Question 1

What is a fractional CTO?

Accepted Answer

A fractional CTO — or technology advisor — is an experienced technology leader who works with your business on a part-time or retainer basis. Rather than hiring someone full-time, you get strategic technology guidance, decision-making support, and oversight scoped to what your business actually needs. CJI Systems provides technology advisory in this model: we don't replace a CTO you don't have — we provide the advisory that keeps your technology decisions sound, your compliance clean, and your direction clear.

Question 2

How is CJI Systems different from our IT support provider (MSP)?

Accepted Answer

Your MSP keeps your technology running day-to-day — fixing issues, managing devices, handling helpdesk requests. That's valuable, but it's reactive. CJI Systems operates at a completely different level: we think about where your technology needs to be in 12, 24, and 36 months, and we help you make the decisions that get you there safely. We're not competing with your MSP — we're the strategic layer above them.

Question 3

Do I need a fractional CTO or a full-time CTO?

Accepted Answer

If your firm has 20–80 staff, you almost certainly don't need a full-time CTO. A full-time CTO is designed for businesses building products or managing large technical teams. What you need is expert technology advisory — someone who can guide your decisions, manage your vendors, keep you compliant, and align your technology with your business goals. CJI Systems provides exactly that, without the overhead of a senior hire.

Question 4

How much does a fractional CTO cost in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

CJI Systems engagements start with a Technology Roadmap, priced from $3,000 NZD (simple environments) to $10,000 NZD (high complexity). Ongoing retainers range from $2,000/month (light touch, monthly advisory) to $10,000+/month (embedded CTO, weekly presence). Every engagement is scoped to your organisation's size, technology complexity, and the level of involvement required.

Question 5

What is a Technology Roadmap and what does it include?

Accepted Answer

A Technology Roadmap is a documented plan that maps your current technology environment to where it needs to be — with a prioritised set of actions to get there. CJI Systems roadmaps cover: a current-state technology assessment, risk and compliance gap analysis, target-state recommendations, and a prioritised action plan with indicative costs. It's delivered in 3–4 weeks and presented to your leadership team. Every CJI Systems engagement starts with a Roadmap.

Question 6

What happens on a Strategy Call?

Accepted Answer

A Strategy Call is a free, no-obligation 45–60 minute conversation. We'll discuss your business, your current technology environment, your team, and where you're trying to get to. You'll leave with a clear picture of where your technology stands and what the right next steps look like — even if you decide not to proceed with CJI Systems.

Question 7

What industries does CJI Systems work with?

Accepted Answer

CJI Systems works primarily with NZ professional services firms — accounting, legal, financial services, insurance, and health. These are sectors with real compliance obligations and technology environments that have typically grown faster than their strategy.

Question 8

We already have an IT support provider — do we still need CJI Systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and we're designed to work alongside your MSP, not replace them. Your MSP handles the day-to-day. CJI Systems provides the strategic advisory layer above them: which systems to invest in, how to sequence technology decisions, what your compliance posture looks like, and how to align your technology with your business as it grows. Most of our clients have excellent MSPs — they just don't have anyone providing independent strategic guidance on where the technology needs to go.

Question 9

What compliance obligations does CJI Systems understand?

Accepted Answer

CJI Systems has direct experience working inside organisations operating under FMA (Financial Markets Authority), RBNZ (Reserve Bank of New Zealand) prudential standards, the Privacy Act 2020, and Civil Aviation Authority requirements. If your firm is regulated, we already understand your obligations — we don't need to get up to speed.

Question 10

How do I know if I'm ready for a fractional CTO?

Accepted Answer

You're probably ready if: your technology has grown faster than your strategy; you're making technology decisions without a technical frame of reference; you have an audit or compliance review coming up; you're onboarding enterprise clients who ask about your technology posture; or you're spending money on IT without being sure it's going to the right places. If any of these sound familiar, a Strategy Call is the right first step.

Question 11

Do you work outside Auckland?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CJI Systems is Auckland-based but works with firms nationally. Strategy Calls and advisory sessions are conducted remotely, and on-site visits can be arranged where needed.

Frequently asked questions