Hire an Independent Professional

Hiring an independent professional means engaging an experienced finance, audit, tax, or governance expert on a defined, project, or fractional basis — without taking on the cost and commitment of a full-time hire.

From CFO support and audit committee chairs to internal audit heads, tax controversy specialists, and ESG advisors, businesses today need targeted senior expertise — often only for a few hours a week or for a specific transaction or project.

We help startups, SMEs, family businesses, and listed groups hire vetted independent Chartered Accountants and finance professionals — for fractional CFO roles, independent director positions, audit committee membership, special audits, and project-specific assignments.

Independent Professional Roles We Cover

Fractional / Virtual CFO

Senior CFO-level support on a part-time basis for strategy, finance, fundraising, and reporting.

Independent Directors

Empanelled, IICA-registered independent directors for boards of listed and unlisted companies.

Audit Committee Chair

Experienced audit committee chairs and members for governance and oversight strength.

Internal Audit Head

Project-based or fractional Head of Internal Audit for risk, compliance, and IFC programs.

Tax Controversy Specialist

Senior experts for handling tax assessments, appeals, GAAR, transfer pricing, and litigation.

Forensic & Investigation Lead

Independent professional for fraud investigation, whistle-blower review, and forensic audits.

M&A & Transaction Advisor

Senior advisors for due diligence oversight, deal structuring, and SPA / SHA negotiations.

Special Project Engagements

Engagements for IFC implementation, ERP rollout, IPO preparation, ESG reporting, and more.

Our Engagement Process

Need Discovery

Discussion to understand the role, scope, expected outcomes, and engagement model.

Profile Curation

Curation of a shortlist of vetted, experienced professionals matched to the requirement.

Interaction & Selection

Founder / board interactions, reference checks, and final selection of the professional.

Engagement Setup

Engagement letter, scope, deliverables, fees, confidentiality, and reporting structure.

Delivery & Review

Periodic reviews of outcomes, course-correction, and extension or transition support.

Why Hire an Independent Professional

✓ Access to senior expertise without full-time cost

✓ Independent, objective view from outside

✓ Faster on-boarding for special projects

✓ Stronger governance and board oversight

✓ Confidential handling of sensitive issues

✓ Right-sized engagement based on need

✓ Knowledge transfer to internal teams

✓ Flexible engagement and exit options

FAQs on Hiring Independent Professionals

What is a fractional or virtual CFO?

A fractional or virtual CFO is a senior finance professional engaged part-time or on a project basis to lead financial strategy, planning, fundraising, controllership, and reporting — without being a full-time employee. The model gives smaller companies access to CFO-level capability at a fraction of the cost.

Who can be appointed as an independent director?

An independent director is a person who has the requisite skills, experience, and integrity, meets the independence criteria under the Companies Act and SEBI LODR, and is registered with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) databank where applicable. Selection is also driven by sector experience and committee needs.

When should we hire an independent professional rather than a full-time employee?

An independent professional is ideal when the need is senior-level but limited in time — for example, a fundraise, IFC rollout, ERP implementation, special audit, or specific governance role. Full-time hiring makes sense when the role is core, ongoing, and operationally embedded.

How is confidentiality protected?

Engagements are governed by confidentiality and non-disclosure clauses in the engagement letter. Independent professionals follow strict ethical standards, especially Chartered Accountants regulated by ICAI. Sensitive data is exchanged through secure channels and access is limited to those involved.

How are fees structured for independent professionals?

Fees can be structured as monthly retainers, fixed project fees, hourly rates, or success-linked fees, depending on the role. Independent directors and audit committee members are usually paid sitting fees and a commission within limits prescribed by law and the company's policy.

Can the same professional play multiple roles?

Subject to ICAI rules, Companies Act provisions, and conflict of interest considerations, a professional may take on multiple non-conflicting roles — for example, independent director on the board of one company and fractional CFO of an unrelated company. Conflicts have to be clearly avoided and disclosed.

What size of company benefits most from this model?

Startups, SMEs, family businesses, and growth-stage companies typically benefit the most, as they need senior expertise but cannot justify a full-time hire. Larger groups also engage independent professionals for special projects, governance roles, and matters requiring an objective, outside perspective.

Hire the Right Independent Professional

Get matched with vetted CFOs, independent directors, and senior advisors for the role and outcome you need.

Talk to Us