20 Most Admired Companies of the Year 2020
Business Fortune

In today’s rapidly evolving world, governments are facing an increasing need for better financial management solutions that can help them handle challenges such as growing infrastructure gaps, rising transparency demands, and the complexity of managing public funds. To meet these needs, FreeBalance has positioned itself as a mission-driven company that equips governments with the tools they need to drive progress and innovation. With over 35 years of experience, FreeBalance helps governments worldwide leverage cutting-edge financial management technology to improve efficiency, promote transparency, and accelerate economic growth.
A Comprehensive Approach to Public Financial Management
FreeBalance, headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, is a specialized Business-to-Government (B2G) company that has earned a strong reputation in the public financial management sector. Since its founding in 1984, FreeBalance has been committed to supporting government organizations across the globe by providing them with comprehensive solutions for public financial management (PFM), Government Resource Planning (GRP), open government, public investment management, and more. The company's services also include extensive advisory support, training, and practical public sector reforms.
FreeBalance operates in over 25 countries, helping governments at all levels boost their efficiency and rebuild citizen confidence through transparency and accountability. As a For-Profit Social Enterprise (FOPSE), the company uses its unique position to address social and economic challenges on a global scale, all while driving positive change in the public finance sector.
Transforming Government Financial Management with Smart Solutions
One of FreeBalance’s core strengths lies in its innovative approach to government financial management. The company has developed a suite of solutions, including more than 100 modules within its Comprehensive GRP Suite, designed to help governments manage budgets, procurements, and investments more effectively. By integrating advanced public financial management practices with modern technology, FreeBalance has enabled governments to make better-informed decisions and adopt a more transparent approach to managing public resources.
What sets FreeBalance apart from its competitors is its ability to create tailored solutions that fit the unique needs of each government. The company's products and services are built with flexibility in mind, allowing governments to expand their capabilities and enhance their fiscal discipline. For example, FreeBalance’s software has proven particularly effective in emerging economies, helping governments adopt best practices and strengthen their public finance systems. Many governments, such as Timor-Leste, have seen improvements in fiscal discipline, demonstrating the effectiveness of FreeBalance’s solutions.
Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Growth
FreeBalance’s software is designed to address the challenges of modern governments. Through its extensive suite of products, the company has created a more efficient and transparent system for managing public finances. This includes features such as accrual accounting, multi-year budgeting, and detailed fiscal transparency, all of which are crucial for governments striving to achieve sustainable development.
The company's decision to rewrite government financial management software, based on international best practices, has allowed FreeBalance to be highly responsive to market needs. Its extensible FreeBalance Accountability Platform enables rapid development of new modules and capabilities, ensuring governments can adapt to evolving demands. This flexibility makes FreeBalance’s solutions highly competitive in global markets, allowing the company to secure contracts against Tier 1 ERP firms.
Moreover, FreeBalance’s focus on customer-centric processes and its “customers-for-life” model ensures that the company maintains long-term, recurring revenue and continues to expand its global reach. This approach, combined with a commitment to excellence, has helped FreeBalance strengthen its position within the Government of Canada and grow in emerging economies.
FreeBalance’s mission to help governments leverage robust financial management technology for growth is stronger than ever. The company is actively expanding its footprint, working with governments worldwide to foster innovation, enhance transparency, and support sustainable development. With a deep commitment to its values of inclusivity, respect, and social responsibility, FreeBalance is well-positioned to continue driving positive change in the global public sector.
A Visionary Leader: Manuel Schiappa Pietra
At the helm of FreeBalance is Manuel Schiappa Pietra, the company’s President and CEO. Under his leadership, FreeBalance has flourished into a globally recognized leader in public financial management technology. Manuel’s dedication to customer satisfaction and his focus on creating social impact have been instrumental in expanding FreeBalance’s global reach to 25 countries.
As a visionary leader, Manuel is committed to ensuring that FreeBalance continues to help governments harness the power of financial management technology to accelerate growth and foster economic development. His leadership is guided by the belief that strong public financial management systems are essential for building trust and promoting transparency within governments.