Work Smarter, Not Harder: Susanne Mariga’s Journey to Success and the Power of the Fractional CFO

Feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind? Do you yearn for a business and a life that truly aligns with your passions and goals? It’s time to break free from the whirlwind and embrace a smarter approach to work and life.

In this episode of Growth Amplifiers, I’m inspired by Susanne Mariga, a CPA and fractional CFO who has achieved remarkable success in the accounting world. Suzanne’s journey, from starting as a bookkeeper at age 14 to selling her thriving accounting firm, is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.

Susanne’s story is not just about building a successful business, it’s about creating a life of purpose and impact. She now dedicates her time to helping scaling companies achieve profitability and rediscover their “why.”

Key Takeaways

• Start Early, Dream Big: Susanne’s early exposure to accounting laid the foundation for her future success. It’s never too early to start exploring your passions and developing your skills.
• Build a Business, Not a Job: Create a business that can run without you, empowering your team and implementing systems that ensure smooth operations.
• Know Your Why: Reconnect with the reasons you started your business and ensure your current path aligns with your desired lifestyle and goals.
• Embrace the Fractional CFO: Leverage financial data to make informed decisions and achieve intentional outcomes.
• Listen to Your Clients: Understand your clients’ needs and challenges to develop valuable solutions that address their pain points.
• Price for Value: Don’t undervalue your services. Charge appropriately for the expertise and transformation you provide.
• Work Smarter, Not Harder: Focus on serving your ideal clients, providing high-value services, and creating efficient systems.

Interview Highlights

The Power of Early Experience:

“Imagine graduating from college after 10 years of experience…you have quite a leg up.” – Susanne Mariga

Key Insight: Early exposure to your field can provide a significant advantage and accelerate your path to success.

Creating a “Business in a Box:

“I always knew that my business was an asset…[but] when a buyer is looking for a[n] asset…they’re looking for a business that really can run without…them.” – Susanne Mariga

Key Insight: Building a self-sufficient business not only allows for personal freedom but also increases its value and attractiveness to potential buyers.

The Role of the Fractional CFO:

“[It’s] about…helping these clients…not just get financial statements…but understanding, ‘Hey, how do I use this data to create the outcomes that I want?'” – Susanne Mariga

Key Insight: A fractional CFO provides strategic financial guidance and helps businesses leverage their data to achieve their goals.

Final Thought:

“It’s important to get clear on what you want…[and] accept that what you want changes over time…give yourself grace to change over time and develop who you are.” – Susanne Mariga