Selling to a successor, not a listing
Most ways of selling a bookkeeping business or accounting practice put your client list in front of buyers. That works for some people. If what you care about is that your clients are looked after by people who answer the phone, you want one firm that takes them on itself.
That's what we do. One CPA-led firm carries on your practice: the clients, the way you serve them, and the standard you set.
A succession plan works best when it starts early. Even if you're a few years from retiring, a first conversation helps you plan the timing on your terms.
What carries on
- The practice. Your clients stay with one firm that knows their file, their history, and how you've looked after them.
- The culture. The tone you set, the responsiveness, the personal relationship: that's what we set out to keep.
- The client service. Questions get answered and deadlines get met through the handover and after it.
What stays your call
- The date. Retiring next season or in a few years, we plan around the day you choose.
- Whole or part. Hand over your whole practice, or keep a few clients for a final year.
- When clients are told. They hear it from you first. We help write the letter and make the introductions.
- Your staff. If someone works with you, they're part of the conversation from the start.
How the handover runs
The same four stages for every practice, paced to your timeline.
- A confidential conversation. Your timeline, your clients, and what matters most to you.
- Getting to know the file. Client by client: how each one is served today, open items, and the things only you know.
- Introductions. You tell each client, then we meet them.
- Service carries on. The same standard of care, with a firm behind it.
What we'll ask on the first call
Nothing you need to prepare in writing. It helps to have a rough idea of:
- How many clients you have, and what kinds of businesses they are
- What you do for them: bookkeeping, payroll, sales tax filings, year-end
- Which accounting software they use
- When you'd like to step back, and whether anyone works with you
Confidential from the start
We don't contact your clients, staff, or anyone else about your practice until you say so. What you tell us stays with us. Who we are.
If your clients ask what to prepare for the change, our handover checklist covers it.
Questions
Will my clients know before I'm ready?
No. The conversation stays between you and us until you decide to tell them, and we help you write that letter.
Do I have to hand over everything at once?
No. Some people hand over their whole practice at once; others keep a handful of clients for a final year. We plan around what you choose.
What if my clients use software you don't?
Tell us on the first call. Software is part of the handover plan, and any change is talked through with you and the client first.
Is this a broker or a listing service?
No. We are the successor firm. Your clients move to us, and we do the work.
Do you work outside Ontario?
Yes. We work remotely with practitioners and businesses across Canada.