Fractional CFO Services

We help small to medium-sized businesses thrive by providing exceptional fractional CFO and finance team services.

Invest in your finance function with a Fractional CFO

Our expert CFOs specialize in transforming your finance function and your business performance. We quickly assess your organization’s needs and partner with you to streamline, optimize, finance, and expand your business with confidence.

Relied on by businesses nationwide for strategic, high-impact financial leadership.

Meet Our CEO

Nicole Ballestrin, CPA, CA, CFO

Nicole has held CFO roles in top organizations, including McKinsey & Company Canada. She offers over 20 years of financial leadership in industries ranging from technology and professional services to manufacturing and energy.

Read Nicole’s full bio

Our Services

From strategic planning to operational execution, we provide the financial leadership your business needs. Our fractional Chief Financial Officers will oversee and take responsibility for your finance function, which typically includes, but is not limited to:

Accounting
Financial reporting
Budgeting
Forecasting
Long-term financial planning
Cost management

Equity and debt financing
Government funding
Internal controls and governance
Cash management
M&A
Tax compliance

Additional Services

Fractional Controllers and Bookkeepers
Part-time Controllers and Bookkeepers to support your Fractional CFO at the right price.

Interim CFOs
Part-time or full-time temporary leadership during transitions or critical periods.

Team Development
Finance team coaching to build internal capabilities.

Read more

Testimonials

  • "Aspire joined our extended team in year 3 of our operations, spearheading the professionalization of our entire Finance function and setting us up for sustained, smart growth and increased impact. I chose Aspire because they were committed to deeply understanding and advancing our business model - and they've delivered. Highly recommended for ambitious, growing businesses who want best-in-class partners!"

    -Mara Hansen Staples, CEO - Salient Advisory Services

  • “Nicole Ballestrin has been e-Zinc’s CFO for over three years and her work has been nothing short of outstanding.  She established a thorough set of financial controls, policies, tools and processes that added an immense professional sophistication to our organization.  With Nicole at the reins, I can trust that everything is in order with respect to our finances: our budgeting, forecasting, financial audits, reporting, payroll, tax filings, government grant filings, etc.  I highly recommend Nicole and Aspire CFO’s services to any CEO that is looking for support in this critical function.”

    - James Larsen, CEO - e-Zinc

  • “A super high functioning team that got up to speed quickly and led some complex undertakings. We have found great partners in Aspire CFO for our stage and requirements.”

    - Jeff Schnurr, Chief Executive Officer, Jaza Energy

  • “Shortly after Nicole joined Connected as CFO, she dramatically transformed the company’s financial processes, KPIs, reporting, and forecasting, providing significantly improved insight into the company performance and future potential. Nicole has elevated her team’s capability and output with effective coaching and training. Nicole has also been a key member of the executive team providing guidance and driving improved, data-driven decision making throughout the organization. I strongly recommend Nicole and her team at Aspire CFO!”

    - Ally Contardi, Executive Vice President, Operations, Connected

  • “Nicole and her team have been great.  We appreciate the depth of Aspire’s expertise and the seamless way that they work with our Board, leadership team, and operations supporting staff.”

    - Brian Mergelas, PhD, Partner, 1440 Capital

  • “Through the Aspire CFO team led by Karen Inman, we have been able to set a strong foundation for our fast-growing advanced manufacturing business, anchoring our business growth strategy with the fundamentals of an effective finance function. With a strong financial operation in place our operating teams can focus on growing the business and driving the efficiencies with confidence and eventually lead us to a successful exit.”

    -David Mather, CEO & Chairman, NxLite

  • “Nicole and her team elevated the performance of the company’s financial department providing improved financial reporting and streamlined financial processes. They were key contributors to all international deals and orchestrated some very complex and large dollar-value international financings. Hard-working, dedicated and a joy to work with - I strongly recommend the Aspire CFO team!”

    - Stuart Miller, MBA JD, General Counsel, CALPERS renewables portfolio company

Contact Us

From our blog

Blog
Fractional CFO vs. Full-Time CFO
Fractional CFO vs. Full-Time CFO

Compare Fractional CFO services vs Full-Time CFO roles and find the best fit for your company's needs and budget.

What is a Fractional CFO? Overview
What is a Fractional CFO? Overview

Discover how Fractional CFOs help businesses in Canada gain financial clarity, reduce risk, and confidently scale.

What Your Financial Model Says About Your Business
What Your Financial Model Says About Your Business

Who is Best to Design Your Financial Model?

FAQS

  • A Fractional CFO is an experienced Chief Financial Officer who works with businesses on a part-time, or contract basis, rather than serving as a full-time, in-house executive. This model allows small and mid-sized businesses to access affordable strategic financial leadership.

  • A Fractional CFO offers financial leadership services to small and mid-sized businesses at a fraction of the cost of a full-time executive. You gain top-tier financial expertise tailored to your needs without a long-term or financially onerous commitment. 

  • An Interim CFO is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer brought in temporarily to fill a leadership gap, such as during a transition, sudden departure, or critical period of change, and provides access to top-tier strategic financial leadership rapidly until a permanent solution is in place. 

  • We serve clients headquartered in North America, primarily in Canada, including but not limited to Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Ottawa. Many of our clients operate internationally, and we support their global financial needs with the same level of expertise.

  • Our engagements typically commence with a finance function assessment designed to identify key opportunity areas and recommended action plans. Upon alignment with management on the action plan, Aspire will implement the plan in accordance with an agreed timeline and budget.

    Our team commits to delivering on our plans and has a strong track record of successfully upgrading finance functions, driving efficiencies and ultimately your Company’s growth and financial success. 

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Outreach within 1 business day to schedule a consultation for a confidential review of your finance function needs and a customized service proposal.