What to Focus on Before You Launch Your CPA Firm

You've made the decision to start your own CPA firm - now what? If you're anything like most entrepreneurial CPAs, you've got a to-do list a mile long: choose a name, file your LLC, build a website, open a business account...and it all feels equally urgent.

But here's the truth: not everything matters equally before launch. Some tasks make you feel busy, but they won't move the needle when it comes to building a firm that actually works.

So, before you invest hours choosing fonts or setting up a scheduling app, let's talk about what really matters. Here's what to focus on before you launch - so you're not just open for business, but positioned for success.

 #1 Get Clear on Your Why

Before you figure out how to build your firm, get grounded in why you're building it.

Are you looking for more freedom? More impact? More time with your family? More control over the type of clients you work with?

Your "why" isn't fluff - it's your filter. It will help you make tough decisions down the road, like when to raise your prices, what services to offer, and which clients to say no to.

Try This: Write your "why" in a sentence and keep it where you can see it. Revisit it every time you start second-guessing yourself.

#2 Identify the Clients You Want to Work With

The more specific you are about your ideal client, the faster your firm will gain traction.

This isn't just about demographics - it's about values, goals, and pain points. Who do you want to work with? What kind of work do you want to be known for?

When you know your niche, you're not just another CPA - you're the CPA for your people.

Try This: Write down the top 3 problems your ideal client is struggling with. Then write down how your service solves them.

#3 Build an Offer That Solves a Real Problem

You don't need 10 packages, a membership, and a 12-week course. You need one clear offer that solves a real problem for a specific kind of client.

What service do you want to be known for? What's included? How is it delivered? What's the transformation the client gets by the end?

Bonus tip: price it based on value - not time. If your service saves a business owner 10 hours a month or prevents a $20,000 mistake, your price should reflect that.

Try This: Outline your first offer:

• What's the problem it solves?
• What's included?
• What does it cost?

#4 Create a Simple Way to Get Paid and Book Calls

Before you obsess over logos or web design, make sure you have two things in place:

• A way to send invoices and collect payments
• A way for potential clients to book a call

That's it. You don't need a full website to get your first few clients. You need a link, a payment processor, and a plan.

Try This: Set up Calendly for scheduling and Stripe or QuickBooks Online for payments. Done.

#5 Talk to People (Before You're Ready)

This is the one step most new firm owners avoid: putting themselves out there before everything feels polished.

But the sooner you start talking about your new firm, the sooner you'll get your first clients. You don't need a perfect website. You need conversations.

Reach out to former coworkers, post on LinkedIn, email past clients, and tell your network you're launching. Clarity comes from action.

Try This: Send 5 emails or messages to people who might refer you. Let them know who you're serving and how you can help.

Progress Over Perfection

Before you launch, it's easy to get caught in the details. But the truth is, your firm doesn't need to be perfect to be profitable - it just needs a clear purpose, a real solution, and a starting point.

Focus on what matters most, take messy action, and give yourself permission to grow as you go.