Cash and liquidity
- Cash flow management and short-term forecasting
- Financial restructuring when cash is tight
- Turnaround strategy and cost discipline programs
Executive Advisory
Fractional CFO Services for Growing Canadian Businesses
A fractional CFO gives you senior financial leadership without the cost of a full-time executive. Lira Tax & Accounting works alongside you and your leadership team — forecasting cash, building budgets, tracking the numbers that matter and preparing you for lenders, investors and the board — so big decisions are made with clear financial judgment. We serve businesses across Canada.
- Cash-flow forecasting, budgets and KPI dashboards
- Board, lender and investor-ready reporting
- CFO-level judgment on a part-time basis
- 2,300+individuals & businesses served
- Part-timesenior finance leadership, no full-time hire
- 4offices in Ontario & Alberta
Senior financial leadership, sized to fit your business
A fractional CFO is an experienced finance executive who works with you part-time or on contract. Instead of only reporting what already happened, we look ahead: forecasting, budgeting, cash flow management, KPI design and board-level reporting, so leadership can act early. Clients usually engage us when they need experienced CFO judgment to guide critical decisions, investor conversations, operational resets or the modernization of their finance systems.
It is typically the right step once a business has outgrown basic bookkeeping and needs someone steering financial strategy, but is not yet at the size where a full-time CFO makes sense. We work as an embedded strategic finance partner, not just an external advisor — inside your planning, not only handing over reports.
Ideal forOwner-led and growing businesses that need senior financial leadership but are not ready for a full-time CFO hire — before a raise, during a reset, or as they scale.
- Who engages a fractional CFO
- Businesses outgrowing bookkeeping
- Founders preparing to raise
- Owners planning an expansion
- Companies in a turnaround
- Owners with several entities
- Teams modernizing finance systems
Is it time for a fractional CFO?
Tick anything that sounds familiar. It takes ten seconds, and nothing you tick is sent anywhere.
0 of 8 ticked
Tick what sounds familiar
There is no wrong answer. This just shows whether a CFO-level conversation is worth having.
You are asking the right question
One or two signs are common. A short conversation will show whether a CFO-level review would help.
Several signs point the same way
This is where a part-time CFO is usually worth a conversation. Book a free consultation and we will look at where you stand.
This is exactly what a CFO steers
Most of these are the daily work of a CFO. Book a free consultation and we will map out what to tackle first.
How a fractional CFO engagement runs
Your CFO time follows a steady rhythm, so the numbers are reviewed before problems arrive, not after.
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Weekly
Cash check-in
A short look at cash, receivables and upcoming payments, so nothing surprises you.
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Monthly
Numbers and KPI review
Closed books become a management pack: results against budget, key KPIs and what to do next.
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Quarterly
Forecast reset and strategy session
Refresh the forecast, test scenarios and review plans with leadership, a lender or your board.
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Annually
Budget and tax plan
Set next year's budget and line it up with corporate tax planning and year-end.
The exact schedule is set with you. Some clients want more time, some less, and it changes as the business does.
What a fractional CFO takes off your plate
Six areas of financial leadership, used as much or as little as you need.
Planning and performance
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Enterprise FP&A frameworks
- KPI design and performance analytics
Controls and governance
- Internal controls and risk frameworks
- Governance for owners, partners and boards
- Audit readiness and regulatory compliance
Capital and funding
- Funding strategy for lenders and investors
- Preparing materials for investors or lenders
- Government grant navigation
Systems and reporting
- ERP modernization and reporting transformation
- Reviewing and improving your financial reporting
- Reports your leadership team can act on
Leadership and people
- Executive financial leadership
- Board-level advisory
- Finance team mentorship and organizational design
Bookkeeper, accountant or fractional CFO?
They are different jobs. Knowing which one you are missing is half the decision.
| Role | Main job | Looks at | Choose it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper | Records transactions accurately | What happened this month | you need clean, current books |
| Accountant | Prepares statements and files taxes | What happened, and what you owe | you need year-end statements and tax returns done right |
| Fractional CFOThat’s us | Steers financial strategy, part-time | What is coming: cash, growth, risk | you have reliable books and need a plan, forecasts and someone to steer |
| Full-time CFO | Runs the finance function every day | Everything, daily, at scale | you have grown complex enough to need executive oversight every day |
We can also be your bookkeeper and accountant, so your CFO works from the same numbers you do.
Funding and incentives a CFO keeps on your radar
Raising money is not only about investors. Canada has public programs that can lower the cost of growth, and the rules change often, so we check what applies to you.
SR&ED tax credit (federal)
A refundable federal credit for businesses that do qualifying research and development. Most Canadian-controlled private corporations earn the enhanced rate on the first $6 million of qualifying spending each year.
- 35%
- enhanced credit rate
- $6M
- yearly spending limit
- 18 mo.
- claim window after year-end
Canada Small Business Financing Program
Government-backed loans through participating lenders, for equipment, leasehold improvements and working capital. Term loans go up to $1,000,000 and lines of credit up to $150,000.
- $1.15M
- maximum per borrower
- $10M
- revenue ceiling to qualify
Program figures checked against canada.ca in September 2026. Whether a program fits depends on your facts, and other federal, provincial and municipal programs may suit you better. We help you decide what is worth pursuing.
How we get started
Four steps from first call to a working finance rhythm.
