Why Clarity Matters More Than Timing in Your CPA Exit
The Roadmap You Wish You Had 5 Years Ago
The CPA Firm Exit Playbook gives you proven strategies to maximize value, avoid common pitfalls, and transition on your own terms.
I’ll never forget a conversation I had with a firm owner a few years ago.
He had spent decades building his CPA practice.
Long hours, loyal clients, a small but dedicated staff.
On paper, it looked like a success story. But when he came to me, he looked exhausted.
“I know I need to sell,” he said. “But I have no idea what comes after.”
That’s when I realized something important: timing isn’t the only factor in an exit. Clarity is.
The Trap of “When” Instead of “What’s Next?”
Many firm owners spend years circling the same question: When should I sell?
It feels logical — get the timing right, and everything falls into place. But the truth is, I’ve seen owners exit after the “perfect timing”… and still regret it.
Why? Because they never took the time to ask:
- What will my life look like six months after I sell?
- Do I want a clean break, or do I still want to stay involved?
- How will I replace the sense of purpose my practice gives me?
Without clarity, timing alone can’t protect you from disappointment.
The Firm Owner Who Found Peace of Mind
One practitioner I talked to had initially planned to sell fast — a “get it done” approach.
But instead of rushing, we slowed things down.
He mapped out what he wanted his next chapter to look like: more family time, less admin work, but still keeping his hand in advisory and mentoring.
Instead of a straight sale, he merged with another firm. He got a payout, kept a role he loved, and transitioned into retirement at his own pace.
His words to me after a year?
“I don’t miss ownership at all. But I’m glad I still get to do the parts of the work I love. And my clients are happier than ever.”
Why This Matters for You
Whether you’re 1 year away from exiting or 5, clarity is the foundation of a successful transition.
- Without clarity: You risk chasing a payout, only to feel empty afterward.
- With clarity: You create an exit plan that supports your finances, your lifestyle, and your peace of mind.
The Question to Ask Yourself Today
Instead of asking “When should I sell?” try asking:
“What do I want my life to look like after I step away?”
If you can answer that honestly, the rest of the pieces — timing, valuation, deal structure — start to fall into place.
About Salim Omar, CPA
Salim Omar is the founder of Straight Talk CPAs and creator of the CPA Exit Accelerator™. With nearly 30 years of experience building, reinventing, and guiding firms, Salim helps retirement-minded CPA firm owners create a smooth, profitable, and purposeful transition — without stress or regret.