Buying an accounting practice is one of the most effective ways for CPAs to grow quickly—adding revenue, clients, and established staff on day one. But acquiring a firm often requires significant capital. That’s where the Small Business Administration (SBA) becomes a powerful resource for CPAs.

At Naab Consulting, one of the top accounting practice brokers in the U.S., we work directly with SBA-preferred lenders who specialize in CPA firm acquisitions. Our buyers benefit from faster approvals, better terms, and a smoother closing process.

Here’s how the SBA helps CPAs purchase an accounting practice—and how Naab Consulting guides buyers every step of the way.

1. Low Down Payments Make Buying a Firm Accessible

Traditional lenders may require 20–30% down.
SBA 7(a) financing typically requires as little as 10% down.

This is ideal for CPAs who want to:

  • Keep more cash in reserve

  • Avoid draining savings or retirement accounts

  • Pursue larger, more profitable practices

  • Scale through acquisition without heavy upfront cost

Naab Consulting’s SBA lender relationships allow buyers to secure competitive terms quickly—often within days.

2. SBA Financing Covers Goodwill (Perfect for Accounting Firms)

Most of an accounting practice’s value is goodwill: recurring clients, reputation, and predictable revenue.

Traditional banks don’t like financing goodwill.

But SBA lenders do, which means CPAs can finance up to 90% of the total purchase price—making it much easier to acquire established firms.

Because Naab Consulting specializes exclusively in accounting practice sales, our lenders understand:

  • Fee structures

  • Client retention benchmarks

  • Seasonal revenue trends

  • The long-term value of recurring tax clients

This results in smoother underwriting and faster loan approvals.

3. Longer Repayment Terms Improve Cash Flow

SBA loans typically feature:

  • 10-year repayment terms

  • No balloon payments

  • Predictable monthly costs

For CPAs buying a firm, strong cash flow in the first year is critical. SBA terms keep payments low while the new owner stabilizes operations and transitions clients.

4. CPAs Perfectly Fit the SBA’s “Industry Experience” Requirement

The SBA requires buyers to have relevant industry experience. CPAs, EAs, and experienced accountants are ideal candidates.

This gives CPAs a major advantage in SBA underwriting:

  • Professional credentials reduce perceived risk

  • Lenders understand CPA revenue stability

  • Buyers already know the industry workflows

  • Transition risk is significantly lower

Naab Consulting partners with lenders who already specialize in accounting practice financing, which accelerates approvals.

5. Seller Financing Can Count Toward the Buyer’s Equity Injection

One powerful SBA feature is allowing sellers to finance part of the down payment.

Example SBA structure:

  • 5% cash from the buyer

  • 5% seller note (on standby)

  • 90% SBA loan

This structure reduces out-of-pocket cost and shows the seller is confident in the business.

Naab Consulting frequently structures deals exactly this way to help buyers close affordably.

6. SBA Loans Can Include Working Capital and Upgrades

The SBA allows borrowers to finance more than just the purchase price. CPAs can include:

  • Working capital

  • Transition and training costs

  • Technology upgrades

  • Marketing and client retention initiatives

  • Staff retention or hiring

  • Licensing and compliance costs

Naab Consulting works with lenders who understand these needs and build them into the loan when appropriate.

7. SBA Lenders Who Understand CPA Firms Provide a Smoother Closing

Working with lenders who have no experience with accounting practices often leads to slow approvals and unnecessary documentation.
That’s why Naab Consulting partners with SBA-preferred lenders who specialize in CPA firm acquisitions.

Our buyers benefit from:

  • Faster underwriting

  • Realistic cash-flow evaluations

  • Accurate goodwill valuations

  • Fewer documentation challenges

  • A more predictable closing timeline

When you work with a broker and lender who already understand the accounting industry, everything moves more smoothly.

8. SBA Pre-Approval Helps Buyers Win Competitive Deals

Quality accounting firms move fast. Sellers prefer buyers who:

  • Have SBA pre-qualification

  • Work with a reputable broker

  • Show strong financial backing

  • Demonstrate ability to close

Naab Consulting often helps buyers secure pre-approval before they make an offer, giving them a major competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Final Thoughts

The SBA 7(a) loan program is one of the most effective financing tools CPAs can use to acquire an accounting practice. With low down payments, long repayment terms, and the ability to finance goodwill, the SBA makes firm ownership more accessible than ever.

Naab Consulting not only brokers the transaction—we connect buyers with SBA lenders who specialize in accounting firm financing, increasing approval rates and speeding up closings.

If you’re considering buying an accounting practice, partnering with Naab Consulting gives you the expertise, connections, and resources you need to succeed.

Subscribe To Receive The Latest Listings

Fill out our form so you are up-to-date on all accounting practices for sale!

Thanks for signing up! Be on the lookout for all new listings!
There was an error trying to send your message. Please try again later.

Click on our Privacy Policy to learn more