How much does a fractional CFO cost in Calgary?
Most Canadian small and mid-sized businesses pay $2,500 to $7,500 a month for a fractional CFO and $750 to $3,000 a month for a fractional controller. Companies preparing for a raise, acquisition or restructuring can pay $7,500 to $12,000. A full-time CFO in Canada typically costs $180,000 to $280,000 a year in salary alone.
These are 2026 Canadian market ranges, not US prices converted to dollars. Below is what each level usually includes, a calculator to compare against a full-time hire, and how to tell which one you actually need.
Typical monthly cost by engagement level
Fractional controller
- Month-end close and financial statements
- Variance analysis and reporting
- AP and AR oversight, internal controls
Fractional CFO, light
- Monthly financial review
- Cash flow forecast updates
- Strategic check-ins before financing
Fractional CFO, standard
- Management reporting package
- KPI dashboard and budget
- Lender and board communication
Fractional CFO, growth stage
- Financial model build and upkeep
- Fundraising and due diligence
- M&A, exit or restructuring support
Fractional vs full-time CFO cost calculator
| Salary | – |
| Bonus | – |
| Benefits | – |
| Employer CPP, CPP2 and EI (2026) | – |
| Recruiting | – |
| Full-time CFO, first year | – |
| Fractional, 12 months | – |
Employer payroll costs use 2026 CRA rates: CPP 5.95% up to $74,600, CPP2 4% from $74,600 to $85,000, and EI at 1.4 times the 1.63% employee rate up to $68,900. Estimates only; actual quotes depend on hours and scope.
Controller, CFO or both: which do you need?
| Choose | When | Main outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Fractional controller | Your books close late, reports don't match, or your bookkeeper has no one reviewing their work | Accurate, on-time numbers you can trust |
| Fractional CFO | You're raising money, reporting to a board or lender, pricing a new product, or planning an exit | Decisions backed by forecasts and a financial plan |
| Both | You need strategy but your underlying numbers aren't reliable yet | The controller fixes the data, the CFO uses it |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fractional CFO charge per hour in Canada?
Canadian fractional CFO hourly rates generally range from about $150 to $400, depending on experience and specialization. Most engagements are billed as a monthly retainer rather than by the hour.
Is a fractional CFO cheaper than a full-time CFO?
For most small and mid-sized businesses, yes. A full-time CFO in Canada typically earns $180,000 to $280,000 before bonus, benefits, payroll taxes and recruiting fees. A fractional CFO at $4,000 to $7,500 a month costs $48,000 to $90,000 a year.
What is the difference between a fractional controller and a fractional CFO?
A controller makes sure your numbers are accurate and on time: month-end close, reporting and internal controls. A CFO uses those numbers to plan: forecasting, fundraising, pricing and board reporting. Controllers typically cost $750 to $3,000 a month; CFOs $2,500 to $7,500 or more.
How does Boost Advisors price its services?
Every engagement starts with a free 30-minute consultation. We then scope the work around your stage and goals and give you a monthly quote before anything starts.