The Firm

In this episode of "M&A Diaries", host James Gosling speaks with guest Anthony Casey about the transformative benefits of joining the ETL network for accounting firms in Ireland. Discover how ETL empowers firms to thrive while maintaining their independence and focuses on client satisfaction.✅ Learn about Noon Casey's successful journey and the strategic growth of their practice.✅ Discover the importance of succession planning and how ETL facilitates smooth transitions.✅ Understand the unique model of ETL that prioritises client-focused service.✅ Explore the current trends in the Irish accounting market and how firms can adapt.✅ Get insights on talent retention and the impact of foreign investments on the industry.Join us as we delve into the future of accounting in Ireland and the opportunities available through ETL!  

What does it really take to grow an accounting firm from $500M to $1.5B in revenue? In this episode of M&A Diaries, host James speaks with Alan Whitman, former CEO of Baker Tilly, to unpack the strategy, discipline, and cultural clarity that drove their rapid rise. If you're considering acquisitions, private equity, or scaling your firm beyond a lifestyle business, this is essential listening.✅ Why organic growth still trumps acquisitions—and how to reignite it✅ How to spot cultural alignment before you sign the deal✅ A people-first playbook for post-acquisition integration✅ What smaller firms can learn from billion-dollar growth journeys✅ Why “discipline equals freedom” when leading innovation✅ The honest truth about PE, globalisation, and the future of accountingAlan doesn’t hold back—sharing battle-tested insights and stories from over 20 M&A deals, including how Baker Tilly evaluated targets, avoided cultural misfires, and built a high-performance firm without losing its soul.#Accounting #MandA #FirmGrowth #PrivateEquity

Thinking of selling your accounting firm? In this episode of M&A Diaries, host James sits down with acquirer and exit strategist Julie Wilkinson to unpack what really makes a firm attractive to buyers — and why so many leave money on the table. If you're looking to sell, scale, or take investment, this is the blueprint you can't afford to miss.✅ Why acquirers want an asset, not a job — and how to become one✅ The truth about revenue multiples vs. EBITDA in sub-£1M deals✅ 3 hidden traps that quietly destroy your valuation✅ How to restructure your team for better margins and less stress✅ Julie’s “Consult for Equity” model that boosts sale price before the deal✅ The exact reports every buyer will want to see — and how to prep themWhether you’re planning to sell in 2 years or 10, the groundwork starts now. This conversation will give you the insight — and the urgency — to prepare properly.#Accounting #MandA #FirmGrowth #BusinessSale

Should you sell your accountancy firm, stay independent, or take investment? In this episode of M&A Diaries, host James sits down with Shiv Shah, Director of M&A at TC Group, to unpack the most popular acquisition models and the real factors influencing deals in today’s fast-moving market.✅ Discover the pros & cons of 100% exits, roll-ups, and split-equity deals✅ Why regulatory burden, tech fatigue & succession struggles are driving sales✅ The cultural missteps that ruin deals—before or after signing✅ How PE-backed and independent firms are reshaping the mid-market✅ What younger partners really want from their next chapter✅ A candid look at TC Group’s unique autonomy-plus-infrastructure modelWhether you’re ready to exit, scale through acquisition, or just want a clearer view of your options, this episode will give you the clarity (and caution) you need.#Accounting #MandA #SuccessionPlanning #FirmGrowth

On this episode of M&A Diaries, host James speaks with Luke Farren, founder of The Modern Firm, about how accountancy practices can unlock growth and exit opportunities through smarter technology strategy. With firsthand experience of being acquired by Cooper Parry, Luke shares what really matters when it comes to M&A readiness and firm valuation.✅ Pros and cons of joining a private equity–backed firm ✅ The #1 mistake small firms make with tech (and how to fix it) ✅ How to become “sale ready” — even if you’re not planning to sell ✅ Why most tech stacks are bloated, duplicated, and unprofitable ✅ What a good change management plan looks like post-acquisition ✅ How AI and automation will reshape the accountant’s role foreverWhether you're looking to grow, sell, or simply get your house in order, this episode will help you build a smarter, more valuable firm.#Accounting #MandA #TechStrategy #FirmGrowth

Mazuma Co-Founder Lucy Cohen joins James on M&A Diaries to share how she revolutionised accounting with the first-ever subscription model—despite industry pushback, gender bias, and no formal business background.This is not your typical firm growth story. Lucy reveals how childhood experiences shaped her obsession with financial certainty, how she accidentally built a recurring revenue powerhouse, and why Mazuma now acquires smaller firms that bigger buyers overlook.✅ How Lucy built a scalable firm from a purple envelope and a bold idea ✅ The reality of being a young female disruptor in a male-dominated sector ✅ Why small firms shouldn’t ignore “bird in the hand” valuations ✅ What most micro-business clients really care about (hint: it’s not tech) ✅ How Mazuma’s M&A model differs—and why it resonates with fatigued founders ✅ The real ROI behind investing in your own infrastructure and leadershipWhether you’re looking to grow, exit, or just stay sane—this one’s packed with insights.#Accounting #MandA #FirmGrowth #PracticeManagement

In this episode of M&A Diaries, James sits down with corporate lawyer Paul Forsyth to break down the legal essentials every accounting firm owner must know before buying, selling, or taking on investment. From avoiding costly mistakes to structuring deals that truly work, this is a must-watch for firm owners navigating today’s hyper-competitive M&A landscape.✅ When and why to involve a lawyer—before it’s too late ✅ Common legal traps in accountancy firm sales (and how to sidestep them) ✅ Share vs. asset sales explained for non-lawyers ✅ What a shareholder agreement really protects you from ✅ The legal documents you should never overlook ✅ What goes wrong when you rely on accountants for legal structuringWhether you're eyeing your first deal or preparing for private equity, this episode is packed with practical legal insight you can’t afford to miss.#Accounting #MandA #FirmGrowth #LawyerTips

In this episode, Kerry Agiasotis, President of The Access Group Asia Pacific, discusses how technologies like AI and The Access Group’s Evo platform are transforming workflows and freeing accountants from repetitive tasks. He explains how strategic acquisitions, such as Fathom and Change GPS, are creating new opportunities for firms to deliver value.Kerry also emphasises why mindset and community collaboration are essential for accountants looking to stay relevant and succeed in a tech-driven future.🔗 Listen in and see how your firm can stay ahead.#AIinAccounting #AccountingInnovation #TheAccessGroup #EvoSoftware #KerryAgiasotis #FathomHQ #ChangeGPS #AdaptableAccountants