Forward Firm Review: Big Four Experience Meets Modern Accounting
When you’re closing an M&A transaction, the last thing you want is an accountant who’s still figuring out deal dynamics. Forward Firm—formerly known as the Petracca Group—brings serious transaction experience to the table, led by founder Mitch Petracca, CPA, a former PwC professional with over 100 completed M&A transactions under his belt. Listed on VerSquare.com, Forward Firm has positioned itself as a modern, technology-forward CPA practice built for dealmakers, operators, and growth-minded founders.
In this detailed review, we’ll examine Forward Firm’s services, evaluate the strength of their M&A experience, and help you determine if they’re the right fit for your transaction or ongoing accounting needs.
The Mitch Petracca Advantage
Let’s start with the founder, because in boutique CPA firms, the principal’s experience is everything. Mitch Petracca’s background includes:
- PwC alumni: Training at one of the Big Four accounting firms provides a foundation in audit methodology, financial analysis, and professional standards that’s difficult to replicate
- 100+ M&A transactions: This isn’t a firm that does the occasional deal—transaction advisory is core to their DNA
- CPA credentials: Professional licensing ensures adherence to accounting standards and ethical requirements
- Entrepreneurial mindset: Leaving Big Four to build a client-focused firm suggests a commitment to personalized service over corporate bureaucracy
The combination of Big Four rigor with boutique firm accessibility is Forward Firm’s primary value proposition, and it’s a compelling one for deal participants who need sophisticated analysis without the six-figure fees.
Services Overview
Forward Firm offers a comprehensive suite of services organized around three main client types:
For Dealmakers & Transaction Participants
- Quality of Earnings (QoE) reports: Both buy-side and sell-side analysis for M&A transactions
- Business valuations: Independent valuations for transactions, estate planning, litigation support, and strategic planning
- Transaction-ready financials: Preparing businesses for sale or acquisition with clean, diligence-ready financial statements
- Deal support: Advisory throughout the transaction lifecycle from LOI through closing
For Real Estate Professionals
- Financial clarity for developers and asset managers
- Real-time reporting and compliance support
- Scalable accounting solutions for growing portfolios
For Founders & Operators
- Ongoing accounting and tax guidance
- Strategic growth support
- Operational financial clarity
What Sets Forward Firm Apart
Several elements differentiate Forward Firm from the crowded field of CPA firms offering transaction services:
1. Technology-Forward Approach
Forward Firm emphasizes modern technology throughout their practice. Their tagline—”Stop Chasing Your Accountant”—speaks to a common frustration among business owners and deal participants. They promise:
- Real-time dashboards for financial visibility
- SLA-backed response time guarantees (they advertise a 93-minute average response time)
- Modern bookkeeping with monthly closes
- Latest technology for increased visibility and faster turnaround
2. Transparent Pricing
One of the biggest complaints about CPA firms—especially in transaction advisory—is surprise bills. Forward Firm explicitly markets “transparent pricing with no surprise bills,” which is refreshing in an industry where scope creep and billing ambiguity are common.
3. Structured Client Onboarding
Their process follows a clear framework:
- Discovery: Tell them about your business and goals
- Scoping: They tailor scope, timeline, and pricing to your specific needs
- Execution: Proactive guidance and real-time financials throughout the engagement
Quality of Earnings: The Transaction Core
With 100+ M&A transactions in their history, Forward Firm’s QoE practice is arguably their strongest offering. Here’s what that experience means for you as a buyer or seller:
For Buyers
- Pattern recognition: Having seen 100+ deals means they know where the bodies are buried. They’ve likely encountered every type of earnings manipulation, aggressive accounting, and seller optimization tactic
- Efficient process: Experienced firms complete QoE work faster because they know what to look for and how to structure their requests
- Credible findings: A QoE from a firm with Big Four pedigree carries weight with lenders, sellers, and their advisors
- Negotiation support: Their findings can provide the basis for purchase price adjustments and working capital negotiations
For Sellers
- Sell-side QoE preparation: Proactively identifying and addressing issues before a buyer’s diligence team finds them
- Valuation support: Independent valuations that help establish realistic pricing expectations
- Transaction-ready financials: Getting your books in shape before going to market
The Rebrand: From Petracca Group to Forward Firm
The rebrand from Petracca Group to Forward Firm is worth noting. While the reasons aren’t explicitly stated, it suggests a strategic evolution from a practitioner-named firm to a scalable brand. This typically indicates:
- Plans to grow beyond a single-principal practice
- Building a team-based service model rather than a personality-driven one
- Long-term vision for the firm’s growth and market position
For clients, this is generally positive—it suggests the firm is investing in infrastructure, team development, and systems that will improve service delivery over time.
