What Makes an Accounting Practice Valuable & Sellable?

Accounting Influencers Podcast

In this insightful episode, Rob Brown delves into the world of accounting firm valuations and sales with Brannon Poe. They discuss the current trend of consolidation within the industry, driven by the influx of private equity money and the large number of accounting professionals nearing retirement age.

Brannon shares his expertise on the key factors that make an accounting practice valuable and sellable, including profitability, owner hours, location, and specialization.

The conversation explores the various types of buyers for accounting firms, such as individual buyers, private equity firms, and strategic acquisitions by other firms.

Brannon emphasizes the importance of understanding a buyer's motivations and ensuring a good fit, as selling a firm involves more than just financial considerations – it's about preserving client relationships and taking care of staff.

In addition, he also offers practical advice for firm owners looking to maximize their firm's value before a sale, including purging unprofitable clients, raising prices, and focusing on specific service lines. He encourages accountants with an entrepreneurial spirit to consider starting their own niche boutique firm, as it can provide greater control over building a sellable asset.

Key Takeaways:

• Location, profitability, and owner hours are crucial factors in determining an accounting firm's value and saleability.
• Specialization and avoiding being a generalist firm increase efficiency and profitability, making a firm more attractive to buyers.
• Understanding the motivations and fit of potential buyers (individual, private equity, or strategic acquisition) is essential for a successful sale.
• Purging unprofitable clients, raising prices, and focusing on specific service lines can significantly increase a firm's value before a sale.
• Starting a niche boutique firm can be a viable option for entrepreneurial accountants, allowing them to build a sellable asset tailored to their vision.

Quotes:

"If you've got low owner hours and high profitability, you're going to command a more premium price for your firm, and it's probably going to sell faster." - Brannon Poe

"If you're wired a certain way, you're going to do (DO WHAT?)it anyway. So just go ahead and do it sooner rather than later." - Brannon Poe

View this episode in video on YouTube here:

https://youtu.be/MZwyyxsbkUs

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The Accounting Influencers Podcast, hosted by Rob Brown, is one of the world's leading shows for accounting leaders, professionals, finance specialists, software vendors, tech providers and influencers. To participate in our international virtual speed networking events for the accounting community, book your place at the next gathering. Great for building your personal brand and making valuable industry connections in return for a small donation to charity: https://accountinginfluencers.com/events

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