How to Sell Your Accounting Practice
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Selling Your Accounting or CPA Firm in Arizona: A Complete Guide
Selling your accounting practice or CPA firm is more than a business transaction, it’s often the culmination of decades of building client relationships, expertise, and financial security. At Berkshire Business Sales & Acquisitions, we understand the personal stakes involved. As a Phoenix-based specialist in CPA and accounting practice brokerage, we focus exclusively on these niche transactions, providing a confidential, structured process that maximizes your sale price and terms while minimizing disruption to your clients, staff, and legacy.
Whether you’re retiring, pursuing new opportunities, or planning an orderly exit, this guide walks you through the entire process, from initial preparation to closing, with an emphasis on Arizona’s market dynamics and our proven, broker-led approach.
Why Sell Your Accounting Practice Now? Understanding the Arizona Market
The accounting profession in Arizona, and nationwide, is experiencing significant transition. Many Baby Boomer owners are reaching retirement age, creating more practices available than ever before. This shift has moved the market toward buyers in many cases, making professional guidance essential to achieve strong multiples (often based on SDE, Seller’s Discretionary Earnings, with adjustments for retention, client mix, and transition support).
In Arizona, local factors play a key role:
- Strong demand from expanding Phoenix-area firms, out-of-state buyers seeking Sunbelt growth, and professionals looking to establish or scale practices in Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, and beyond.
- Opportunities for premium valuations when practices demonstrate stable recurring revenue, low client concentration, and smooth transition potential.
Without specialized brokerage, sellers risk undervaluation, confidentiality breaches, or mismatched buyers.
Berkshire’s advantage: Deep Arizona market knowledge combined with national buyer reach ensures curated, qualified matches, often leading to better terms than generic or volume-driven approaches.
See real-world examples of Arizona practices we’ve handled on our current listings page.
Step-by-Step Process:
How We Sell Accounting and CPA Firms
Our end-to-end process removes complexity so you can focus on running your practice. Here’s what to expect:
Timeline Overview
Preparation
1-3 Months
Marketing & Screening
2-6 Months
Negotiation to Closing
2-4 Months
Total
Often 6-12 Months for Optimal Results
Pro tip: Starting early (even 2–3 years) allows time to boost value through organic growth or operational improvements. Check our blog for more preparation insights, like Sell Side Due Diligence for Accounting Practices.
Maintaining Confidentiality: Our Top Priority
Many owners hesitate to sell due to fears of client loss, staff turnover, or competitive disruption. We address this head-on with a strict, broker-led confidentiality protocol:
- Blind profiles initially shared, no firm name, location specifics, or client details.
- Tiered disclosure: Only NDA-signed, vetted buyers receive more info.
- Controlled communication: We manage all inquiries; you stay anonymous until you’re ready.
- Arizona advantage: Local expertise means fewer broad blasts, targeted outreach reduces exposure risk.
This white-glove approach has helped dozens of Arizona owners transition successfully without unwanted attention.
Related reading: See our blog on Common Myths When Selling an Accounting Practice for more on confidentiality misconceptions (and other myths).
Maximizing Your Sale Price & Terms
Valuations aren’t one-size-fits-all. Key drivers for accounting/CPA firms include:
- Recurring revenue percentage
- Client retention history
- Owner involvement (lower is better)
- Practice location and growth potential (Arizona’s strong economy helps)
- Transition commitments
We focus on realistic multiples grounded in SDE, with adjustments for Arizona market trends. Our track record includes smooth exits with strong cash-at-close and favorable earn-outs.
Explore actionable tips in our blog: 5 Steps to Maximize Your Accounting Practice Valuation Multiple.
What Sellers Say About Working with Berkshire
“I worked with Ryan this past year on the purchase of an accounting practice. Ryan is excellent at helping buyers and sellers communicate and find common ground. Knowledgeable, responsive, and takes time to understand his client’s needs.” – Client testimonial
We deliver thorough, professional experiences tailored to accounting professionals. (This quote and others are featured on our testimonials page.)
Next Steps: Get Started Today
Selling your accounting or CPA firm in Arizona doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Berkshire Business Sales & Acquisitions as your partner, you gain:
- Niche expertise in CPA/accounting transactions
- Confidential, curated buyer access
- Arizona market insight with national reach
- One accountable team from valuation to close
Schedule your free, confidential consultation today. Use our free consultation form. We’re Phoenix-based and ready to help you build a brighter future.
