Who's Really the BOSS? | Selling Your Accounting Firm: Misconceptions, Valuations, and Market Realities

Selling Your Accounting Firm: Misconceptions, Valuations, and Market Realities

March 17, 2025 / 01:02:29/S4:E6

Doug Lewis of The Visionary Group shares insider knowledge on the current accounting firm M&A landscape, revealing how valuation truly works and what buyers prioritize. He debunks common misconceptions about firm valuations and discusses why talent development, fee structure optimization, and understanding your top clients' goals are critical for maximizing your firm's value. The episode delivers practical advice for firm owners considering succession options and emphasizes that every accounting firm eventually transacts in one of three ways: external sale, internal succession, or closing the doors.

Connect with Doug Lewis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dlewis715
https://thinkvisionary.com/team/doug-lewis/

Introducing Collective by DBA
https://collective.cpa
https://www.linkedin.com/company/collectivebydba

Learn More About Dillon Business Advisors
https://www.dillonadvisors.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dillonbusinessadvisors

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(00:00) - Welcome to Who's Really the Boss
(01:48) - Doug Lewis: Professional Background
(04:08) - Doug Lewis: Personal Life
(05:25) - The M&A Landscape in Accounting
(08:57) - The Best Advice You Ever Recieved
(12:23) - The Evolution of Visionary Group
(16:13) - Current Trends in M&A
(23:21) - Valuation and Growth Strategies
(26:36) - What Buyers Are Looking For
(34:36) - Identifying Current Buyers in the Market
(36:46) - Types of Business Transactions: Acquisition, Merger, and Hybrid
(39:48) - Increasing Firm Value: Key Strategies
(47:46) - The Importance of Client Relationships
(53:50) - Biggest Misconceptions on Seller Side
(56:24) - Future of M&A in the Accounting Profession
(01:00:11) - Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Marcus Dillon, CPA

Rachel Dillon

Doug Lewis