From Corporate Finance to Fractional Freedom: The Story of Heather Jackson and Interlink CFO

By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo

In this empowering episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with Heather Jackson, Owner of Interlink CFO, to discuss her leap from corporate finance to entrepreneurship—and how she’s helping businesses across Western New York gain clarity, confidence, and control of their financial futures. Heather’s story is one of courage, reinvention, and the belief that growth happens when you take the leap, even when it’s scary.

A Lifelong Passion for Business
Heather’s path to entrepreneurship began long before she ever stepped into a boardroom. “I knew I wanted to own a business in high school,” she shared. “I took every business class I could, started learning accounting as a junior, and even did an internship in entrepreneurship.”

After earning her degree and building a successful career in finance and operations, Heather worked her way through leadership roles including Controller and Director of Operations. She even managed a software development company, overseeing a 24-hour operation and teams of highly skilled professionals. “Every role was preparing me for this,” she said. “I just didn’t know it yet.”

Taking the Leap: From Paychecks to Purpose
After more than two decades in corporate finance, Heather realized it was time to bet on herself. “I had spent 20, 25 years doing the same thing for the same business. It was time for something new,” she said. With her kids grown and her skill set finely tuned, she left the stability of a paycheck behind to launch Interlink CFO—and on her first day as a business owner, the weight of that decision hit hard.

“I sat in my home office and thought, ‘Oh my gosh, what did I just do?’” she laughed. “In another week, I wasn’t going to have a paycheck.”

Her first challenge? Learning marketing and sales. “I’m an accountant by trade,” she admitted. “Not a salesperson.” So she started from scratch—building her own website, creating a brand, and pounding the pavement to network face-to-face. “I’m old-school with business cards,” she said. “Networking changed everything.”

Interlink CFO: A Strategic Partner for Growth
Today, Interlink CFO helps small to mid-sized businesses optimize their finances and operations by providing fractional CFO services—offering high-level financial strategy without the full-time cost. “We oversee finances, yes, but we also look at the business as a whole,” Heather explained. “Operations, budgeting, processes—they all need to align with the numbers.”

Her hands-on approach sets her apart. “I’m not afraid to get into the weeds,” she said. “I spend time onsite, working side by side with owners to understand what’s really happening.” That deep dive often uncovers hidden inefficiencies and opportunities for growth.

Many of her clients are in manufacturing, construction, or nonprofit sectors, where she helps leaders navigate complex financial systems, job costing, and grant management. “Every business has pain points,” Heather said. “I love being the strategic partner who helps them work through them.”

From Cleanups to Clarity
When Heather first steps into a new engagement, she often starts with a cleanup phase—fixing systems, tightening reconciliations, and getting accurate data on the table. “Once things are clean, we can have real conversations about strategy,” she explained.

Her experience managing technology and operations means she’s equally comfortable advising on software systems, ERP upgrades, and process automation. “I help bridge the gap between accounting and technology,” she said. “Sometimes a few small fixes make a huge impact.”

Scaling Smart: The Next Chapter
After three years of steady growth, Heather’s biggest pain point now is scaling. “My next step is hiring,” she said. “I’m looking for a mini version of me—someone I can mentor and grow into a future CFO.”

While she uses a virtual assistant for administrative support, her goal is to build a small, hands-on team focused on long-term client partnerships. “I don’t want to get big for the sake of getting big,” she explained. “I like working closely with clients and with my team. Ten people—that’s my sweet spot.”

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
In addition to client work, Heather serves as a SCORE Mentor, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through the early stages of business planning. “I love helping people who have that spark but don’t know where to start,” she said. Her advice? “Start with a plan. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you need to know your budget, your operations, your marketing, and your people.”

She also encourages new business owners to embrace outsourcing. “You don’t have to do it all,” she emphasized. “Outsource your accounting, HR, or marketing if needed. Build your own team of experts—that’s how you grow smart.”

Advice for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
For established companies, Heather stresses the importance of consistency and visibility in financial management. “Make sure your books are reconciled monthly, not quarterly,” she said. “Looking at March financials in June doesn’t help you make decisions.”

She also recommends maintaining a weekly cash forecast. “You can’t manage what you can’t see,” she said. “Knowing where your cash is going allows you to act quickly, pay off debt, and plan growth.”

A Mission Rooted in Partnership
For Heather, Interlink CFO isn’t just about numbers—it’s about empowerment. “I want business owners to feel confident, informed, and in control,” she said. “I’m not just their accountant—I’m their partner.”