Three surveys predict average pay increases for staff of 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent in 2007. The Conference Board predicts inflation increases at 3.1 percent in 2006 and 3.3 percent in 2007.

The surveys are:

Buck Consultants: Compensation Planning for 2007 (www.buckconsultants.com).

WorldatWork Salary Budget Survey (www.worldatwork.org).

The Conference Board (www.conference-board.org).

From Partner’s Report—the Monthly Update for CPA Firm Owners, September 2006, p. 7. For subscription information contact Institute of Management & Administration, Inc., 3 Park Avenue, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10016-5902. One-year subscription $349. 212-244-0360, [email protected].