Nick Sampson presenting Bookkeeper vs. Controller vs. CFO: A Review of the Accounting Spectrum with Maine IFOB

Every thriving business needs the right financial leadership at the right time. This session will help family-owned and closely held businesses gain clarity on the key financial roles that keep companies running smoothly—Bookkeeper, Controller, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Each level on the spectrum builds on the last. You can’t develop strong financial strategy without clean books, and you can’t scale without strong systems and controls. Understanding this progression helps business owners know when to elevate roles, outsource strategically, or bring in new expertise as the company grows.

Our specialists will break down what each role entails, when to hire or outsource these functions, and how they work together to strengthen financial stability and fuel growth. Whether you’re wearing multiple hats yourself or ready to build out a team, this session will give you the insight and structure to take your financial strategy from running a business and knowing your check book to stepping up to the next level.

What You’ll Learn:

• The core responsibilities of a Bookkeeper, Controller, and CFO—and where they overlap or differ.
• When growing businesses should add or elevate financial leadership roles.
• How strategic financial planning supports scaling and long-term sustainability.
• Practical steps to assess your current financial structure and plan for what’s next.
• How to align financial roles with your business goals, cash flow, and growth stage.