A Clear Path to Selling Your Accounting Practice in California

– ProHorizons

If you’re a CPA or accounting practice owner in California thinking about selling, it probably comes with a mix of emotions. There’s pride in what you’ve built. There might be fatigue, uncertainty, or a desire to step into a new chapter. If you’re like most owners we talk to, there’s one concern at the top of your mind:

Is this going to be hard?

The short answer? Not with the right help.

At ProHorizons, we specialize in helping accounting professionals across California sell their firms with clarity, confidence, and as little disruption as possible. We’re not here to sell you a formula. We’re here to understand your goals, offer grounded advice, and walk with you through the process.

We know it can feel like a lot. That’s why we take care of the complicated parts so you can focus on making decisions that feel right for your future.

This page will walk you through everything you need to know about selling an accounting practice in California: the process, the market, the common roadblocks, and how we make it easier.

We’re not here to pressure you. We’re here to guide you.

Why California Owners Choose to Sell

There is no single reason people decide to sell. Some want to retire, some are burnt out, some see an opportunity to step back while their practice is still strong. And some simply know it’s time to make a change.

No matter where you fall on that list, selling your firm doesn’t mean losing what you’ve built. In fact, the right buyer will appreciate it, honor it, and carry it forward.

What Owners Worry About Most

It’s normal to have concerns, especially if you’ve never sold a business before. The most common things we hear are:

• How will I find a qualified buyer?
• How do I know what my firm is worth?
• What happens to my clients and employees?
• Can I keep it confidential?
• What if the deal falls apart?

We’ve helped hundreds of owners through those same concerns. Our job is to demystify the process, answer your questions with honesty, and keep you in control from start to finish.

California’s Market at a Glance

California is one of the most active and diverse accounting firm markets in the country. From San Diego to Sacramento, and Los Angeles to the Bay Area, practices of all sizes are in demand.

Buyers range from solo CPAs to large regional firms. Some are looking to grow, others are relocating to California for family, lifestyle, or opportunity. If your firm is located in a smaller or rural part of the state, don’t worry—we have experience placing firms in every corner of California.

Because we know this market so well, we can help you position your firm in a way that attracts serious, qualified buyers.

The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Let’s Talk

We start with a free consultation. No pressure. No obligations. Just a real conversation about your goals, concerns, and what you’re hoping for in the sale.

Step 2: Valuing Your Practice

We’ll provide a clear, honest valuation using industry standards and real data. We explain how pricing works, what factors affect value, and where your firm fits into the current California market.

Step 3: Preparing for the Sale

Once you decide to move forward, we help you gather and present the right information. We write a detailed Practice Profile that tells your story in a compelling and respectful way. This document becomes the foundation of your sale.

Step 4: Finding the Right Buyer

We maintain a network of serious, vetted buyers throughout California and beyond. We reach out quietly, confidentially, and strategically. We only introduce buyers who are a good cultural and professional fit.

Step 5: Deal Structure and Negotiation

Once we find the right match, we help structure a fair and workable agreement. This includes terms of sale, transition plans, and payment details. Our role is to protect your interests and help both sides move forward with clarity.

Step 6: Transition Support

Even after the deal is signed, we stay involved. We work with you and the buyer to make sure your clients, staff, and systems transition smoothly. Our goal is to help everyone feel secure and supported.

Why ProHorizons

We’re not a brokerage mill. We’re not a software platform. We’re real people who understand the accounting world and the California market. Our founder has worked in this field for decades. We’ve handled hundreds of practice sales across the state.

Beyond the numbers, we bring heart. We build trust with every client. We pick up the phone when you call. We give honest advice, even when it’s not what you expected to hear.

When you work with ProHorizons, you have a guide. Not just a transaction partner.

What Sets Us Apart

• Confidentiality: Your business and client list stay private.
• Customization: Every sale is different, and we honor that.
• Experience: We’ve sold practices in every region of California.
• Care: We genuinely want what’s best for you and your legacy.

Stories From the Field

A firm in Napa needed to sell quickly due to a family health emergency. We secured a buyer within six weeks and negotiated a fair price that allowed the seller to step away with peace of mind.

A solo CPA in Long Beach wanted to retire but stay on part-time. We found a buyer who valued mentorship and built a two-year phased transition.

From rural practices in the Central Valley to multi-office firms in Southern California, we’ve done it all. And every one of those sales started with a conversation.

FAQs

How long will it take? Most sales close in 4 to 9 months. Some happen sooner. Some take longer. We move at your speed.

How do I protect my staff and clients? We help you choose a buyer who respects your team and serves your clients with care.

Do I have to accept the first offer? Not at all. You decide who you sell to and when. We guide, you lead.

What if I change my mind? That’s okay. We support you whether you move forward or not. No pressure.

We Make It Simpler Than You Think

Selling your firm doesn’t have to be a stressful mystery. With a good partner, it can be smooth, well-paced, and even fulfilling. You’ve worked hard to build something of value. Let’s protect that value while helping you take the next step.

At ProHorizons, we don’t just sell practices. We support people through important transitions. That includes you.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Let’s Talk About What’s Next

Call us or reach out through our contact form. Let us know what you’re considering, and we’ll walk you through it step by step. No pressure. No hard pitch.

Just real guidance from people who get it.

We’re ready when you are.