Resource
Cannabis CFO Guide
Financial leadership in a licensed operation is mostly about forecasting cash, choosing a small set of metrics, and reporting them the same way every month.
Metrics Worth Tracking
Gross margin by category, labor as a percentage of revenue, inventory turns, days cash on hand, and cost per unit produced cover most operating decisions without overwhelming the team.
- Five to seven metrics, reported consistently
- Prior period and budget comparison on every metric
- Definitions written down so they do not drift
Forecasting and Capital Planning
A rolling thirteen-week cash forecast handles liquidity; an annual model with scenarios handles strategy. Both should reconcile to the same accounting records.
Board and Lender Reporting
Use one set of numbers for internal and external reporting. Divergence between the two is the fastest way to lose credibility in diligence.
When to Bring in Senior Finance Support
Typically when a second location, a second license type, or an outside capital process appears. Any of the three increases financial complexity faster than headcount.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many metrics should a board package include?
- Few enough that each one is discussed. Long dashboards tend to be reviewed less carefully than short ones.
- How far out should a model project?
- Thirteen weeks for cash and twelve to twenty-four months for the operating model, refreshed as conditions change.
- Does a fractional CFO replace a controller?
- No. Advisory work depends on someone maintaining accurate records underneath it.
Related Services
Fractional CFO Advisory
Part-time CFO support for licensed cannabis operators: forecasting, capital planning, KPI reporting, and board-ready financial packages.
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Read moreFinancial Reporting
Monthly financial statements, KPI dashboards, and stakeholder reporting packages prepared for licensed cannabis operators.
Read moreRelated Resources
Startup Guide
Financial setup for new cannabis operators: entity decisions, accounting systems, capital planning, and pre-opening cost tracking.
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A practical guide to accounting for licensed cannabis businesses: chart of accounts, inventory costing, reconciliation, and monthly close.
Read moreTax Planning
Year-round tax planning practices for licensed cannabis operators, including inventory timing, estimated payments, and documentation.
Read moreDiscuss Your Operation With a Cannabis Accounting Specialist
Call to talk through your license types, current records, and reporting needs, or schedule a consultation at a time that works for your team.