Before you think Succession… THINK CONTINGENCY – 2020

Looking at the natural cycle of accounting practices will inevitably lead us to consider the divestment stage. At a certain point or age, slowing down and enjoying the transition into retirement with family and close friends is a goal for anyone. As for most baby boomers, they want to manage it all the way to the end; and I might add, in style. But, what about the journey there; what if there was some disruption.

Protect thy Practice – “it’s a goldmine!” Asset maintaining strategies sometimes come up in conversation, although, generally we do put off difficult decisions, especially something that has any emotional side to it. This also is up against the fact most professionals don’t have the time to focus on themselves.

Even if you are not thinking of selling your practice it is wise to implement a contingency plan. The following are a few points towards creating your plan.

1. Communicate: The most important. Converse with business partners, key staff members and most importantly your spouse and family members – they need to be aware and fully informed

2. Plan: A simple strategy; even if it is just an envelope, only to be released in an emergency with clear instructions and directions that chart out the process; names and contact numbers, including the solicitor’s. Everyone should be aware of what to do, maintaining smooth and seamless continuity – review yearly

“If you only implement two, implement the first two.”

3. Employment agreements: Keep staff and clients by implementing employment agreements with each and every staff member; don’t forget the restrictive covenants

4. Buddy System: Set up a group of trusted Accountants. Don’t forget they have their own business. Keep in mind; can your buddies maintain your practice as well as their own?

5. Insurance: Life, Key man, income protection insurance to help pay for maintaining the asset whilst one is incapacitated
6. Valuation: Conduct a yearly internal valuation (rule-of-thumb, EBIT multiple, etc.) of the practice. Clearly indicating each equity holder’s position – review yearly [new thinking around this]

7. Internal succession: Groom multiple candidates with the understanding their desire to step-up may change

8. Divestment: Knowing your neighbours or interested parties, always weigh Monies vs. Terms. Ask everyone for advice

9. Buy-out Agreements: Implement a structured agreement with multiple scenarios, although, keep as simple as possible

10. Ownership: Clearly document to alleviate challenges internally or externally. Sole director of a company creates further hurdles.

11. Transfer of ownership: Time lag can push the borderlines of legality

12. Data: Access procedures by trusted parties (internally or externally) to maintain continuity.

13. Passwords: Ever-secure systems make it harder when one is incapacitated, keeping in mind there might be multiple layers, one should focus on: Software(s), ASIC (document retrieval and changes), ATO, Bank(s) (they might lock the accounts)

14. Protect the family: Prepare a will, make a power of Attorney and Appoint an Enduring Guardian. Q. Where is the will? A. With No.2.

15. Probate: Be aware of time lag and it’s disruptions

As the average age of practitioners does start to edge up we have found numerous parties coming to us in the last minutes for a quick divestment. Tragically prices can plummet if divestment is sought during time of duress and not acted on immediately. Implementing a contingency plan can help protect your asset.

To add to the above, . We are now fully aware we are wading into devastating circumstances with an inevitable business shock for most to follow and continue for some time. I note the above and below are of common knowledge but find we in the Accounting Profession do our own work last. This aside, I have these further key sector related points to be mindful of:

1. Focus on debtor days: This will help the clients know you also need to survive. If you have had trouble asking before, now isn’t the time to be shy. DO NOT LET THEM BLOW OUT (too much… have a heart though)

2. Beware the Ambulance Chasers: The Vultures, Ambulance Chasers, the Opportunists or even masked as the Entrepreneurs are circling for the deal of a lifetime.

3. Don’t PANIC and rush the deal: you have options and terms that can protect and accommodate you during times of data deficiency, conflicting information

4. Keep talking to everyone: no one person is an expert but this is your time to shine. Accountants are part of the economical financial frontline, as are the medicos to the virus. Noted we are all etching out new identities but this gives us all opportunities to be the best we can and you are the Financial GP – make the call

5. Call me too: I’ll talk to you, I’m around 24/7 Mobile +61 (0)408885944 SMS is OK too