Who Is Forward Firm Best For?
- M&A participants (buyers and sellers) who need QoE analysis from an experienced transaction advisory firm
- Business owners preparing for sale who want to get their financials transaction-ready
- Real estate investors and developers needing specialized accounting support
- Growth-stage founders who want proactive, technology-enabled accounting
- Anyone frustrated with slow, unresponsive accountants who appreciates SLA-backed service guarantees
Potential Considerations
- Firm maturity under new brand: The rebrand is relatively recent—evaluate their team depth and bench strength for your specific engagement
- Geographic focus: Based in Wyoming (registered address), confirm their experience in your target market
- Pricing transparency: While they advertise transparent pricing, get detailed quotes before engaging to understand exactly what’s included
- Capacity: With a broad service offering across multiple client types, confirm availability and dedicated resources for your timeline
Our Honest Assessment
Forward Firm stands out in several important ways. The combination of Mitch Petracca’s PwC background and 100+ transaction track record gives buyers and sellers genuine confidence in their QoE and valuation work. The technology-forward approach and transparent pricing model address real pain points in the accounting industry. And the breadth of services—from transaction advisory through ongoing accounting—creates a one-stop-shop opportunity for acquisition entrepreneurs.
The firm’s listing on VerSquare.com provides marketplace validation, and their structured onboarding process suggests a mature, client-focused operation. For M&A participants who value experience, responsiveness, and modern service delivery, Forward Firm merits serious consideration.
Fund Your Acquisition with GoSBA Loans
Great due diligence deserves great financing. While Forward Firm is digging into the numbers on your target acquisition, GoSBA Loans can be securing the capital you need to close.
The GoSBA Advantage
- 50+ lender network: Access to over 50 SBA and conventional lenders means more options, better terms, and higher approval rates
- $320M+ in funded deals: GoSBA’s track record speaks for itself—over $320 million in successful business acquisition financing
- Free professional business plan: Receive a custom business plan valued at $2,500–$5,000 at absolutely no cost. This SBA-optimized plan dramatically improves your loan package
- Zero cost to borrowers: GoSBA’s service is completely free. Lenders compensate GoSBA, so you get expert guidance without any fees
- End-to-end support: From pre-qualification through closing, GoSBA manages the lending process so you can focus on the deal
Timing Is Everything
The best acquisition entrepreneurs run their due diligence and financing workstreams in parallel. While Forward Firm is completing your QoE—validating earnings, assessing risks, and identifying adjustments—GoSBA can be packaging your loan application and securing lender commitments. This parallel approach compresses your deal timeline and shows sellers you’re a serious, organized buyer.
Take the first step: Visit gosbaloans.com/contact/ for a free consultation with a GoSBA lending specialist. With 50+ lenders competing for your business, you’ll get the best possible terms for your acquisition.
The Bottom Line
Forward Firm brings the rare combination of Big Four training, extensive M&A experience, and modern service delivery to the SMB transaction advisory space. Whether you need a QoE, a valuation, or ongoing accounting support, Mitch Petracca and his team have the credentials and the track record to deliver. Pair their diligence expertise with GoSBA’s financing power, and you’re well-positioned to close your next deal with confidence.
