How to sell your Accounting Practice

Selling Your Practice

How to sell your Accounting Practice

Selling your accounting practice is about more than numbers. This guide explains valuation ranges, what buyers want, and how to prepare clients and staff for a smooth transition that secures the best outcome.

Alfie Charles | September 21, 2025 | 2 min read

One owner once shared: “Selling wasn’t just about numbers. It was about trust—passing clients to the right hands.” That’s the reality for many sellers. A sale is both financial and personal. Done well, it rewards years of work. Done poorly, it can stall.

Understand the Market

Selling an accounting practice in the UK takes planning. Owners must understand value, market demand, and what buyers expect. In 2024, professional services deals rose by 9% year-on-year, showing strong appetite for practices with reliable income.

Get the Valuation Right

The first step is valuation. Most firms sell for 0.8× to 1.7× gross recurring fees (GRF), depending on client mix, systems, and location (Informanagement, 2024). Larger practices with strong EBITDA can attract private equity and reach 6–10× multiples.

What Buyers Look For

Preparation goes beyond numbers. Buyers will look at:

• Client retention – Firms with long-term clients secure stronger prices.

• Team reliance – Practices that function without the owner are more attractive.

• Technology – Cloud systems reassure buyers about efficiency and scalability.

• Compliance – Clean records and regulated processes avoid last-minute deal risks.

Prepare Clients and Staff

Owners should prepare clients and staff for transition. A smooth handover builds trust and reduces buyer concern. According to ICAEW, poor succession planning is one of the main reasons deals collapse (ICAEW, 2023).

Choose the Right Time

Timing matters too. Selling during growth years can drive stronger offers, while waiting until profits decline can reduce options. Early planning gives sellers flexibility.

Selling a practice is about more than signing a contract. It’s about showing buyers a business that will thrive under new leadership. Kingsman Partners can help practice owners prepare, set the right price, and manage the process with clarity.