Plan CAM capacity before Q1
Build the client queue during Q4.
List likely files. Add each date range. Save staff time and CFO time. Promise work only when analysis and signoff fit.
AFP treats analysis and partnering as separate skills. Your capacity plan should separate them too.
Build one client list
Start with client facts. Do not start with a file count target.
Track these fields:
- Client name
- Leased site count
- Expected statement range
- Lease review deadline
- File readiness
- Analyst owner
- CFO signer
- Client decision date
Unknown dates need a source note. Use a range when needed.
Check the fractional CFO growth pillar before adding work. Keep clients that fit the firm's growth plan.
Split five work lanes
One file uses more than analysis time.
| Lane | Work owner | Planning input |
|---|---|---|
| File intake | Coordinator | Firm estimate |
| Base review | Analyst | Measured firm time |
| Exceptions | Senior reviewer | Expected case range |
| Signoff | Fractional CFO | Reserved calendar time |
| Client call | Fractional CFO | Reserved calendar time |
Firm figures are inputs. They are not product timing claims.
The Wiss guide keeps books apart from CFO choices. It gives no CAM staff ratio.
Model three cases
Do not use one forecast. Build three.
Ready case
Files arrive on time. Amendments are complete. Few issues need senior review.
Expected case
Some files arrive late. A few need backup. Signoff follows the normal calendar.
Constrained case
Many dates move. Files are incomplete. CFO signoff time becomes the main limit.
Label every input. Add measured firm data later.
The CFO Advisors article plans for peak seasons. It does not prove CAM capacity.
Set four response rules
Use clear rules before the queue fills.
| Capacity state | Firm response |
|---|---|
| Analysis and signer time open | Accept the file |
| Analysis time full | Move or add approved help |
| Signer time full | Delay the commitment |
| File not ready | Hold and request files |
Do not use a slot without the lease. Keep the client informed. Do not promise a fixed review time.
Walk one forecast
This is a planning case. Use your own inputs.
Assume eight possible files. Five have complete leases. Three lack amendments.
Reserve review time for five files. Hold the other three. Keep signer time for the five ready files.
If late files become ready, use the response rules. Do not hide them inside the active queue.
Turn the plan into a weekly board
The yearly plan needs one weekly view. Give each possible file one row.
Track these items:
- Client name
- Site name
- Expected CAM year
- File state
- Staff owner
- CFO signer
- Client need date
- Next action
Use a date range when timing is not known. Add the source for that range. Do not turn a guess into a client promise.
Keep held files off the active work list. They still need a row. Mark the missing proof and the person who will ask for it.
Check files before January
Run one file check during Q4. Do not wait for the CAM statement.
Ask these questions:
- Does the firm hold the signed lease?
- Does it hold each lease change?
- Who will send the CAM statement?
- Which CAM year should arrive next?
- Does the client have prior backup?
- Who owns the client call?
- Who will sign the final work?
A file can stay on the plan with gaps. It should not take active review time yet.
Send one short file request. Name each missing record. Set the next check date.
Use the document request SOP for that request. Keep the row waiting until each required source arrives.
Protect the CFO calendar
Staff time is not the only limit. Every result needs CFO review.
Review the fractional CFO page before setting signer time. It shows the firm-led client path.
Block signoff time before client dates fill the week. Keep one slot for a hard file. Do not book that slot with routine calls.
Use a clear file state:
| State | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Planned | Client and year are known |
| Waiting | A source file is missing |
| Ready | Files and owners are set |
| In review | Staff work has started |
| Signoff | CFO review is due |
| Closed | The client action is logged |
Move the row only when its facts change. That rule keeps the board honest.
Add the partner signoff sheet at signoff.
The review-and-sign model keeps staff work apart. The CFO still owns the client choice.
Run one short queue check
Meet once each week during the busy season. Use the board as the whole agenda.
Ask five things:
- Which file became ready?
- Which file lost a needed source?
- Which staff lane is full?
- Which CFO slot must move?
- Which client needs a new date?
Do not solve legal questions in this meeting. Send those facts to counsel. Keep the open question in the file row.
Record every move. Name the old date and new date. This gives the CFO a clean client answer.
Check each item against the source cite rules.
Run the quality control rubric before closing the source file.
Close the season with proof
Save the source set, work paper, signed report, and client note. Add the next CAM year to the board.
Compare the plan with the closed work. Count ready files and held files. Note which role set the main limit.
Use only your firm's own facts. This review is not a market benchmark. It helps make the next Q4 plan more useful.
Keep each signed control sheet. Use it to find the tight work lane.
If demand repeats, use the service line guide. Set next season's roles before taking client work.
Where CAMAudit fits
Use CAMAudit in the source analysis lane.
Fractional CFO firms send each ready lease and statement.
CAMAudit flags review items with fixed math rules.
Each item cites its source line.
CAMAudit builds the branded CAM audit. The CFO uses a review-and-sign step.
A dispute letter draft may follow. It is for your review.
It is not legal advice. Have counsel review before sending.
Finish the Q4 plan
Score the client book. Then choose the offer level.
Add the annual review calendar. Browse the accounting hub.