Hire a fractional CFO for your China entity from USD 4,500 per month — outsourced CFO services for foreign-invested companies. This 2026 guide explains how MSA Asia delivers cash management, audit prep, board reporting, and finance leadership without a full-time hire.
Hire a fractional CFO for your China entity
Access senior financial leadership in China without a full-time hire. Our virtual and outsourced CFO service delivers strategic financial planning, cash flow management, and board-ready reporting — tailored to foreign-invested enterprises.
Access to expert financial guidance is crucial for success, but not every company has the resources for a full-time CFO. Moreover, some businesses may require interim support while awaiting the onboarding of a new CFO. Our outsourced CFO services offer a cost-effective solution, providing the strategic financial leadership and expertise of an experienced CFO on a flexible, as-needed basis. Whether you’re a small to medium-sized business or experiencing rapid growth, our outsourced CFO services deliver the insights and support necessary to maintain financial stability for your company in China.
CFO Services
Service
Description
Interim CFO
Our Interim CFO services provide experienced financial leadership on a temporary basis. This solution is ideal for companies facing transitions, such as a sudden departure of a CFO, a period of rapid growth, or the need for specialized financial expertise for a specific project. Our interim CFO seamlessly integrates into your team, providing strategic financial guidance, managing financial operations, and ensuring business continuity while you search for a permanent replacement or complete your project.
Permanent CFO
Our permanent outsourced CFO services provide ongoing strategic financial leadership and expertise without the cost of a full-time, in-house CFO. This solution is ideal for businesses seeking consistent, high-level financial guidance but may not yet have the need or resources for a dedicated CFO. Our permanent outsourced CFO acts as an integral part of your team, providing strategic insights, managing financial operations, and helping you achieve long-term financial goals
Restructuring
We can help you improve your financial standing by restructuring debt, streamlining operations, or adjusting your company’s organizational structure to limit financial exposure.
Crisis Management
Our Interim CFO develops and implements strategies to navigate financial crises, minimizing disruption and ensuring business continuity and stability.
Implementation of ERP systems
We can assist you in strategically planning and executing your ERP implementation to maximize digital finance transformation and operational efficiency.
Send us your question and we will answer within 24 hours.
Message →
Benefits of our CFO Services
As the hiring process of a permanent internal CFO may be time-consuming, or the hiring of a local CFO does not make economic sense, our tailormade and comprehensive approach brings several benefits to our clients:
Experience: Benefit from more than a decade of experience managing the finances of an international companies in China. We understand the specific challenges you face as a foreign investor.
International: We offer multilingual communication in English, German, French, Dutch, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese.
Flexible: Get the CFO support you need, when you need it. Our flexible services range from short-term and interim to project-based and long-term engagements.
Cost-effective: Our outsourced CFO services offer a cost-effective alternative to the expense of hiring a full-time CFO or assigning personnel from headquarters.
Interim CFO
An Interim CFO is a seasoned financial executive with over 15 years of experience who can step in to lead your company’s finance function on a temporary basis. Interim CFOs provide essential leadership during transitions, addressing specific challenges and offering strategic guidance while the organization searches for a permanent CFO.
Fractional CFO
A fractional CFO provides high-level financial leadership to companies on a part-time or project basis. Unlike a full-time CFO, they work with multiple clients simultaneously, offering strategic guidance and expertise without the costs associated with a full-time salary and benefits.
Outsourced CFO
An outsourced CFO functions as a CFO on your team, but instead of being a full-time employee, they are an external partner. This arrangement allows clients to access high-level financial expertise and strategic guidance without the costs and commitment of hiring a full-time CFO.
“Widget”: “Expert financial leadership, on demand. Our interim CFOs deliver strategic insights and drive results.”
Experiencing a leadership gap in your finance department? We can help. Our CFO services are here to provide immediate support and guidance.
Schedule a call today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not ready for a full-time CFO in China? Below are the questions we are asked most often about MSA’s part-time and outsourced CFO services.
What is included in MSA's CFO service?
