What is a Strategic CFO and how is it different from most fractional CFOs?

A fractional CFO typically comes from a career in the accounting ranks and manages financial reporting and compliance. Many do not have operational experience outside of their own firm. Strategic CFOs have wider and deeper operational and strategic experience in a variety of businesses and industries. They operate at the executive level, translating what the numbers mean into business decisions, and are well-suited to be true partners to the CEO in managing today's needs and building the future.

What does a fractional CFO do for a small-to-medium-sized business?

At a minimum, fractional CFOs oversee financial reporting, profitability and margin analysis, cash flow management, budgeting and forecasting, banking and capital relationships, and planning. Strategic CFOs go beyond that to shape the future of the business.

When should a business owner consider hiring a fractional Strategic CFO?

When the business owner wants to use their financial data to be proactive about the growth of their company, but is not yet at a scale where a full-time CFO makes sense. Common triggers include revenue growth without profitability improvement, a major event approaching, and persistent cash flow unpredictability.

Where does Canoan Strategy & CFO provide Strategic CFO services?

Canoan is based in Urbandale, Iowa and primarily serves B2B business owners across Iowa and the broader Midwest. Clients are closely held businesses, typically with revenue between $5M and $25M, though those revenue bands can shift depending on the industry.

How does Canoan price its Strategic CFO services?

Canoan is exclusively fixed fee. Clients are never billed hourly. Engagements are scoped and priced based on the outcomes the client wants to achieve, not on blocks of time. This means clients know exactly what outcomes they are getting rather than buying someone's hours.