Controller vs. CFO: What Does Your Ag Business Actually Need?

Does your ag business actually need a CFO — or is a great controller the smarter move right now?In this solo episode, Mason Brady breaks down one of the most common questions he gets from growing ag operations: what’s the real difference between a controller and a CFO, and how do you know which one your business actually needs? Mason walks through the distinct roles, what great looks like in each seat, and the revenue and complexity thresholds that should guide your decision — including when fractional makes more sense than full-time.Topics We Cover(0:00) – Why ag businesses ask the controller vs. CFO question(3:35) – What a great controller actually does(5:30) – Controller vs. accounting manager vs. bookkeeper(7:54) – What a CFO focuses on that a controller doesn’t(9:00) – Budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management(9:47) – Managing bank and third-party relationships(13:28) – Big-picture decisions: acquisitions, expansion, financing(15:00) – The $20M revenue threshold and what it means(17:26) – When entity complexity changes the equation(20:18) – Fractional vs. full-time: how to decide(21:16) – Getting the right fit — and not overspending on overheadLinks & Resources🌐 Brady CFO: https://bradycfo.com/🎙️ Connect with Mason Brady: https://www.linkedin.com/in/masonbrady/Built to Grow is the podcast for agribusiness owners who want to grow valuable enterprises. Every episode brings you real financial leadership and business strategy built specifically for farming, food, and ag-based businesses. Follow, rate, review, and share. Questions or topic ideas? Reach out at [email protected]