In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, host Roger Knecht interviews Charles Leikauf, known as the accidental fractional CFO, about transitioning from corporate finance to helping accounting firms offer CFO services. They discuss key strategies for marketing, pricing, and delivering high-value CFO services, plus how to avoid scope creep and build client relationships.
Key Takeaways:
-
👂 Listen to your spouse: Their insights can lead to unexpected opportunities.
-
💼 Clearly define your CFO services: Focus on cash flow, capital, and business model improvements.
-
🚫 Prevent scope creep: Set expectations upfront during the sales process and maintain a peer-to-peer relationship.
-
🎯 Market the outcome, not just the service: Sell the value and impact of CFO services on clients’ lives.
-
🚀 Believe in yourself: Take the leap and explore new opportunities, even if they seem daunting.
Featured Quotes:
-
“How do I make value, and I need to go to the things that are scary, right?” - Charles {{05:25}}
-
“There are no CFO police, right? There is no CFO standard service.” - Charles {{17:26}}
-
“If you don’t go out there and if you give it a shot, you don’t know if it’s for you.” - Charles {{43:17}}
Behind the Story:
Charles’s accidental entry into the world of fractional CFO services highlights the importance of being open to new possibilities and trusting your instincts. His story underscores that sometimes the most rewarding opportunities arise from unexpected sources, like a nagging spouse or a random Facebook request. It demonstrates the transformative impact of CFO services on small businesses, turning financial anxieties into clear paths for growth and stability.
Conclusion:
Thank you for joining us on this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more advice on how to join the powerful wave of fractional CFO services, connect with Universal Accounting’s team at 435-344-2060.
Sponsors:
Universal Accounting Center
Offers:
Our CFO Blueprint 1:1 Coaching Program is where we help people learn how to start, offer and scale their financial services business using Fractional CFO / Advisory services.
https://profitsurgegroup.com/
Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant’s library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today:
-
“Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant’s guide to QUICK turnarounds” – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses.
-
“in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable” – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles.
-
“Your Strategic Accountant” - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. Help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions.
-
“Your Profit & Growth Expert” - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve.
Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we’ve identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share.
Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients.
Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It’s here you can become a:
-
Professional Bookkeeper, PB
-
Professional Tax Preparer, PTP
-
Profit & Growth Expert, PGE
Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business.
Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company’s Value.
For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE!
Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don’t want to miss.
Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal.
Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe.
Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback
For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777