When Is the Right Time to Sell Your Accounting Practice?
Selling an accounting practice is one of the biggest decisions a practitioner will ever make — and timing is everything. Get it right, and you maximise value, protect your clients, and secure a smooth transition. Get it wrong, and you risk unnecessary stress, lower offers, and a rushed exit.
🔑 The Right Time Is Before You’re Ready
Most owners wait until they feel “done.” By then, energy is low, growth has slowed, and the practice may not present at its strongest. The best time to sell is when the business is healthy, stable, and still growing — not when you’re exhausted.
📈 Key Signs You’re in the Ideal Window
• You’re thinking about succession but not in a hurry
• Your client base is stable and loyal
• Your team is capable and likely to stay
• Systems and processes are documented and running well
• You’re still motivated enough to support a proper handover
Buyers pay a premium for momentum, not decline.
🧭 Life Changes Matter Too
Sometimes the right time isn’t about the numbers. It’s about lifestyle, health, family priorities, or simply wanting a new chapter. Those reasons are valid — and often the catalyst for a well‑planned exit.
🚀 Start the Conversation Early
The smartest sellers begin planning years in advance. Early preparation gives you options, strengthens your negotiating position, and ensures your legacy — clients, staff, and reputation — is protected.
Thinking about timing? A quick conversation can help you understand where you stand and what your next steps could look like.
Contact Quinn & Associates for a confidential discussion.
You can also schedule a private Zoom meeting at www.quinnassoc.com.au/meeting
Quinn & Associates
Tel: 1300 784 888
Zoom: To Book A Zoom Meeting
John McCulloch:- john.mcculloch@quinnassoc.com.au
Chris Clifford:- chris.clifford@quinnassoc.com.au
