CPA & Accountant Referrals
Accountants and CPAs often work with business owners who need capital. Through commercial finance referral programs, accountants can earn referral income by introducing clients to financing partners—without brokering loans or changing their core practice.
Accountants and CPAs have deep visibility into client financials. They know when a client is growing, struggling with cash flow, or planning a major purchase. When clients need financing, they often ask their accountant first. Referral programs create a way to connect clients with options and earn income when deals close.
The referral model does not require accountants to become brokers or lenders. They introduce the opportunity; the financing partner evaluates it and matches the client to programs. Compensation is typically tied to successful placements—often around 35% revenue share per the referral fee structure. This creates incremental income from relationships accountants already maintain.
The flow from introduction to compensation:
Referral partners typically receive revenue share when deals close—often around 35%. Payment is issued within 30 days of funds received. Compensation is based on successful placements, not introductions alone. No deal closes, no referral income. This aligns incentives: the accountant benefits when the client gets funded.
Income varies by deal volume and size. A single large equipment financing or working capital deal can generate meaningful referral income. See commercial lending referral fees for more on how fees are structured.
Accountants should confirm that referral arrangements comply with professional standards, firm policies, and any licensing requirements. AICPA and state board rules may apply. Best practice is to disclose the referral arrangement to clients—transparency helps maintain trust and ensures the introduction serves the client's needs.
Review the commercial lending referral agreement before participating. The agreement defines compensation, protects both parties, and establishes the process. See how advisors refer business loans for the broader process.
Tax season discovery. During tax prep, a CPA learns a client needs equipment financing for a $180K purchase. The client was declined by the vendor. The CPA refers the deal to a financing partner. If the deal closes, the CPA may receive revenue share per the agreement.
Quarterly review. A CPA's client mentions cash flow pressure during a quarterly review. The bank declined a working capital request. The CPA introduces the client to a second look financing network. Alternative structures may create options.
Growth planning. An accountant advises a client on expansion. The client needs term financing. The accountant refers the opportunity. See can consultants refer business loans for related context.
Submit borrower and request details by email.
We evaluate the opportunity and identify possible funding paths based on multiple factors.
Partners stay informed throughout the process.
When a deal closes, partners may receive 35% revenue share per the agreement.
FAQ
Yes. Accountants and CPAs who refer clients to commercial financing partners may receive revenue share when deals close. Compensation depends on the referral agreement. The accountant introduces the opportunity; the financing partner evaluates and places it.
Compensation varies by agreement. Many referral partners receive revenue share—often around 35%—when deals close. Payment is issued after funding. Income depends on deal volume and size, not a fixed fee per introduction.
Best practice is to disclose referral arrangements to clients. Professional standards and firm policies may require disclosure. Transparency helps maintain trust and ensures the introduction serves the client's needs.
Common referrals include working capital, equipment financing, term loans, and revenue-based financing. The financing partner evaluates each opportunity and matches it to appropriate programs based on structure, revenue, and credit profile.
Yes. Referral partners typically sign an agreement before submitting deals. The agreement defines compensation, protects both parties, and establishes the process. Review the terms before participating.
Accountant or CPA with clients who need financing?
Review the referral agreement, sign it, and submit opportunities for evaluation.
