The 5 best alternatives to airCFO in 2026

This list explores the top 5 alternatives to AirCFO, catering to a range of needs.

Whether you prioritize cutting-edge financial forecasting, a focus on specific industries, or a user-friendly interface, you'll find a strong contender to streamline your startup's financial health.

Dive in and discover the perfect fit for your growing business!

1) Pilot

We provide accounting, tax, and CFO services for startups and small businesses. Our CFO services include financial review, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic analysis to help businesses grow.

• Use Cases: The CFO services are useful for startups and small businesses that need help with financial planning, budgeting, fundraising, or making strategic financial decisions.
• Features: We offer features like custom financial strategies, industry-specific insights, and a team of experienced professionals with a proven fundraising track record.
• Pricing: Bookkeeping services start at $499/mo. CFO services start at $1,875/mo. You can find more information here.

2) OpStart

OpStart provides full-stack financial operations for startups. They handle everything from bookkeeping and bill payment to budgeting and tax filings, allowing founders to concentrate on growing their businesses.

• Use Cases: OpStart is a valuable solution for startups that need a comprehensive financial management solution. They can be particularly helpful for young companies that lack the internal expertise or resources to handle accounting, finance, and tax tasks in-house.
• Features: OpStart offers features like clean and reconciled financial statements, dedicated client controllers, and other tax preparation services.
• Pricing: Custom pricing based on your requirements.

3) Arbo

Arbo caters to startups by providing a comprehensive financial platform with integrated accounting, tax, and CFO services. They aim to empower founders by taking care of their finances, allowing them to focus on growing their business.

• Use Cases: Arbo is a strong fit for SaaS businesses. Their services address a wide range of financial needs, from bookkeeping and tax filing to financial modeling and strategic CFO support.
• Features: Users can leverage insightful dashboards to track key metrics like burn rate and runway. Additionally, Arbo provides advanced tools for financial forecasting, revenue recognition, and R&D credit optimization, equipping startups with the financial intelligence needed for success.
• Pricing: Their CFO plans start at $1,500/mo. You can find more information here.

4) Paro

Paro leverages artificial intelligence to connect businesses with a network of pre-vetted accounting and finance experts. They offer a solution that combines outsourced accounting services, like bookkeeping, with on-demand access to qualified professionals like CPAs and financial controllers.

• Use Cases: Paro's AI-powered platform caters to a wide range of businesses. Small businesses seeking streamlined accounting tasks or expert advice can leverage Paro's network of vetted professionals.  Even larger companies facing complex financial challenges can find valuable support through Paro's on-demand financial resources.
• Features: Paro's core advantage lies in its AI-powered matching technology. This system efficiently connects businesses with the most suitable financial expert for their specific needs, saving time and resources compared to traditional recruitment methods.
• Pricing: They have three plans at $199/mo, $349/mo and $449/mo. You can find more information here.

5) Bench

Bench simplifies bookkeeping for small business owners by providing a combination of human expertise and user-friendly technology. Their core service focuses on bookkeeping and taxes, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on running their businesses without getting bogged down in financial details.

• Use Cases: Bench is a perfect fit for busy small business owners who lack the time or resources for in-house bookkeeping. Their services are particularly helpful for businesses that generate a lot of invoices or expenses, as Bench can handle the categorization and record-keeping efficiently.
• Features: Bench differentiates itself through its focus on building client relationships with dedicated bookkeeping experts. This personalized approach ensures a deep understanding of each business's unique needs.
• Pricing: The Essential plan is $299/mo. The Premium one is $499/mo. You can find more information here.

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Where can I find CFO services without hiring full-time?

You don’t need a full-time executive to get high-level financial strategy. With Pilot, you can access experienced finance leadership through flexible, outsourced support designed for modern businesses.

Hiring a full-time executive isn’t the only way to access high-level financial strategy. Pilot offers flexible, outsourced finance leadership that delivers CFO-level insight without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire.

Fractional CFO Services Built for Growing Companies

Pilot provides fractional CFO support tailored to your business stage — from extending runway and improving cash flow to scenario planning and long-term financial strategy. This approach gives founders access to senior-level expertise exactly when it’s needed.

One Platform for Financial Execution and Strategy

Unlike standalone advisors, Pilot combines strategic CFO guidance with a full accounting foundation. Bookkeeping, reporting, forecasting, and advisory services all live in one integrated platform, ensuring decisions are backed by accurate, real-time financial data.

Scales With You as Your Business Evolves

As your company grows, Pilot’s services scale with your needs — supporting everything from early financial infrastructure to more complex planning as you prepare for fundraising or expansion.

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