
A fractional CFO is an experienced Chief Financial Officer who provides senior-level financial leadership on a part-time or contract basis. Instead of hiring a full-time CFO, an organization can access strategic expertise for a set number of hours per week or month, or for specific projects.
An organization may need a fractional CFO when it can’t recruit or justify a full-time CPA/CFO, is facing budget pressure or major funding/reporting requirements, is preparing for audit readiness and stronger internal controls, has leadership turnover in finance, or needs to explain complex financial issues clearly to Council, Chief & Council, or a board. It’s a practical way to get executive-level guidance, improve financial confidence, and strengthen long-term sustainability—without the cost of a permanent hire.

At CMS Consulting, our vision is to be Manitoba’s trusted partner for strategic financial leadership—and a respected, modest national resource—for small municipalities, First Nations governments, small communities, and not-for-profit organizations, strengthening fiscal sustainability, transparency, and community resilience.

CMS Consulting is made up of Cory Schermann a Manitoba-based CPA with over 20 years of public-sector finance experience, including senior roles in municipal and provincial government. I’ve spent my career helping leaders make confident decisions by turning complex budgets, funding requirements, and financial reports into clear, practical insight. Today, I bring that same hands-on, plain-language approach to small municipalities, First Nations governments, and not-for-profits that need seasoned financial leadership without the cost of a full-time CFO.

At CMS Consulting, we’re committed to delivering work that is accurate, clear, and decision-ready. We use disciplined methods, documented assumptions, and plain-language reporting so leaders can act with confidence and stand behind the numbers with Council, boards, and funders. Above all, we respect deadlines, protect confidentiality, and aim to leave every client with stronger tools and capacity than when we arrived.

CMS Consulting provides senior-level financial leadership for small municipalities, First Nations governments, and not-for-profit organizations that need experienced support without the cost of a full-time executive. With deep public-sector expertise, we help clients strengthen financial governance, improve transparency, and make confident, sustainable decisions.
Our expertise includes budgeting and long-range financial planning, forecasting and scenario analysis, funding and grant reporting support, audit readiness and internal controls (non-audit), financial policy and governance reviews, and executive-level reporting and briefings for councils and boards. We also offer capacity building—coaching staff and improving templates, processes, and reporting tools so your organization becomes stronger over time.

We believe in taking a personalized approach to each client's needs. We work closely with our clients to understand their goals and develop customized solutions to help them achieve success.
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