A senior finance professional takes ownership of your China finance function: budgeting and forecasting, management reporting in group GAAP, internal controls, cash flow management, tax optimisation, board and investor reporting, and oversight of the accounting, tax and audit teams.
When should I hire an outsourced CFO rather than a full-time one?
Outsourced or part-time CFO works best for foreign companies with revenue up to around USD 30 million or with complex but part-time finance needs — M&A, restructuring, turnaround, pre-IPO preparation, fund-raising or setting up a new entity. It provides senior expertise without the cost of a full expat package.
Does the CFO work on-site or remotely?
Both. MSA's CFOs split time between on-site presence in your China office and remote work from our Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong or Singapore offices. Typical engagements are 2 to 10 days per month, adjusted as the business grows.
Can the CFO manage multiple legal entities in China or Asia?
Yes. Many clients use a single MSA CFO to oversee WFOEs, branch offices, a Hong Kong holding company and other Asian entities — consolidating reporting, standardising internal controls and aligning tax across the group.
How does the CFO coordinate with our HQ finance team?
We deliver monthly management accounts in your group format (IFRS, US GAAP or parent-specific), join group review calls, align on KPIs and budgets, and ensure the local team follows HQ policies. In effect, the MSA CFO represents HQ finance on the ground in China.
Is my data safe when using an outsourced CFO?
Yes. All engagements are covered by strict confidentiality agreements, access is limited to named MSA professionals, and sensitive data is handled on secure systems. MSA has supported confidential M&A, pre-IPO and restructuring projects for listed groups and family offices since 2011.
MSA is one of the most customer friendly incorporation firms in China. They took the time to understand our business and key objectives, then tailored the whole incorporation process accordingly.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
EOR & HR
Can Highly Recommend MSA!
MSA has been outstanding in providing comprehensive EOR services. Their team is incredibly knowledgeable about local employment laws and regulations, ensuring full compliance at all times.
RH
Rick H.
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Positive Experiences with MSA Throughout Whole Process
MSA was great to work with during the process of setting up our representative office in Shanghai. They were always responsive, clearly explained all required steps, and kept us on schedule.
JD
Jim D.
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Excellent Service for Company Incorporation and Compliance
We needed to set up a WFOE in China quickly to meet an important client deadline. MSA handled the entire process from start to finish, including registration, bank account setup, and initial compliance.
LN
Lisa N.
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
Help with Tax Matters in Malaysia
MSA's tax advisory team helped us navigate a complex cross-border tax situation between China and Malaysia. Their advice was practical and always tailored to our specific business structure.
VU
Katherine B.
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
Excellent Experience with MSA, 100% Recommended
From the very first consultation, MSA demonstrated deep expertise in Asia business services. They helped us restructure our regional operations for better tax efficiency.
VU
Jeanne Y.
Verified on G2
4.5/5
Advisory
Global Standards, China Know-How
We were looking for a partner that understood both international standards and local Chinese business practices. MSA turned out to be exactly that kind of partner.
TG
Tom G.
Verified on G2
5/5
EOR & HR
Entering HK and China First via EOR Then Setting Up Our Subsidiary
MSA helped us enter the Chinese and Hong Kong markets quickly through their EOR service, while simultaneously handling the full subsidiary setup process.
SS
Sinan S.
Verified on G2
5/5
EOR & HR
Our Experience with EOR Services Switching to MSA
Switching our EOR services to MSA was one of the best decisions we made. The transition was seamless, and we saw immediate improvements in both service quality and cost efficiency.
VU
Dennis K.
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
MSA Promised and Delivered Effortless Transition
When we decided to switch our accounting and compliance services to MSA, we were nervous about the transition. MSA made it completely stress-free with a clear migration plan.
VC
Victoria C.
Verified on G2
5/5
EOR & HR
We Did Payroll Optimization with MSA, Worked Like a Charm
Our payroll processes across multiple Asian entities were fragmented and inefficient. MSA consolidated everything into a streamlined system that reduced errors significantly.
