1. History Background
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| Fully describe the business's activities |
The Practice consists of two related entities: a professional services firm providing accounting, tax, payroll, secretarial and advisory services, and a separate incorporated entity legally established to house statutory audit work. While the audit entity is wholly owned by the majority shareholder, both firms are serviced by the same operational team. Audit assignments are invoiced through the incorporated entity for regulatory compliance, while the accounting and advisory firm handles all other client mandates. Together, the entities provide a full-service financial offering. |
| How long has the business been established? |
The main firm began in 2013, the audit entity 2015. |
| How long has the owner had the business? |
Since founding both entities from inception. |
2. Present Market
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| How does the business operate daily? |
The Practice employs six people, including two directors. The Founder provides oversight two days weekly, while the second director manages daily operations. Each staff member is assigned a client portfolio and reports to the operations lead. Two staff are completing SAIPA articles (2026), one is completing SAICA articles (2025), and the operational director is progressing through SAICA accreditation despite already holding ACCA. Working hours are 08:00–16:30, with office attendance two days weekly and remote work on other days. |
| How are the clients attracted to the business? |
Clients are primarily secured through professional referrals and word-of-mouth. Digital marketing on platforms such as LinkedIn and other social media supports visibility, supplemented by search engine optimisation. Partnerships with bookkeepers and professional firms further generate opportunities, particularly where conflict-of-interest prevents them from acting, resulting in a steady inflow of new mandates. |
| What Advertising/Marketing is carried out? |
A specialist digital agency manages SEO, while another firm drives LinkedIn and social media campaigns to sustain a strong online presence. You as the new owner, can use this to assist with the transition. |
| Does the business have any contract work? |
Yes. Clients are serviced under monthly retainers covering bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, PAYE, and tax compliance, as well as annual engagements for statutory accounts, tax returns, and audits under formal Service Level Agreements. |
| What competition exists |
Normal competition in the market. |
| What are the seasonal trends |
Work peaks during provisional tax periods, annual income tax season, payroll reconciliations, and statutory submissions, with heightened demand around compliance deadlines. |
3. Financial
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| Is the business VAT Registered |
Yes, the Practice is VAT registered, with documentation in place and compliance actively maintained through regular submissions and monitoring. |
| Are there up to date management accounts? |
Yes. Management accounts are available and maintained regularly to provide accurate and current financial reporting for operational and strategic decisions. |
| What annual financials are available, income statement and or balance sheets? |
Annual financial statements, including income statements and balance sheets, are prepared and available for review by qualified prospective purchasers. |
| What percentage of the business is cash/credit? |
All clients are billed on credit terms, though some prepay, pay deposits, or settle promptly upon completion, alongside monthly retainer collections. |
| What is the age analysis of the debtor’s book? |
Most clients settle on an invoice. A minority fall into 30–60 days, with limited exposure extending beyond this range. |
| How could the profitability of the business be improved? |
Profitability could be enhanced through performance-linked remuneration, refining client selection, focusing on higher-margin niches, and further systematisation of workflows to increase efficiency and reduce overheads.
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| Is Seller finance available and for what amount? |
Majority Seller – 70%
Yes, seller financing will be considered under the following conditions:
- An approved buyer must be secured.
- Purchase price: R1,610,000 for the 70% equity plus NAV (70% of actual NAV).
- The seller requires an upfront cash payment of 50% of the purchase price on the effective date.
- The Seller will guarantee turnover for 12 months, subject to terms and conditions per the agreement.
- The remaining balance will be payable in monthly instalments over a 36-month period.
The terms and conditions regarding the warranty and ongoing involvement will be clearly defined, as well as how the price will be adjusted, either upwards or downwards at the end of the warranty period. Surety wil be dealt with.
