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Accounting M&A Insider: M&A Process Overview & Key Steps | Podcast #EP08 1 Credit

Accounting M&A Insider: M&A Process Overview & Key Steps | Podcast #EP08 1 Credit

  • Rating

    4.5

  • Published on

    July, 2025

  • Subject Area

    Business Mgmnt and Org

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Learning Objectives

  • Discuss the M&A process from start to finish.
  • Identify key steps in negotiating firm transactions.
  • Analyze the role of legal agreements in deal structure.
  • Explain how to secure financing for a firm acquisition.
  • Explore strategies for mitigating risks in M&A deals.

Course Overview

I When it comes to buying or selling an accounting firm, it’s more than just numbers and paperwork. In this episode of the Accounting M&A Insider Series, Saul sits down with Todd Steinberg, Shannon Hay, and Sarah Sharp, experts in the M&A space, to dive deep into the real-world complexities of M&A transactions in the accounting industry.

Todd Steinberg brings his extensive experience as a broker, providing insight into how private equity and family offices evaluate accounting firms and how firms can maximize their valuation. Shannon Hay, a VP at United Midwest Savings Bank, offers his perspective on securing financing for these transactions, explaining how SBA lending works and the importance of capital capacity and buyer qualifications. Sarah Sharp, a partner at SKNS Log Group, dives into the legal aspects of transactions, covering crucial points like purchase agreements, retention clauses, and the importance of clear legal documentation.

Key Topics:

  • M&A Process Overview
  • Legal Aspects of Transactions
  • Financing in Accounting M&A
  • Buyer-Seller Relationship Dynamics
  • Risk Mitigation Strategies

This podcast explores how to prepare for a deal, structure an acquisition, and ensure a smooth transition for both buyers and sellers. We also discuss the common pitfalls that lead to deal fatigue and failed transactions and offer practical strategies for mitigating risk in M&A deals.

On Demand Credits for All Qualifications

License details Credits Status
BusIness Management & Organization for Certified Public Accountants (CPA-US) 1 CPE Approved
BusIness Management & Organization for Delaware Licensed Public Accountant (DE-LPA) 1 CPE Approved
BusIness Management & Organization for Iowa Licensed Public Accountant (IA-LPA) 1 CPE Approved
BusIness Management & Organization for Maine Licensed Public Accountant (ME-LPA) 1 CPE Approved

Additional Information

Credit

1

Course Level

Basic

Instructional Method

QAS Self Study

Group Internet Based

Pre-requisites

None

Advance Preparation

None

NASBA APPROVED

MY-CPE LLC, 1600 Highway 6 south, suite 250, sugar land, TX, 77478

MY-CPE LLC 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 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.

About Experts

Todd Steinberg

Todd Steinberg

President & Founder, Todd Steinberg Consulting

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Todd Steinberg is a nationally recognized M&A advisor specializing in the sale, acquisition, and transition of accounting and tax firms. As the founder of Todd Steinberg Consulting, he brings decades of experience guiding firm owners through successful exit strategies and partner buy-ins. Todd’s consultative approach helps firm leaders unlock value and find the right cultural and financial fit in every deal. He is widely known for his thought leadership on firm valuation, succession planning, and M&A deal structure.

Shannon Hay

Shannon Hay

Senior Vice President Commercial Lending, United Midwest Savings Bank

Shannon Hay is the Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending at United Midwest Savings Bank and one of the most experienced bankers in the country focused on accounting firm acquisitions. With over 30 years in the banking industry and nearly 400 deals closed, Shannon partners with buyers and sellers of CPA and tax firms to provide SBA-backed financing, real-estate lending, and working capital solutions. His knowledge of the accounting profession and creative financing structures has made him a go-to resource for firm transitions.

Sara Sharp

Sara Sharp Lawyer, Consultant

Partner, SK&S Law Group LLP

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Sara Sharp is a lawyer for accountants who focuses on helping people buy and sell accounting practices. She uses her years of experience practicing law to guide clients and to empower buyers and sellers to become the expert on their deal process. She founded Deal Academy with a series of courses to assist individuals in gaining the expertise they need to navigate these transactions with confidence. She is the co-host of the Deal Makers podcast where her and her co-host, Daniel Talbott, provide frank interviews with real-world buyers and sellers enabling listeners to learn from real world mistakes occurring in the acquisition process that are not often shared publicly.

Saulsony

Saul Sony

Director, MYCPE ONE

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As Director – Partnerships, Content Strategy, and M&A Advisory, I drive growth at the intersection of education, strategic alliances, and transaction advisory within accounting and professional services.

I partner with thought leaders, firms, and content creators to build high-impact collaborations and deliver compliance-ready content that helps professionals educate, influence, and scale on the MY-CPE ONE platform. I work closely with CPA and accounting firm owners to support MYCPE ONE's inorganic growth strategy identifying the right partners and aligning them toward shared goals.

In the M&A and advisory space, I work closely with private equity firms, accounting leaders, and advisors to create educational resources that support practice growth, succession planning, and deal execution. Through podcasts, webinars, and curated learning experiences, my goal is to enable smarter dealmaking and build stronger professional alignment. I work with CPA and Accounting Firm owners to collectively help MYCPE ONE's inorganic growth plans.

On Demand FAQs

What is Self Study (QAS)?

Self Study QAS (Quality Assurance Service) is a NASBA and other regulatory bodies approved program designed for Professionals to complete their Continuing Professional Education credits through self-paced, interactive courses that meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. Our courses qualify for credits with NASBA, IRS, CFP Board, HRCI, SHRM, Payroll Org, FP Canada, and 25+ other professional organizations.

How do I earn CPE credits through self-study?

To earn CPE credits, you must complete the self-study course, pass the required assessments, and submit the necessary documentation. Credits are awarded based on the completion of course hours and successfully passing the assessments.

Are the self-study courses accepted by NASBA and other professional organizations?

MY-CPE LLC courses are accepted for continuing education credit by various professional certification programs, including NASBA, IRS, CFP Board, and HRCI. MY-CPE LLC is also recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® and SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

What are the requirements to maintain compliance with self-study courses?

To maintain compliance, you must follow the guidelines set by NASBA and other regulatory bodies, which include completing the course within the specified timeframe, passing the assessments, and keeping accurate records of your learning activities.

How can I access my course completion certificates?

After successfully completing a self-study course and passing the assessments, you can access and download your course completion certificates from your account dashboard on our platform. These certificates are recognized by NASBA, IRS, CFP Board, HRCI, SHRM, Payroll Org, FP Canada, and 25+ other professional organizations for compliance and reporting purposes.

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Accounting M&A Insider: M&A Process Overview & Key Steps | Podcast #EP08

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