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Tips for Starting a BV Practice

Guidance is a click away.

BY BRADLEY H. MINOR

Please note: This item is from our archives and was published in 2006. It is provided for historical reference. The content may be out of date and links may no longer function.

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Business valuation is not an area of accounting to be entered into lightly. Statistics show there are many litigation claims against CPAs in the valuation area, mostly due to a misunderstanding of what services the CPA was to perform as part of the engagement and the CPA’s lack of formal training in performing valuations.

The Business Valuation Practice Management Toolkit is an excellent source for understanding what services generally are performed; it is available online to all BV/FLS section members. It includes chapters on marketing, product, sources of information, financial aspects, practice management (staffing) and quality control.

Obtaining solid training is the key component in mitigating risk. You can gauge your competence in business valuation by taking the AICPA Competency Self-Assessment Tool (CAT) https://www.cpa2biz.com/CPE/CAT.htm . The gap analysis the CAT provides will highlight your strengths and point out areas for improvement, so you can get the appropriate training to fill your knowledge gaps and lessen your risk.

— Bradley H. Minor, CPA/ABV, CVA, ASA senior manager,
Blue & Co. LLC, Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio