Leadership transitions are inevitable, but a successful transition is not. Whether you're five years or one year away from a leadership transition, having a clear, intentional succession strategy is essential for the long-term health of your firm, your clients, and your team. This course provides firm leaders with practical guidance on how to approach succession planning with confidence and clarity.
We’ll explore key components of an effective plan, including identifying next-generation talent, timing your exit, preparing for contingencies, and communicating with clients and staff. From outlining a 5–7 year roadmap to avoiding common pitfalls, this course equips participants with the knowledge to proactively manage transition, maintain firm stability, and preserve legacy.
Publication Date: September 2025
Designed For
CPA Firm Leaders
Partners
Managing Partners
Future Partners
Topics Covered
- Succession Planning Statistics
- Building Your Internal Succession Pipeline
- Communications
- Technology & Modernization
Learning Objectives
- Explain how to evaluate your firm’s current succession readiness and understand when and how to begin planning for a smooth transition
- Explain how to design a succession timeline and framework, starting 5–7 years prior to leadership exit through the transition period
- Explain how to develop a clear communication plan for notifying clients and team members about succession in a thoughtful and strategic way
- Identify and prepare next-generation leaders, aligning development plans with the future needs of the firm
- Recognize and avoid common succession planning mistakes, such as delayed action, unclear expectations, or lack of contingency planning
Level
Overview
Instructional Method
Self-Study
NASBA Field of Study
Business Management & Organization (2 hours)
Program Prerequisites
None
Advance Preparation
None
Instructor
Erin Daiber
Erin Daiber is a relatable and results-oriented CPA turned coach, speaker & change agent in the accounting profession. She is the founder of Well Balanced Accountants, a premier consulting firm known for their fresh approach and tailored solutions designed to uniquely suit your team of accountants.
Well Balanced Accountants started after she went from a high-performing accountant to a burned-out, now-recovering CPA. Erin specializes in working with CPA firms to create a culture where accountants love to work, addressing key challenges such as engaging top talent, building an internal leadership pipeline, scaling for capacity, and planning for succession.
She believes that leading in today’s environment requires a new level of leadership, creativity, and a willingness to break free from the status quo. As a speaker, she brings the knowledge and industry insights leaders need to transform themselves and their organizations so that they can spend more time on what matters most.
Erin began her career in the audit practice of EY, where she had the opportunity to lead audit teams and serve a wide variety of clients from Fortune 500s to young start-ups. She spent several years in private industry working as a financial analyst before taking on her role as CEO.
Erin is a graduate of John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio with a degree in accountancy. Erin holds an active CPA license in the state of California and the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation through the International Coach Federation.