For Accounting Firms, It's a Small World After All

Source: Journal of Accountancy

This article provides an overview of the results of the 2012 National MAP survey, the biennial accounting industry benchmarking survey conducted by the AICPA's Private Companies Practice Section and the Texas Society of CPAs. The results reveal that small firms -- sole proprietorships, one-partner firms and other firms with less than $200,000 in annual revenue -- outperformed larger firms over the last two years.

Generally, for larger firms, net client fees per professional have been flat during that period, while net client fees per partner have declined. At small firms, on the other hand, net client fees per professional increased 30 percent, and net client fees per partner improved 33 percent. One reason for this, explains James C. Metzler, the AICPA's vice president for small firm interests, is that "Because of their size, small firms can be the most nimble as market changes occur."

For the complete article, read "2012 MAP Survey: A snapshot."

From Journal of Accountancy, November 2012, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/Issues/2012/Nov.