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4. Staffing
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| What is the total staff complement? |
The Practice employs six people in total, including two directors, an accounting manager, two trainees, and one junior accountant. |
| Staff Breakdown |
Founder – 12 years, oversight, Training Officer, Registered Tax Practitioner, Registered Auditor, CA(SA)
Operations Director/Shareholder – 5 years, Operations Director
Accounting Manager – 2 years (SAICA trainee)
SAIPA Intern 1 – 5 years (SAIPA trainee)
SAIPA Intern 2 – 2.5 years (SAIPA trainee)
Trainee Accountant – 3 months |
| Do any receive special perks, bonuses or incentives? |
No additional perks or incentive schemes are currently in place; staff are employed on standard remuneration and benefits packages. |
| Are they on contract? |
Yes, all employees are engaged under standard employment contracts, ensuring compliance with applicable labour regulations and professional standards. |
| Do any have management potential? |
Yes. Beyond the two directors and the accounting manager already in leadership, the two SAIPA trainees show strong management potential. |
| How involved is the Owner in running the business? |
The Founder provides oversight two days per week, with day-to-day operations delegated to the active director and broader team. |
5. Premises
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| When Does the Current Lease ends? |
There is no formal lease; the team operates on a hybrid model between a home office and remote working arrangements. |
| Is there an option for renewal & what period |
Not applicable, as no formal lease exists. Office space is owner-provided and utilised two days weekly under hybrid arrangements. |
| What is the annual escalation %? |
Not applicable; no lease agreement. |
| What are the Trading Hours? |
Standard hours are 08:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday, with flexibility for deadlines and client service requirements. |
| What is the square meterage of the business? |
Not applicable; no leased premises |
| Is a copy of the lease available? |
Not applicable; no formal lease. |
| Do You require a license? |
Existing professional registrations and statutory accreditations applicable to accounting and audit services. Currently, IRBA, SAICA and a SAIPA Accredited Training Centre |
6. Assets
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| Is a full asset list on file? |
Yes, covering laptops, screens, and office furniture. |
| Are any items not included in the sale? |
No, all assets are included in the sale. |
| What is their overall condition? |
All assets are in good working condition. |
| Do any require repairing? |
No, all assets are fully operational.. |
| How have they been valued? |
Normal Replacement Value. |
| Which assets are on lease/HP and with whom |
None; all assets are fully owned.. |
| What are their settlement amounts? |
Not applicable; no leased or financed assets.. |
| Will the Seller settle or Buyer take over? |
Not applicable; no lease or hire purchase obligations.. |
| Are copies of agreements available? |
Not applicable; no lease or hire purchase agreements exist.. |
| Are they presently insured? |
No, assets are not insured; low-value items are self-covered. |
7. S.W.O.T. Analysis
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| Strengths |
- Strong client relationships built on trust
- Experienced management team with delegated operations
- Well-trained staff managing their own client portfolios
- Established brand presence in the market
- Effective referral partnerships with bookkeepers and other firms
- Hybrid work model offering flexibility and efficiency
- Solid compliance and professional registrations in place
- Continuous pipeline of trainees gaining professional qualifications
- Consistent fee base with recurring retainers
- Demonstrated ability to attract new clients through digital channels
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| Weaknesses |
- CRM system not fully utilised
- Marketing enquiries are not always maximised
- Systematisation requires further optimisation.
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| Opportunities |
- Growing number of digital enquiries through online marketing
- Potential to strengthen lead management and client conversion
- Scope to further streamline systems and improve efficiency.
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| Threats |
- Rising influence of artificial intelligence in professional services
- Intense competition from other accounting and audit firms
- Risk of client attrition during ownership transition
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8. Reason For Sale
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| What is the reason for the sale? |
The majority shareholder intends to focus on other business interests and reduce direct operational involvement. A sale of 70% equity provides continuity for clients and staff, with the remaining shareholder staying active in the business. The seller is open to a structured handover period to ensure stability. |
9. Conclusion
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| Why is this a good business to buy? |
This Practice offers a stable client base, recurring income streams, and a strong referral network, underpinned by professional staff capable of independently managing client portfolios. Its hybrid working model provides efficiency, while digital marketing ensures a steady inflow of new enquiries. With one shareholder remaining active, the transition is safeguarded by continuity of leadership. The Practice is well-positioned for growth through optimised systems, expanded client acquisition, and further leveraging of its established brand and professional reputation..
10 Reasons to Buy:
- Established brand reputation
- Loyal client base
- Recurring retainer income
- Skilled professional staff
- Active shareholder continuity
- Growth in digital enquiries
- Strong referral partnerships
- Hybrid work flexibility
- Compliance and accreditations secured
- Opportunities for system optimisation and scaling.
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