Our story

Outsourced CFO (OCFO) started with a simple belief. Founders deserve practical financial support that helps them grow with confidence.

After choosing not to go into audit after completing their articles, Louw Barnardt and Dana Pretorius started Outsourced CFO from two desks at the Bandwidth Barn in Cape Town in 2013. This came after seeing how many founder teams needed hands-on financial expertise, stronger systems and the right technology to navigate the realities of scaling. Since then, the business has grown into a team of 120+ professionals who have supported over 1,400 organisations around the world.

Built on long-standing friendships and a shared passion for finance, technology and entrepreneurship, OCFO continues to grow alongside the founders and businesses it works with – combining deep financial expertise with a practical, people-first approach.

Making an Impact

From its South African roots, OCFO has grown into a global financial advisory firm with a presence in Cape Town, London and New York. Today, we support more than 1,400 organisations across over 25 industries and in more than 35 countries. We help founders and ambitious businesses build world-class finance functions to realise the impact of their vision.

Our work spans the entire finance function: from Cloud Accounting and Fractional CFO Services, to Talent Solutions, Capital Raising and bespoke engagements such as Offshoring and White-Label Solutions.

Alongside our clients, we have helped raise more than $100 million in growth finance. We have received remarkable industry recognition along the way, including Best Finance Partner for Scaling Businesses, a Global CFO Excellence Award, Xero Partner of the Year South Africa, Xero Bookkeeping Partner USA and the Top Shared Service Centre by CapeBPO, among others.

the lekker connection

OCFO exists to help entrepreneurs succeed, so being part of a network that celebrates South Africans doing meaningful work and creating opportunity around the world is a natural fit.

What we love about The Lekker Network is the spirit and energy of the community: the “how can I help you” ethos that brings together people who are proudly South African, globally minded and committed to building things that matter. Connecting with founders, business leaders and professionals, sharing practical financial insights and championing South African excellence is core to OCFO’s DNA and a big part of what drives us.

Location

Cape Town

South African impact vision

We believe entrepreneurs are one of South Africa’s greatest assets. When founders build strong businesses, they create jobs, catalyse opportunity and strengthen the economy.

Our vision is to help more South African businesses realise that potential by supporting them with numbers they can rely on, systems that scale, and the financial clarity and strategic support needed to grow with confidence. In doing so, we hope to contribute to a future where South African talent and enterprise continue to thrive both locally and on the global stage.

Fun Facts

Totally global: We are proud members of EO, the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation, a global network for entrepreneurs.

Other projects: We are involved in two non-profit initiatives: Founders Events and Founders Foundation.

“Our focus is to help entrepreneurs succeed, because when they do, they create jobs, growth and a lasting impact. We are proud to support their journey with the financial clarity and expertise needed to successfully scale, unlock opportunity and change lives.”

Michael Botha

Executive Head of Growth

Our services

Cloud Accounting

Delivered through dedicated teams of accounting specialists that keep your bookkeeping accurate, tax and compliance up to date, and reporting timely and ready for decision-making.

CFO Services

Move beyond accounting with strategic insight, financial foresight and a trusted advisor at the table with our fractional CFOs. Our CFO Service also includes Capital Raising Services and Programmes for corporate entities.

Talent Solutions

Along with Interim and permanent finance talent placement, our Talent Solutions covers more bespoke offerings, such as offshoring, white-label solutions, and enterprise solutions for larger organisations.

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We work with ambitious SMEs and growing businesses that need strong financial foundations to scale well. Our role is to bring structure, clarity and practical support to the finance function so that founders and executive teams can make better decisions and build with confidence.

Many businesses are not yet ready for a full-time senior finance hire, but they still need the quality of thinking and technical support that an experienced finance professional brings. That is where OCFO fits in. We offer the right level of finance support at the right stage of growth, tailored to the needs of each business.

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our vision & values

At Outsourced CFO, we impact society by helping entrepreneurs succeed. We do this by providing CFO, cloud accounting and talent solutions that help businesses scale and realise the full potential of their vision. We believe successful entrepreneurs create jobs, drive growth and make a lasting social impact. That belief sits at the heart of everything we do.

The way we work matters just as much as the work itself. Our values shape how we show up for our clients, our team and the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are guided by Family First, because we believe in creating environments where people can flourish. We aim for Excellence in Everything, doing our work to a standard we are proud for the world to see. We believe Integrity Matters, especially when no one is watching. We value Switched On Thinking, with a positive bias towards solving problems well. And we believe in Growth and Success, because when people grow, they have more to give.

We are equally passionate about creating meaningful work and exciting career paths for exceptional finance professionals. In the end, our vision is not only to help businesses grow, but to do it in a way that is thoughtful, values-led and built for lasting impact.