Thinking of selling your practice? Join us as serial acquirer Michael Ly shares an insider’s guide to preparing, pricing & selling your accounting firm. Learn how to value your firm for maximum sale price, find the right buyer, negotiate win-wins, protect clients through transition, and structure creative deals - whether nearing retirement or just exploring options. Get practical tips from an active buyer on ensuring a smooth exit on your terms.

(Originally recorded on March 26, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+)

Sponsor
ShareFile - https://earmarkcpe.promo/sharefile

• (01:34) - The Evolution of Reconciled: A Modern Accounting Firm
• (03:49) - Insights on Buying and Selling Accounting Firms
• (04:20) - Determining the Right Time to Sell Your Accounting Firm
• (09:45) - Maximizing Your Firm's Value Before Selling
• (16:54) - Adopting Modern Technology and Billing Models
• (23:05) - Understanding Firm Valuation and Buyer Insights
• (28:33) - Strategies for Enhancing Firm Valuation
• (30:25) - Evaluating Potential Buyers: What to Look For
• (32:12) - Client Retention and Revenue Strategies Post-Acquisition
• (36:33) - Valuation Insights: Navigating Firm Sales
• (41:20) - Optimizing Earn-Out Structures for Sellers
• (43:45) - Non-Compete Agreements: Protecting Your Business Post-Sale
• (46:12) - Common Mistakes Sellers Make and How to Avoid Them
• (50:21) - Tax Optimization Strategies for Selling Your Firm
• (54:04) - The Future of Accounting M&A Market
• (56:34) - Closing Remarks and Resources for CPE

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guest, Michael Ly
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelly
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michael_ly_?lang=en

Learn more about Reconciled
Website: https://www.reconciled.com/about

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

In an era where the right software can make or break your accounting firm, choosing the right apps is essential. In this webinar, Blake Oliver, CPA, draws on his experience as a firm founder to guide you through the essential software that will streamline your operations, upgrade your client experience, and drive future growth. This session is designed to cut through the clutter of the ever-expanding app marketplace, providing you with a curated list of applications indispensable for modern accounting practices. Join us to discover how these apps can streamline your workflows, enhance your service delivery, and set your firm on a path to success.

(Originally recorded on March 6, 2024, on Earmark Webinars+)

Sponsor
Client Hub - https://earmarkcpe.promo/clienthub

• (00:00) - The 5 Apps You Need In Your Accounting Firm sequence
• (01:55) - Why Choosing the Right Software Matters
• (05:27) - Diving Deep into Proposal Management Software
• (14:08) - Workflow Apps: The Backbone of Firm Operations
• (29:08) - Exploring General Ledger Applications
• (31:07) - Optimizing Accounting Systems with FreshBooks and Xero
• (31:33) - Designing Your App Stack for Efficient Accounting
• (32:30) - Choosing the Right General Ledger Systems for Your Clients
• (33:02) - Streamlining Client Onboarding with a Standardized Tech Stack
• (34:28) - The Importance of Payroll Apps in Accounting Firms
• (35:04) - Exploring the Best Payroll Software Options
• (39:34) - Bill Pay Apps: Enhancing Client Services
• (43:39) - Integrating AI and ChatGPT into Your Accounting Firm
• (45:14) - Best Practices for App Integration and Tech Adoption
• (56:04) - Concluding Remarks and Next Steps for Your Firm

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/

The CPA profession faces an identity crisis, with challenges in the candidate pipeline, non-attest services' role, and CPE's effectiveness. This webinar explores the impact of the fifth-year requirement, the value of consulting services, the need for engaging CPE, and the use of the CPA designation in non-traditional roles. Join our expert panel as we discuss solutions to navigate the profession's challenges and opportunities and redefine the CPA identity in an ever-changing landscape.

(This episode originally aired on April 9, 2024 on Earmark Webinars+)

Sponsor
ShareFile - https://earmarkcpe.promo/sharefile

• (01:11) - Exploring the CPA Identity Crisis
• (03:11) - Challenges in the CPA Profession: Enrollment Decline and Talent Shortage
• (05:20) - Rethinking Education and Work Experience in Accounting
• (08:17) - The Future of Accounting: Automation, Advisory Services, and the CPA Role
• (10:02) - The Split Between Audit and Advisory Services in Accounting Firms
• (12:23) - Addressing the Pipeline Problem and Work Culture in Accounting Firms
• (29:52) - Reimagining the CPA Profession and Certification
• (32:36) - Exploring the Work-Life Balance in Accounting
• (33:20) - Engaging with Live Stream Viewers and Discussing Regulatory Solutions
• (33:41) - The Debate on Auditor Work Hours and Firm Practices
• (34:39) - CBIZ's Unique Position in the Professional Services Industry
• (35:47) - The Role of Regulators and Proposals for Reform
• (36:54) - The Case for Government-Run Audits
• (37:31) - Rethinking Overtime and Compensation in Accounting
• (51:41) - Addressing the CPA Identity Crisis and Recommendations
• (57:48) - Concluding Remarks and Future Directions

Download the Earmark CPE App

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/earmark-cpe/id1562599728

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.earmarkcpe.app

Connect with Our Guests

David Bergstein, CPA, CITP, CGMA
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbergstein/

Steven Sacks, CPA, CGMA, ABC
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenesacks/

Connect with Blake Oliver, CPA

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blaketoliver/