Search & Buyer/Seller Checklists
Any consideration of a partner/director -level move, sale, merger or acquisition should include the following questions. We’ll be happy to meet with you to discuss our perspective on each of the issues noted.
Should you bring in a partner/director?
There are many reasons to consider bringing a new partner or director into your practice:
- A current partner is retiring without a successor
- A succession plan requires a new partner who will buy into the practice, and eventually buy out a retiring partner
- A new partner will help expand an existing line of business…
- … or bring the firm a new discipline that’s part of your strategic plan
- You need more current partner-level talent
Should you look for a new position for yourself?
- Are you happy with your current earnings?
- Are you happy with your current and future equity position?
- Are you happy with your current voice in firm management?
- Are you happy with your current firm’s progressiveness – technology marketing…other
Should you buy, sell, merge?
- Does your firm have a retirement and succession plan in place for the partner(s)/founder(s)?
- Does your firm show a consistent ability to attract larger clients and charge higher billing rates?
- Is your firm losing any of your best CPAs to other firms?
- Does your firm provide your best CPAs real growth opportunities?
- Is your firm experiencing an even growth rate between staff and clients?
- Has your firm been able to handle all the new regulatory burdens from within?
- Is your firm satisfied with the diversity of its client base?
- Has your firm been adept at managing and achieving economies of scale?
- Will you be required to commit to a new lease that runs longer than you intend to work?
- Will you need a costly technology upgrade that lasts longer than you intend to work?
- Are clients asking for services you cannot provide?