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1
Free consultation
We learn where the business stands and what decision is on your mind.
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2
Financial health check
We review your books, reports, cash position and the numbers you use today.
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3
Roadmap and priorities
A short plan: what to fix first, what to forecast and which KPIs to track.
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4
Ongoing partnership
A steady rhythm of forecasts, reviews and advice, adjusted as you grow.
Ways to work together
Ongoing partnership
Regular CFO time each month, on a rhythm that suits you.
A defined project
One clear deliverable, such as a budget, a forecast or a funding package.
A one-time review
A fresh set of eyes on your numbers, with a short list of what to do.
How much does a fractional CFO cost?
It depends on how much CFO time you need, so we quote each engagement individually instead of publishing a one-size-fits-all price. You will know exactly what you are paying before we start.
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Scope of workAdvice only, or forecasting and reporting too.
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Time each monthA few hours, or a regular weekly presence.
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ComplexityOne entity or several, and how many moving parts.
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State of the booksCurrent and reliable, or in need of clean-up first.
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Reporting needsOwner-only, or a lender, investor or board as well.
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TimingAn open-ended need, or a fundraising deadline.
- Free, no-obligation consultation
- Clear quote agreed before we start
- No hidden fees or surprise billing
Prefer to talk it through first? Call us, or send a quote request.
Call (437) 421-7171 Request a QuoteFractional CFO services across Canada
Get directionsMeet us in person at any of our four offices, or work with us by phone and video. We advise businesses across Ontario, Alberta and the rest of Canada.
Outside Ontario or Alberta? We can still help.
Ask about your province
We work with business owners in other provinces and territories across Canada too, by phone and video. Provincial rules and programs differ, and we will confirm the ones that apply to you in your free consultation.
What our business clients say
View other testimonials★★★★★
“I have been to number of accountants for my multiple business ventures, however i found Mr. Razu from Lira Tax and Accounting to be one of the better ones. He is very informative and easily accessible. He is always answering calls and helping small business owners to do their taxes properly. I highly recommend.”
★★★★★
“I am extremely satisfied with the service I received. My tax lawyer demonstrated deep expertise in tax law and handled my case with professionalism and integrity. They were patient, answered all my questions, and ensured everything was completed accurately and on time. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone needing reliable tax advice.”
★★★★★
“Wow, what a wonderful services. Excellent corporate tax & accounting services in Toronto, great place for your tax & accounting task. Highly recommend others. Thank you very much for your support. Lira tax & accounting provide very supportive services for corporate needs.”
Fractional CFO FAQs: scope, fit, funding and cost
Straight answers to the questions business owners ask us most.
The same strategic financial leadership as an in-house CFO — forecasting, budgeting, cash flow management, KPI design and board reporting — delivered on a part-time or contract basis. We help you decide, not just record: where cash is going, what you can afford and which risks to watch.
It means you buy a portion of a CFO's time rather than a full salary. How much time depends on your needs, and we agree on it up front. Many engagements follow a weekly, monthly and quarterly rhythm, and the hours can go up or down as the business changes.
It varies, but it is typically a fit once a business has outgrown basic bookkeeping and needs senior financial guidance — cash flow management, budgeting, KPI design — without yet needing, or being able to justify, a full-time CFO.
A bookkeeper records what happened and an accountant prepares your statements and tax returns. A CFO looks forward: forecasts, budgets, funding and strategy. Most businesses need reliable books first, and we can provide all three so everyone works from the same numbers.
When the finance function is complex enough to need an executive every day — many entities, a large finance team or constant investor and lender activity. Until then a fractional CFO usually delivers the judgment you need at a fraction of the cost, and we can help you hand over smoothly when the time comes.
Yes. Funding strategy and preparing materials for investors or lenders is a common part of the role — forecasts, a clear financial story and the numbers a lender or investor will ask for.
We help you navigate them. For example, the federal SR&ED tax credit rewards qualifying research and development, and the Canada Small Business Financing Program backs loans from participating lenders. Whether a program fits depends on your situation, so we look at your facts first.
Yes. We start with what you have and improve it where it pays off. Reviewing and improving financial reporting systems and processes is a standard part of a CFO-level role, alongside KPI design and performance analytics. Tell us what you use.
Your most recent financial statements or books, a list of your bank and loan accounts, any budgets or forecasts you already have, and the questions you want answered. If some of that does not exist yet, that is a good place for us to begin.
No, but reliable, up-to-date books make CFO work faster and more useful. If yours need attention, our Accounting & Bookkeeping team can bring them up to date.
It depends on the scope, the time you need each month, how complex the business is and what reporting you need. We quote every engagement individually. Book a free consultation and you will have a clear quote before we start.
Related services for your business
View other servicesAccounting & Bookkeeping
Reliable monthly books, so your CFO works from numbers you trust.
Learn moreBusiness Planning & Growth Strategy
Investor-grade plans and financial models for your next stage.
Learn moreCorporate Tax Returns
File the T2 and plan salary versus dividends with the full picture.
Learn moreBusiness Consulting
Outside perspective on operations, structure and strategy.
Learn moreCanadian Payroll Services
Budget and run a growing payroll with confidence.
Learn moreGST/HST Registration
Keep sales tax registered, filed and off your plate.
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Book a free consultation. We will discuss where your business stands and how a fractional CFO engagement could help — no obligation.
