How Does Your Firm Rate?
Source: Partner Insights
The following includes a complete reprint, reproduced with permission, of an article by August Aquila. It provides a 17-point 360 degree review for CPA firms.
Select a number from 1 to 10 that applies to each statement, with 10 being outstanding and 1 meaning not like us at all. NA = no basis for comment.
| Score | ||
| 1. Management Structure | The management structure is organized to effectively meet the Firm's needs. | |
| 2. Managing Partner | The MP provides the leadership and management to lead our team members toward a shared vision and goals. | |
| 3. Firm Image Internally | I am proud to work at the firm. We consistently meet and exceed our clients' needs and expectations. | |
| 4. Firm Image Externally | Our image in the marketplace is of a quality firm that consistently meets and exceeds our clients' expectations.
We are viewed as a good place to work. We are also viewed as a firm that renders quality services and sound business advice. |
|
| 5. New Client Development | We consistently utilize effective marketing strategies/systems to develop new business. | |
| 6. Growth | This is one of the firm's goals and we are doing reasonably well with this objective. | |
| 7. Expansion of Client Services | We effectively blend new services into our practice. | |
| 8. Schedules | The scheduling of work effectively balances the needs of our clients with the development of our team members. | |
| 9. Billing | We have an effective and efficient system for billing our clients in a timely manner. | |
| 10. Collection | We have an effective program for collecting A/R in a timely manner. | |
| 11. Overall Client Satisfaction | Our clients are consistently delighted with our services and advice. | |
| 12. Morale | I enjoy my work. I work in a positive and gratifying environment. | |
| 13. Recognition | I receive positive recognition when I do a good job. | |
| 14. Recruiting | We effectively hire top quality candidates who possess the right skills and attributes for our firm and the position for which they are hired. | |
| 15. Training and Development | We work in a total learning culture. We are encouraged to grow and develop through firm-sponsored education programs. | |
| 16. Evaluation Program | My performance is evaluated fairly and on a timely basis. | |
| 17. Overall Evaluation of the Firm | Based upon the above criteria and other criteria I believe to be important (but not listed), the firm is an organization of which I am proud to be a part. |
For the original article, read “Firm 360 Degree Evaluation.”
From Partner Insights, February 2013, Aquila Global Advisors, LLC, http://www.aquilaadvisors.com.