and onboarding the right fractional leader for your business stage.

🔍 Fractional CFOs Near Me 

Explore how other metros are using interim revenue leaders—and what lessons A2 can draw from their examples.

Final Word: Finance Support that Fits the Moment

In a city that mixes innovation with practicality, fractional CFOs offer founders and leaders the ability to grow without overextending. The professionals on this list bring clarity, confidence, and execution-ready tools to the table—helping Ann Arbor’s business community move forward on solid financial ground.

As the local economy continues to evolve, we’ll keep highlighting the financial leaders helping shape the future.

Know someone who should be on this list? Reach out to hello@digitalreference.co and we’ll take a look.

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