Accountancy Practice Finance
Accountancy firms understand cashflow better than most — but partner transitions, acquisitions and tax obligations can still collide at the worst possible moment. PLC arranges finance that fits how accountancy practices actually work: recurring fees, lock-up, partner capital and the particular pressures that come with running a regulated firm.
Who This Is For
This page is relevant if you are:
- An accountant joining or exiting a partnership
- A practice owner acquiring another firm or client book
- A firm managing tax, VAT or seasonal cashflow
- An accountancy practice funding growth or investment
What We Arrange
- Working capital and cashflow support
- Partner buy-in and buy-out funding (typically 2–5 years)
- Fee block and practice acquisition finance
- Practice acquisitions via SPV/NewCo, where suitably structured
- VAT (3 months), corporation tax (up to 12 months), partner self-assessment (6 or 12 months)
- Practising certificate funding (12 months, ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA and others)
- Aged debt and WIP support where suitable
- Office investment and technology upgrades
Common Uses Of Finance
Solicitors commonly use practice finance for:
- Partner buy-in or buy-out
- Practice or client-book acquisition
- Corporation tax or VAT liabilities
- Working capital during peak periods
- Investment in staff, systems or premises
HOW THE PROCESS WORKS
Initial discussion
We confirm objectives, practice structure and funding requirements. This does not affect your credit score.
Review of information
We review accounts, recurring fee income, partner drawings and existing commitments.
Lender matching
We approach suitable lenders experienced in accountancy practice finance.
Completion
Once terms are agreed, funding is documented and completed.
Typical Amounts And Terms
- £10,000 to £500,000+
- Terms from 12 months to 7 years
- Often unsecured
- Personal guarantees may be required
What Lenders Look For
- 2–3 years’ accounts
- Recurring fee income and client retention
- Partnership structure and drawings
- Existing borrowing and commitments
Documents Typically Required
- Latest full accounts
- Recent management figures (if available)
- Partner details and ownership
- Details of acquisition (if applicable)
- Purpose of funding
Risks And considerations
- Personal guarantees may be required
- Early repayment charges may apply
- Interest rates vary depending on structure and risk
- Some lending is unregulated
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about our practice finance solutions, application process, and tailored funding options for professional practices.
Can a fee block acquisition be funded unsecured?
Often yes. Lenders look at the quality and recoverability of the fee income being acquired, the handover plan and the acquiring firm’s profile. A clear client retention plan and a realistic integration buffer matter more than the headline multiple.
Can acquisition and tax funding be arranged at the same time?
Yes — where affordability supports it. The two facilities typically run on different repayment profiles: the acquisition over a longer term, the tax facility over its short cycle.
Can you fund an acquisition if we're buying through a new company (SPV/NewCo)?
In some circumstances, yes. Where the acquiring individuals are professionally qualified and experienced, some lenders will assess the individuals rather than the entity’s trading history. The practice being acquired needs to have a clear track record. This route exists but is not universally available — speak to us before assuming it applies.
How do lenders assess lock-up?
They look at debtor ageing, WIP conversion rate and whether the trend is stable or deteriorating over time. A growing lock-up position needs a clear explanation.
Do you require property security?
Many facilities are unsecured. Secured options are available if the amount or term makes that more appropriate.
Do you charge upfront fees?
No upfront fees are charged by PLC.
How quickly can you provide an initial view?
Usually within 24–48 hours once we have the key information.
Can partner self-assessment be funded in an individual's own name?
Yes — personal facilities are possible where the purpose and lender criteria support it.
Are personal guarantees required?
Sometimes — this is lender-dependent. We confirm what is required before anything proceeds.
What terms are typical for partner capital?
Commonly 2–5 years. Longer may be possible for the right case.
Is practising certificate funding available?
Yes — typically 12 months, aligned to the renewal cycle.
Is this regulated advice?
No — process explanation only. All facilities are subject to lender assessment and eligibility.
Grow Your Practice with Confidence
Speak to a broker who understands accountancy practice finance. An initial conversation will confirm whether funding is suitable.
