CPA Referral Process
CPAs and accounting professionals often work closely with business owners on financial strategy, tax planning, and cash flow. When clients need capital—for equipment, working capital, or growth—CPAs can refer them to commercial financing partners through structured referral arrangements. The CPA introduces the opportunity; the financing partner evaluates it.
Business owners turn to their CPAs for financial guidance. When clients need capital, CPAs who have a financing referral option can connect them with partners who evaluate opportunities. This adds value to the client relationship without requiring the CPA to become a broker.
CPAs see the full financial picture—revenue, expenses, cash flow, and tax position. They often know when a client is planning an equipment purchase, expansion, or working capital need before the client formally seeks financing. A CPA referral partnership allows the CPA to make an introduction when appropriate, while the financing partner handles evaluation, lender matching, and funding. The CPA does not broker the loan or negotiate terms.
Referral arrangements are governed by a signed referral agreement. The agreement defines compensation, protects both parties, and establishes the process. CPAs should review their professional obligations and firm policies before participating.
How the referral flow works from introduction to potential funding:
Step 1: Agreement. The CPA reviews and signs the referral agreement before submitting any deals. This defines compensation, confidentiality, and process.
Step 2: Introduction. When a client needs financing, the CPA introduces the opportunity to the financing partner. Basic borrower and request details are shared by email or secure channel.
Step 3: Evaluation. The financing partner evaluates the opportunity and identifies possible funding paths based on structure, revenue, credit profile, and lender guidelines. No approval is promised—each deal is evaluated on its merits.
Step 4: Communication. The CPA stays informed throughout the process. The financing partner handles lender communication and documentation.
Step 5: Compensation. When a deal closes, the CPA may receive revenue share per the agreement—often around 35%. Payment is typically issued within 30 days of funds received.
When a client was declined by a bank, credit union, or other lender, CPAs can still refer the deal. Many financing partners offer second look review—evaluating deals that fall outside traditional lender guidelines. Alternative lenders may consider opportunities based on different criteria: revenue profile, collateral, industry, or structure.
Partners can send declined business loans to financing networks for evaluation. A decline from one lender does not mean no options exist. Lenders have different credit boxes and risk appetites. The financing partner evaluates each opportunity and, if appropriate, matches it to a lender in their network. No approval is guaranteed.
Both CPAs and fractional CFOs work with business owners on financial matters. Fractional CFO financing referrals follow a similar model: the advisor introduces the client to a financing partner; the partner evaluates and funds. The key difference is scope—CPAs often focus on tax, compliance, and financial reporting; fractional CFOs may focus more on strategy, cash flow, and growth planning. Both can refer clients who need capital.
Advisors who refer—whether CPA or fractional CFO—do not broker the loan. They make the introduction and may receive revenue share when deals close. The financing partner handles lender relationships and deal execution.
The financing partner evaluates each opportunity and matches it to appropriate programs. Eligibility depends on lender guidelines, deal structure, revenue, and credit profile. Not every referral will result in funding—each deal is evaluated on its merits.
Submit borrower and request details by email.
We evaluate the opportunity and identify possible funding paths based on multiple factors.
CPAs stay informed throughout the process.
When a deal closes, partners may receive 35% revenue share per the agreement.
FAQ
CPAs with a signed referral agreement introduce clients who need financing to a financing partner. The CPA provides basic borrower and request details; the financing partner evaluates the opportunity and, if appropriate, matches it to a lender. The CPA does not broker the loan—they make the introduction.
Yes. CPAs must review and sign the referral agreement before submitting any deals. The agreement defines compensation, protects both parties, and establishes the process. See the referral agreement for full terms.
Yes. When a client was declined by a bank or other lender, CPAs can refer the deal for second look review. Partners can send declined business loans to financing networks that may evaluate opportunities differently. No approval is guaranteed.
CPAs with a signed referral agreement may receive revenue share when referred deals close—often around 35%. Payment is typically issued within 30 days of funds received. Compensation is based on successful placements, not introductions alone.
CPAs may refer clients who need working capital, equipment financing, term loans, growth capital, or other business financing. The financing partner evaluates each opportunity and matches it to appropriate programs. Eligibility depends on lender guidelines and deal structure.
Yes. In a CPA referral partnership, the CPA introduces the client to a financing partner. The partner evaluates and funds the deal. The CPA does not broker the loan, negotiate terms, or handle lender relationships. Compensation is for the introduction when a deal closes.
CPA with clients who need financing?
Sign the agreement and submit opportunities for evaluation.
