CPA Firm Mergers and Acquisitions (CPE Course)

CPE Credit: 3 hours

Course Type: Downloaded PDF materials with online test

Price (with PDF Textbook): $35

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Course Description
One of the key events in the life of a CPA is selling one’s practice. This one-time event is fraught with issues that could severely impact one’s retirement. In the CPA Firm Mergers and Acquisitions course, we cover a multitude of issues related to selling one’s practice, including how a valuation is formulated, which points deserve in-depth negotiation, how to transition clients to the successor, how to plan for a succession event, and how to increase the value of one’s firm.

Author: Steven Bragg

Course Number: FN1028

Learning Objectives

  • Describe what is required for a successful merger transaction.

  • Explain the circumstances under which a CPA firm may need to sell out, acquire, or merge with another firm.

  • Specify the metrics that could be of interest when evaluating a merger or acquisition candidate.

  • Identify the reasons for structuring an acquisition to look like a merger.

  • Describe the reasons for the various due diligence activities.

  • Explain the circumstances under which the financial viability of a buyer can be harmed.

  • Specify the methods commonly used to value a firm for an internal sale.

  • Describe the best funding method to support an internal sale.

  • Describe the actions that can be taken to build a CPA firm’s brand with clients.

  • Specify the most important criteria to use when searching for a successor.

  • Identify the circumstances under which succession planning can fail.

  • Identify the different forms of training and other forms of support that can be given to employees.

  • Describe the clauses in a partnership agreement that relate to the financial viability of the firm.

Level: Overview

Instructional Method: QAS Self-Study

NASBA Category: Finance

Prerequisites: None

Advance Preparation: None

Latest Review Date: March 2023

Program Registration Requirements: Click on "Purchase Course" near the top of this page to pay for and access the course. You will then be able to download the course as a PDF file, then take an on-line examination, and then download a certificate of completion if you pass the examination.

Program Refund Policy: For more information regarding administrative policies concerning complaints, refunds, and other matters, see our policies page.

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AccountingTools, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have the final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

The NASBA sponsor identification number for Accountingtools, Inc. is 115881.

AccountingTools is an IRS Approved Continuing Education Provider. We are compliant with the requirements for continuing education providers (as described in sections 10.6 and 10.9 of the Department of Treasury’s Circular No. 230 and in other IRS guidance, forms, and instructions). Our IRS Approved Continuing Education Provider number is 72821.