Accounting Practice Sales

Helping accounting-firm owners successfully sell their practices since 1987

Selling an accounting practice requires more than finding an interested buyer. Valuation, confidentiality, buyer qualifications, deal terms and the client transition can all affect the outcome.

New Clients, Inc. helps accounting-firm owners navigate the sales process, from preparing the practice and identifying qualified buyers through negotiations and the transition to new ownership. Since 1987, NCI has built relationships throughout the accounting profession that help connect sellers with prospective buyers across the United States.

Planning to sell in a few years? NCI can help you build your accounting firm with that future sale in mind. Our sales and marketing programs help owners attract new clients and grow their practices, while our practice-sales team helps them prepare for a transition when the time is right.

Not ready to sell yet? We can also discuss your future timeline confidentially: 1-866-754-5981

How NCI Helps Owners Sell Accounting Practices

Selling an accounting practice involves several interconnected decisions. Owners must consider how the firm will be valued, how the opportunity will be presented confidentially, whether prospective buyers are financially qualified, and how clients and employees will transition to new ownership.

NCI helps sellers manage these considerations while marketing the practice through its established accounting-industry network. NCI markets each practice to its network of prospective buyers, helps identify qualified candidates and provides guidance as the parties work through offers, negotiations and the transition.

NCI’s Services for Accounting-Firm Sellers

NCI supports sellers throughout the transaction by:

• Protecting the identity of the owner and practice during confidential marketing
• Requiring prospective buyers to sign a nondisclosure agreement before receiving confidential information
• Reviewing buyers’ financial qualifications before arranging introductions
• Marketing the practice through NCI’s network of accounting professionals
• Connecting sellers with independent, private-equity and other qualified buyers
• Helping sellers evaluate offers, proposed terms and buyer qualifications
• Assisting with negotiations between the seller and prospective buyer
• Providing guidance for transitioning clients to the new owner

As an added benefit to sellers, NCI provides the buyer with complimentary access to its Online Sales and Marketing Academy, helping support the continued success and growth of the practice after the transition. This training normally sells for $1,995.00 and is provided free of charge. We are the only broker in the country that can help you buy a firm and show you how to grow it!

Access to an Established Buyer Network

NCI maintains an extensive network, over 60,000 firms, of accounting professionals and firms interested in acquisition opportunities. Through its Guaranteed Practice Search (GPS) Program and other targeted outreach, NCI actively connects qualified buyers with accounting practice owners who are ready to sell. This established buyer network can help increase exposure for your practice and identify potential buyers whose acquisition goals align with your firm.

From Building a Practice to Selling It: Joseph’s Experience

Featured Seller Story

Joseph O’Reilly first worked with NCI to grow his accounting practice. When he decided to retire, he returned to NCI for help selling it. In this interview, Joseph explains how NCI vetted prospective buyers and helped him progress from providing his practice information to selecting a buyer in approximately two months.

What Other Sellers Say

October 29, 2024

Dear Chris and Bruce:

I want to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible dedication and hard work you displayed in selling my CPA firm. Your commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed, and I was truly fortunate to have you on my team. Your positive attitude and willingness to give 110% significantly contributed to a fast and smooth sale.

Thank you for being such an intricate part of this sale.

Very truly yours,

Howard S. Cohen, CPA
President

Build Your Accounting Firm With a Future Sale in Mind

Your exit strategy can begin years before you list your practice. If you want to grow your firm before selling, NCI can help you connect your current business goals with your longer-term plans.

Through NCI’s Sales and Marketing Academy, accounting-firm owners can learn strategies for attracting clients, pricing services and developing a consistent sales process. For owners considering a future sale, these efforts can support the growth of the business they’ll eventually bring to market.

NCI has worked with over 4,000 owners through both stages: Helping them build their accounting practices, then returning to help sell those firms when they’re ready for their next chapter.

Preparing to Sell Your Accounting Practice

You don’t have to wait until you’re ready to accept an offer to begin preparing. Understanding your firm’s value, organizing accurate financial and client information and planning for the transition can help you approach the market from a stronger position.

Bruce Clark’s guide, The Seven Secrets to Selling Your Practice on Your Terms, shares practical considerations for accounting-firm owners preparing for a sale.

Additional Seller Resources

• • How Accounting Firms Are Valued for Sale
  • Tips for Preparing Your Practice for Sale
  • Succession Planning

Expand Your Capacity With Outsourced Accounting Support

If you aren’t ready to sell or want to strengthen your firm before a future transition, outsourcing can provide additional capacity without requiring you to expand your in-house staff.

Through GKM, accounting firms can access outsourced tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll and audit support services. These services can help firms manage seasonal demand, expand capacity and continue serving clients efficiently.

Are You Considering Selling Your Accounting Firm?

Whether you’re ready to sell now or beginning to plan for the future, NCI can help you prepare your practice, reach qualified prospective buyers and navigate the sales process.