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Accounting M&A Insider: Preventing M&A Failures with Sell-Side Diligence | Podcast #EP18 1 Credit

Accounting M&A Insider: Preventing M&A Failures with Sell-Side Diligence | Podcast #EP18 1 Credit

  • Bill Wiersema

    | CPA, CPIM

  • Rating

    4.6

  • Published on

    November, 2025

  • Subject Area

    Accounting

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Learning Objectives

  • Identify the key reasons M&A deals fail during financial due diligence.
  • Recognize common gaps in seller financials, documentation, and GAAP compliance.
  • Distinguish sell-side due diligence from buyer-led diligence and understand the need for both.
  • Apply strategies to minimize post-closing disputes through stronger preparation.
  • Use a practical checklist to prepare for diligence well ahead of going to market.

Course Overview

What makes a deal fall apart even when both sides want it to close? In this Episode of Accounting M&A Insider, we dig into the overlooked force that determines whether a transaction succeeds: sell-side due diligence. Most sellers assume their financials are clean enough, but experienced advisors know that gaps in preparation can trigger distrust, slow negotiations, and reduce valuations. This Episode breaks down how early diligence protects sellers and keeps deals from collapsing at the finish line.

Bill Wiersema, a veteran M&A advisor who has guided hundreds of transactions, explains how preparation shapes outcomes. He draws decades of sell-side work and teaching experience to show why GAAP compliance, documentation, and relationship transferability matter long before a buyer shows up. His insights reveal why first-time sellers often underestimate the process and how stronger preparation prevents disputes that erupt after closing. 

Major topics:

  • Sell-Side Essentials
  • Common Seller Gaps
  • Buyer vs. Seller Diligence
  • Post-Closing Disputes
  • Preparation Roadmap

In this CPE Episode, you will hear practical examples from deals that stalled or died because sellers went to market unprepared, along with a clear checklist for getting ready. Bill also shares how to build trust during diligence and avoid the perception that buyers are cutting the price. If you want a straightforward guide to selling a business with fewer surprises, this conversation delivers the clarity and confidence you need.

On Demand Credits for All Qualifications

License details Credits Status
Accounting for Certified Public Accountants (CPA-US) 1 CPE Approved
Financial Accounting for Certified Internal Auditors (CIA) 1 CPE Eligible
Accounting for Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) 1 CPE Eligible
Financial Reporting for Certified Management Accountants (CMA) 1 CPE Eligible
Mergers and acquisitions for Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) 1 CPE Eligible
Financial Reporting for Certified Financial Forensics (CFF) 1 CPD Eligible
Financial Statement Analysis for Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 1 PL Eligible
Financial Reporting for Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) 1 CPE Eligible
Accounting for Delaware Licensed Public Accountant (DE-LPA) 1 CPE Approved
Auditing for Internal Audit Practitioner (IAP) 1 CPE Eligible
Financial accounting concepts for Certified FP&A Professional (FP&A) 1 CE Eligible
Auditing for Qualification in Internal Audit Leadership (QIAL) 1 CPE Eligible
Mergers and acquisitions for Certified Business Appraiser (CBA)/Master Certified Business Appraiser (MCBA) 1 CPE Eligible
Accounting for Iowa Licensed Public Accountant (IA-LPA) 1 CPE Approved
Financial Statement Analysis for CIPM 1 PL Eligible
Accounting 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

Bill Wiersema

Bill Wiersema | CPA, CPIM

Principal, Miller Cooper & Co., Ltd.

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Bill Wiersema is an Audit Principal and Transaction Advisory Services leader at Miller Cooper, with extensive expertise beyond traditional auditing. He specializes in strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions due diligence, transaction support, cost accounting, financing, and operations for a diverse client base including middle-market companies, private equity, and international firms across Asia, Europe, and Latin America.


Bill is an accomplished author of books such as The Miller Manufacturing, Distribution and Retail Guide, and a contributor to Wiley Finance’s Middle Market M&A. He frequently lectures at Northwestern University and Columbia Business School, actively participates in professional organizations like AM&AA and ACG, and is a member of the AICPA and ICPAS.

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.

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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: Preventing M&A Failures with Sell-Side Diligence | Podcast #EP18

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