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Recently Sold CPA & Accounting Firm Listings in Arizona
Law Firm for Financial Service Company – Scottsdale
List Price: $3,800,000 | Gross Revenue: $4,600,000
Rapidly Growing CPA Firm – Phoenix
List Price: $2,380,000 | Gross Revenue: $1,700,000
Full Service CPA Firm – Tucson
List Price: $1,741,000 | Gross Revenue: $1,600,000
CPA Firm – Scottsdale
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CPA Practice with Real Estate – Phoenix
List Price – $1,200,000 | Gross Revenue: $539,000
Lucrative CPA Firm in High Wealth Niche – Paradise Valley
List Price: $1,000,000 | Gross Revenue: $913,455
Stable CPA Firm – Phoenix
List Price: $900,000 | Gross Revenue: $825,000
CPA Practice – Tucson
List Price – $864,000 | Gross Revenue: $335,000
CPA Firm Serving Phoenix and Scottsdale – Scottsdale
List Price: $812,500 | Gross Revenue: $671,488
Accounting Firm (Enrolled Agent) – Tempe
List Price – $720,000 | Gross Revenue: $636,000
Fully Staffed, Efficient CPA Firm – Chandler
List Price: $713,000 | Gross Revenue: $645,000
Growing CPA Firm – Central Phoenix
List Price: $708,500 | Gross Revenue: $545,000
Growing CPA Firm – North Scottsdale
List Price: $695,000 | Gross Revenue: $595,000
Tax & Accounting Practice – Phoenix
List Price: $596,000 | Gross Revenue: $542,000
Arizona Tax & Bookkeeping – Chandler
List Price: $520,000 | Gross Revenue: $436,296
Fully Staffed CPA Tax Firm – Phoenix
List Price: $510,000 | Gross Revenue: $478,000
Accounting Firm – Scottsdale
List Price – $509,000 | Gross Revenue $443,000
Tax and Accounting Firm – Chandler
List Price: $484,538 | Gross Revenue: $413,216
CPA Firm – North Phoenix
List Price: $492,000 | Gross Revenue: $410,000
CPA Practice – Northern Arizona – Yavapai County
List Price: $459,000 | Gross Revenue: $370,253
Arizona CPA Firm – Safford
List Price: $450,000 | Gross Revenue: $500,000
Bookkeeping Practice – Phoenix
Asking: $400,000 | Gross Revenue: $500,000
Turn-Key CPA Firm – Tucson
List Price: $399,375 | Gross Revenue: $378,229
Growing Tax and Accounting Practice – Phoenix
List Price: $363,000 | Gross Revenue: $290,500
Tax & Accounting Practice – Phoenix
List Price: $310,000 | Gross Revenue: $291,405
Arizona Tax Practice for Sale – Mesa
List Price – $277,000 | Gross Revenue $240,000
Growing CPA Firm – Chandler
List Price: $234,000 | Gross Revenue: $214,372
CPA Audit and Tax Firm – Glendale
List Price: $218,000 | Gross Revenue: $236,935
Small CPA Firm – Phoenix
List Price: $174,090 | Gross Revenue: $158,264
Scottsdale EA Firm – Scottsdale
List Price: $161,000 | Gross Revenue: $161,000
Arizona Tax & Accounting Practice – Gilbert
List Price – $160,000 | Gross Revenue: $267,000
Tax-Focused CPA Tax Firm – Phoenix
List Price: $150,000 | Gross Revenue: $154,000
Tax, Accounting, and Payroll Firm – Mesa
List Price: $150,000 | Gross Revenue: $150,000
Virtual Accounting Practice – Phoenix
List Price: $126,500 | Gross Revenue: $115,000
Tax Practice – Wickenburg
List Price: $105,750 | Gross Revenue: $141,380
Small Tax & Accounting Firm – Prescott
List Price: $103,069 | Gross Revenue: $129,186
Small CPA Firm – Phoenix
List Price: $89,422 | Gross Revenue: $85,174
Small Accounting Firm – Chandler
List Price: $70,250 | Gross Revenue: $78,395