Frank does cutting-edge work ahead of time (6)
I believe the answer is:
honest
'frank' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'does cutting-edge work ahead of time' is the wordplay.
'does cutting edge work' becomes 'hones' (to hone is to grind or cut the edges of something).
'ahead of time' becomes 't' (I've seen this in other clues).
'hones'+'t'='HONEST'
(Other definitions for honest that I've seen before include "Fair and just, not crooked" , "Truthful and dependable" , "Virtuous" , "Direct" , "Not dissembling" .)