Accidental CFO? How Charles Leikauf Escaped the Corporate World

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:

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• Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth.

 

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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.

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