How an 8-Week Advisory Training Program Can Reshape Your Accounting Firm’s Profitability, Focus, and Exit Strategy
Brannon Poe is the founder of Poe Group Advisors and has been successfully transitioning accounting practices since 2003. He is an E&Y alumnus and is a prominent author in the accounting practice field. His most recent work includes the ‘Accountant’s Flight Plan – Best Practices for Today’s Firms’ and ‘On Your Own: How to Start Your Own CPA Firm’, both of which are published by the AICPA.
We were keen to learn more about the Accounting Practice AcademyTM and reached out to Brannon Poe to learn more about this innovative and exciting program.
Q. Who is the Accounting Practice Academy TM geared toward
This workshop is geared toward owners who know they have room for improvement and are committed to making some changes to their firms and to their schedules. Our best members are those who are looking to grow their practices AND work fewer hours. Owners who have established firms that may have plateaued at the $300K, $750K, or the +$1M mark and are in need of perspective/direction for the next stage of their firm's lifespan. If you're the bottleneck of your practice (working +2,000 hours) or your cashflow is below 50% of top-line revenue, APA will help you build a game plan to implement your new vision.
Q. Why should practice owners take part?
Most accountants work very hard. Many work too hard.
If there's one thing we've learned through our M&A work is that no one wants to own a practice long-term that consistently requires heavy hours and provides less than exciting profits. This is a curated, results-oriented workshop based on our one-on-one coaching model where we’ve helped successful accounting firm owners take their firms to raise the bottom-line and work fewer hours... not to mention you'll connect with a community of firm owners who are all in the same growth mindset! Check out what our members have to say here:
Q. How is the workshop delivered and what time investment is required?
The workshop is interactive and 100% virtual.
Each week, you’ll need to invest about three hours (give or take.) One hour will go toward watching the Module, one hour will go toward doing the assigned work, and one hour will be for your group Zoom Break-Out Session. Each week, you’ll work through one Module about a specific topic relating to your firm and your game plan. These Modules are made up of a handful of short 5 to 10-minute videos and downloadable tools. You’ll do the work, then meet with your group to help crystalize your plans. The modules focus on a range of specific topics from the “How to” of Price Increases to Time Off. The workshop runs for 8 weeks, and each module is released at the start of the week so you won't be overwhelmed by the workload.
Q. What can practice owners expect at the end of workshops?
Apart from a reduction in owner hours and an increase to the bottom-line, firm owners will come away with a full roadmap for a total transformation. You'll have a community of fellow high-tier firm owners, and maybe most importantly the motivation/accountability to take action you know you need to take. Most members will have multiple game-changing ideas to implement and our goal is for you to come away highly focused on your top priorities.
Q. It can be a lonely and challenging place running your own business. The community aspect appears to be a key component of the Academy. Can you tell us a little more about this and why this is such an important part of the program?
Most owners are great at quickly seeing other people’s issues and opportunities, but it’s hard to see your own because you’re too close. A group of 5 or 6 accounting firm owners has a wealth of knowledge and experience that provides a huge resource to owners who are trying to manage their business better. To make educated decisions you need benchmarks and multiple perspectives – the community in APA provides those. Most of our member’s favorite part of APA has been the community aspect.
Q. When does it start and what investment is required?
The investment is $5,500 and the latest workshop dates are available on our website (link below)
Ready to Reshape Your Accounting Practice?
Take control of your firm’s profitability, focus, and future with the proven 8-week Accounting Practice Academy™ program. Join a motivated community of forward-thinking firm owners and start building a more strategic and rewarding business.
Explore the WorkshopAbout the Author
Daniel Crowley is a qualified accountant and the Founder of the Accounting Practice Exchange, a leading US-based platform that connects accounting practice buyers and sellers nationwide.
A CGMA with a BA (Hons) in Economics, Daniel has held senior strategic roles in VC and private equity–backed businesses, with extensive experience in accounting, M&A advisory, and cross-functional leadership.
Since 2012, Daniel has focused on growing the Exchange into a respected, independent platform that supports practice owners, buyers, and brokers with market visibility and informed decision-making - while remaining unaffiliated with any brokerage firms and not participating in transactions. As an entrepreneur, he built the platform to offer a trusted resource in the M&A space - supporting both firm owners and brokers involved in accounting practice transitions.
Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn