Hear first-hand experiences on dealmaking from broker, Laurens Ball, on considerations for private equity buyers and finding the right fit. Whether selling your firm or looking to buy, finding the right cultural fit for your clients and team is key. When considering private equity deals it becomes paramount to consider the buyer’s background and industry knowledge to accurately assess whether or not it would work for you.

This podcast touched on:

• The key factors that help increase the number of potential buyers for an accounting firm.
• The importance of cultural fit for buyers and sellers.
• What to think about when considering a private equity buyer for your CPA practice.

Looking at the big picture and talking to as many buyers as possible can help you gain clarity and differentiate a “no” from a definite “yes”. Every deal is different and looking for a buyer who you would enjoy working with yourself can be a good indication that they would be a potential fit for your firm. Whether you are buying or selling–the right fit is everything!

Time Stamps:

0:32 - Introduction of Laurens.

6:54 - The challenges that could accompany a private equity deal.

11:15 - What to consider if you are a buyer.

14:55 - What to keep in mind if you are selling.

• A seller’s guide to evaluating buyers: [https://poegroupadvisors.com/sellerguide/]

17:28 - Pros and cons about the presence of private equity growing in the accounting space.

Book Recommendations from Laurens:

• Shoe Dog [https://www.amazon.com/Shoe-Dog-Memoir-Creator-Nike/dp/1501135910]
• Atomic Habits [https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299]

How can accountants leverage the power of marketing to grow their businesses? Brannon and Matt Banker of Marketing for Accounting Firms explore the key concepts to building a strong brand in the accounting space. If the prospect of expanding your marketing strategy has you stumped–this episode is for you!

Brannon was a guest on Blake Oliver’s The Accounting Podcast–a very special episode that we are sharing with you now. Blake interviewed Brannon on the key factors that go into assessing the valuation of a CPA firm, the differences between valuation on virtual firms and why cashflow to owner is key.

How can you most effectively price and package your offerings to optimize staff retention and client satisfaction?

Matt Kanas, Managing Director at Ignition has dubbed 2024 the year of change in the accounting industry. We discussed what this change looks like and what the implications of it are for CPA firm owners. With his unique perspective servicing CPA firms from within the tech industry–this made for an exciting conversation.

CPA firm owner, entrepreneur and Xero ambassador Liz Mason, shared insights from starting her own virtual firm, High Rock Accounting, and using cloud-based accounting tools to find and successfully serve your niche. Her passion for entrepreneurship is contagious and makes this a conversation you don’t want to miss!

Since joining Poe Group as a Regional Market Leader, Darryl has been an integral part of the team. Listen in on our conversation discussing the ins and outs of guiding buyers and sellers through the transition process. Discover what makes for a smooth transition and why preparation is integral to the acquisition process.

Join me in a conversation about the world of specialization with Catherine Tindall, founder of Dominion Enterprise Services. Catherine’s area of expertise lies within her ability to craft precise credit and income tax planning strategies, particularly focused on the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). In this episode, Catherine shares her rationale for choosing to specialize in ERC, including where her practice will head in a post-ERC world. Together, we dive deep into the complex history of ERC, the future for professionals assisting in ERC, and the importance of understanding eligibility determinations for practitioners venturing into this specialty.

Contemplating the sale of your practice or firm? Seasoned entrepreneur, Clay Blakely candidly shares how he grew his CPA practice and why he and his wife decided to sell. Finding the right buyer is all about fit so we chatted about how Clay was able to establish what he wanted in a buyer and his motivation for a sale. Of course, we can’t talk about selling an accounting firm without reflecting on Clay’s experience with transition.