: Secure pre-approval. Expect down payments of 10–20%, with the remainder often covered by bank loans or seller notes. 2. Deep Due Diligence

: If the current owner is the sole point of contact for major accounts, retention risk skyrockets. Look for firms where staff already manage relationships.

Buying an accounting practice is a high-stakes shortcut to growth, allowing you to bypass the "startup grind" for an established client list and immediate cash flow. However, the success of the deal hinges on seeing past the numbers to evaluate the firm’s "operational DNA".

: Decide if you require a local brick-and-mortar presence or if you are open to a remote-first practice with lower overhead.

This checklist breaks down the acquisition process into four critical phases: initial strategy, deep due diligence, valuation, and post-close transition. 1. Pre-Acquisition Strategy

: Verify active licenses in all operating jurisdictions and review history for professional liability claims or ongoing HR disputes. 3. Valuation & Deal Structure Is Buying an Accounting Practice Right for You? | AICPA

: Are you seeking geographic expansion, a specific niche (e.g., dental or healthcare), or specialized service lines like tax advisory?