Four lease review levels for fractional CFOs
Fractional CFO firms can sell four lease review levels.
Each offer needs a file gate. List each output too. This keeps hidden work out of fixed scope.
See more accounting firm guides. Then set the offer.
AFP places planning and decision support inside finance partnering. Your offer should end with a client decision.
The 2024 CAS survey covers client advisory work. It does not define CAM offer levels.
Use four clear levels
The first level checks fit. The last level supports annual client work.
| Level | Client need | Required files | Firm output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen | Is review worth scoping? | Lease and CAM statement | Fit note and file gaps |
| One year | Does this statement match? | Full lease file and statement | Branded audit report |
| Many sites | Which files need action? | Site files and owner list | Site report and rollup |
| Yearly review | What repeats next year? | Prior file and new statement | Review log and reminder |
This stack is a firm framework. It is not market data. Your firm sets its own fees.
Set the entry gates
Do not start with a sales call. Start with file facts.
Ask for these items:
- The signed lease
- Every known amendment
- The CAM statement
- The statement delivery date
- The client's decision owner
Stop when the lease is missing. Stop when rights are unclear. Route legal questions to counsel.
The NOW CFO cost guide includes site costs. It does not define CAM scope. Your file gate must do that job.
Control scope changes
New facts can move work upward. Use a written scope change.
| New fact | Scope response |
|---|---|
| Another lease year appears | Add a year or hold it |
| More sites appear | Move to many sites |
| Backup is missing | Pause and request it |
| Legal rights are disputed | Send the issue to counsel |
| Next statement is due | Add the yearly review |
Do not let staff guess. Record the new fact. Then let the CFO approve scope.
Show the full client packet
A useful review ends with action. Give the client cited facts and a clear choice.
The client packet may include:
- A branded audit report
- Lease and statement cites
- Clear review items
- Open file requests
- A dispute letter draft
The letter is a draft for review. It is not legal advice. Have counsel review it before sending.
Test one client
Here is a made-up case. It is not a result.
Assume one client has three leased sites. One site has complete files. Two sites lack amendments.
Start the complete site at level two. Hold the other sites. Send one focused file request.
The CFO then picks the next scope. The sample promises no finding.
Build a clean client intake
Each offer needs its own file list. Keep that list short. A screen needs fewer files than a full review.
Use the document request SOP to set each level's request. Remove fields that do not change that level's decision.
Start with these records:
- The signed base lease
- Each signed lease change
- The current CAM statement
- Any backup already received
- The prior statement, if held
- The client goal
- The review owner
Ask for the signed files first. A lease summary can help staff find terms. It does not replace the signed lease.
Log each missing file. Do not fill gaps from memory. A missing lease change can alter caps or exclusions.
Use one request for each offer level. This keeps a small screen from growing without a new scope.
Name the stop rule
The stop rule protects the fee and the client.
Use these four checks before work starts:
| Check | Stop when |
|---|---|
| Source check | The signed lease is missing |
| Period check | The CAM year is not clear |
| Scope check | More sites or years appear |
| Advice check | A legal view is needed |
The CFO can reopen a stopped file. First, record the new fact. Then approve the new offer level.
Do not hide extra work inside the first fee. Send a short scope note. Name the added files and output.
Run the review handoff
Staff can prepare the file. The CFO still owns the client answer.
Use this five-step handoff:
- Staff lists every source file.
- Staff marks each lease and statement line.
- Staff marks math and judgment calls.
- The CFO checks each review item.
- The CFO picks the client action.
Apply the source cite rules at step two. Use the quality control rubric at step four.
The review-and-sign model sets the boundary between steps four and five. Staff prepares the facts. The CFO owns the answer.
The work paper should show what is known. It should also show what is missing. Keep both parts in the same packet.
If the file has no review item, save that result. A clean record still proves what the firm checked.
If the file needs counsel, send facts only. Counsel owns the legal view. The CFO keeps that view apart from the audit record.
Save one signed packet
Save the source files with the final output. Add the scope note and open file list. Add the signed client note too.
That packet helps with the next CAM year. It also shows why the firm changed levels or fees.
Check these points before close:
- Every review item has two source cites.
- The math can be run again.
- Missing proof stays visible.
- The client action is clear.
- The CFO has signed the output.
Keep the partner signoff sheet with that packet. It records who approved the level, output, and client action.
Where CAMAudit fits
After the file gate, use CAMAudit at level two.
Fractional CFO firms send the lease and statement.
It can flag review items and cite source lines.
CAMAudit builds the branded CAM audit. Your CFO uses a review-and-sign step.
CAMAudit can then prepare a dispute letter draft.
Your firm must review the draft. It is not legal advice. Have counsel review before sending.
Put the stack to work
First, score your client book. Then add the client review calendar.
Visit the fractional CFO hub. See the fractional CFO page. Then use the service line guide.