CY
Chris Y.
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
Tax Declaration and Accounting Support, + IFRS Reporting
MSA handles all our tax declarations and accounting in China with exceptional accuracy. Their team also provides IFRS-compliant reporting which simplifies our global consolidation.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
EOR & HR
MSA Onboarded Our Team via PEO: Can Recommend Absolutely!
We needed to quickly onboard a team of 5 engineers in China without having a local entity. MSA's PEO solution was perfect — fully compliant and operational within 2 weeks.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
Our Go-To Partner for Solving Tax and Cashflow Issues
MSA has been our go-to partner whenever we face tax or cashflow challenges in China. Their proactive approach means they often identify issues before they become problems.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
4.5/5
Advisory
Dedicated Service Solving Issues
What stands out about MSA is their dedicated approach to problem-solving. When we had a complex visa issue for one of our employees, they worked tirelessly until it was resolved.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
Tax Optimisation in China
MSA's tax optimization strategies saved our company a significant amount in our China operations. Their team identified several tax incentives we were eligible for but hadn't been claiming.
WH
Wilson H.
Verified on G2
4.5/5
Tax & Accounting
Cost Savings Through Accounting- and Tax Restructuring
We engaged MSA to review our accounting and tax structure in China. Their recommendations led to substantial cost savings while keeping us fully compliant with local regulations.
ES
Edouardo S.
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Nanjing Company Incorporation
Setting up our company in Nanjing was made straightforward by MSA. They handled all the local government interactions, documentation, and registration processes efficiently.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
4.5/5
Tax & Accounting
We Liquidated One of Our Subsidiaries in China with MSA
Liquidating a Chinese subsidiary is notoriously complex. MSA managed the entire process professionally, handling tax clearances, employee settlements, and deregistration.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Excellent Help with Setting Up WFOE in Shanghai
MSA provided excellent support throughout our WFOE setup in Shanghai. They were transparent about timelines, costs, and requirements from the very beginning.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Establishment of Our RO with Guidance of MSA
We wanted to explore the Chinese market but were not ready to set up a full company. MSA guided us in making the right choice based on our company's activities and goals.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
MSA Went Far and Beyond During Our WFOE Set-Up in China
Interest, response time, diverse cultural backgrounds, and assistance in different languages made our WFOE setup experience exceptional.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
MSA Set Up Our WFOE in Shanghai and Works from Our Accounting System
Clear advice and instructions during the setup. And the ability to work in our accounting environment, so we can easily consolidate the financials at headquarters level.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
MSA Helped Setting Up Our Subsidiary in China
We saw business opportunities in China and were debating whether to set up a company. Due to the excellent guidance of MSA we were able to successfully establish our subsidiary.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Tax & Accounting
Our Go-To for China Tax Issues and Support
Responsive and proactive team that listens to our issues and comes with practical and quick solutions.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Great Support Setting Up WFOE in Beijing
Ability to speak Dutch, clear and fast communication, and guidance and advice along the way made the process smooth.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Advisory
Great Backoffice Support
They require very little input from our side, but if we need some clarifications, they are quick to respond.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Advisory
Fast and Easy Entry to China
Communication was very fast and easy, services clearly communicated. MSA made our market entry straightforward.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Starting Our JV in China with the Support of MSA
Knowledge, responsiveness, and cultural understanding made MSA an invaluable partner for our joint venture setup.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Advisory
Great Partner to Complement Our Own Service Portfolio
They add value to our customers while respecting that we are the primary contact for them.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Incorporation
Great Assistance During Company Incorporation in China!
Professional expertise and English proficiency made the entire incorporation process smooth and efficient.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
5/5
Advisory
Great Support in China
They cover also smaller cities in China, providing excellent support regardless of location.
VU
Verified User
Verified on G2
1,500+ Companies Served · Since 2011 · 9 Asian Markets
Talk to a China Business Specialist
Get tailored guidance from a China & APAC specialist — not a sales rep. We’ll respond within 24 hours with a clear action plan for your business.
