Trends in Engagement LettersEngagement letters are becoming more inclusive and are used increasingly in non-attest engagements....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
A Value Pricing InnovationUsed in a variety of engagement types, such as acquisitions, tax planning, or financial statement engagements requiring unusually fast turnaround....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
How to Measure Your Technology EffectivenessThe percentage of revenue spent on technology, and the number of technology personnel in the firm, are no longer adequate measures....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
The Crisis in CPA Firm RetirementMarc Rosenberg, President
A client recently asked me an interesting question: How many CPA firms make retirement payments to former partners and what is the ratio of those payments to net fees? To answer the question, we used ...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Do You Share Financial Information With Staff?Firms that share financial information find staff take more ownership of jobs and are more inspired to work toward partnership....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Survey on Recruiting and Retention DespairBecause of staffing problems, 68 percent of respondents’ firms are less able to deliver services....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
What Clients WantClients are not as satisfied as CPAs think....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Accounting Firm Growth StatisticsAccounting firms’ revenues grew by 9.7 percent in 2005, compared to 7 percent in 2004....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Exploiting the Value of Retiring PartnersRetiring partners possess a wealth of knowledge firms want to keep....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
A Checklist for Risk ManagementCreate a client acceptance process....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Is Technology Holding You Back?A checklist to evaluate the health of your technology....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Goals Keep Managing Partners FocusedManaging partners are concerned about too many things....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Does Your Firm Have a Culture of Trust?A tendency for accounting services to become commodities is a recipe for a culture without trust....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Survey of Partner and Staff CompensationCompensation levels for owners and staff....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
How to Make a Merger SuccessfulSome experience-based advice on making mergers successful....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
After the MergerAddresses important issues of the combined firm....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Selling a Portion of Your PracticeSmall firms can sell a group of clients and retain others....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
More Advice on Risk ManagementProviding case studies in losses incurred by CPA firms....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Nonequity Ownership—Case StudiesNonequity ownership can be a prelude to ownership....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Is Yours a “One-Firm” Firm or a “Warlord” Firm?This article is based on a review of the management philosophies of five large professional service firms....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Shortage of Accountants Expected to Get WorseThis tax season is expected to bring more demand and fewer candidates, according to many recruiters....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
What Staff WantsSurvey of highly talented staff members about their job attitudes....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Survey of Billing RatesSurvey shows little change in billing rates...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Fiscal 2006 Accounting Firm Performance Data for All Firms10 best performing firms...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Managing Today’s Complex FirmSome repetition of activities and missions is inevitable....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Strategy is Different from Planning“Management on Purpose Instead of by Accident.”...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
CPAs Don’t Pay Enough Attention to WorkflowWorkflow myths.”...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Nonfinancial Performance Metrics for CPA FirmsThey point out that great companies have great people, and that prospective staff members look for many characteristics in the firms they join, most of which are not described by financial metrics....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
The Positive Side of Staff TurnoverIf an employee’s performance is slightly less than adequate, it may be wise to help him or her improve....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Checklist for Your Partnership AgreementAdvises accounting firms to review their partnership agreements before problems arise....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Conducting a Firm Summit Meeting“...bring leaders and firm members together, along with outside expertise and facilitation, in order to initiate strategies for exponential growth.”...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
The Future of Women in AccountingOver the next five to 10 years, opportunities for women in accounting will increase as a result of staff shortages and the increasing percentage of women accounting graduates....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Web Sites for Women5 Websites for women....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Work/Life Balance—A SurveyIt may be more expensive to replace unsatisfied employees than to adopt work/life balance programs....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
The Best of the Best Accounting FirmsWhat is it about Houston?...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Good Leaders Conduct Good MeetingsGuidelines can be used to improve the effectiveness of all types of meetings....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Every Professional Should be a Risk Manager“Risk management may soon become one of the top five issues in managing an accounting practice.”...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Evaluating the Marketing DirectorMany firms do not have a formal process for evaluating marketers....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
A Checklist for the Retention and Advancement of WomenAre women included in your succession plans?...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Develop a Positive Outlook on RecruitingValuable ideas on recruiting and retention....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Accounting Firm Performance Datafor Fiscal 2006Fiscal years ended in 2005 and 2006 showed the largest ever growth in fees for the 100 largest firms....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
When Do You Need a Collection Agency?Accountants are often reluctant to be firm with clients that have outstanding bills....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Growth in Salaries and Billing Ratesin Fiscal 2006IPA reports average salaries at the top 100 firms....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Expected Pay Increases for Accountants in 2007Three surveys predict average pay increases for staff of 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent in 2007....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Checklist for Evaluating New Partners in a MergerQuestions to ask each partner of a merger candidate....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Valuing and Merging Smaller Accounting PracticesAcquisitions of small accounting practices has become common recently....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
What Makes the Best Firms the Best?Interviewed the managing partners of 10 of the top 50 firms....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
A Close Look at One Accounting Firm AssociationCPAmerica International has gained the well-deserved reputation of being consistently true to its service goal....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Practical Action Steps for LeadersPractical action steps for CPA partners with leadership roles were recommended by Steve Ericson....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Using Dashboards to Reach Your GoalsDashboards are automated displays of information from various databases of company information....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
How to Fire ClientsPoor quality clients also divert resources from more profitable engagements and create a high level of stress....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Is Outsourcing in Your Future?Some observers believe outsourcing has already stopped growing. Others believe outsourcing will have a profound impact on the organization of accounting firms....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Will There Be a Surplus of Sellers of Accounting Firms?Many observers of the accounting profession predict falling valuations of accounting firms......#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Small and Medium Size Firms Benefit from SOX FalloutCompetition is getting stronger because firms are aggressively pursuing better clients....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Retention Should Overshadow Recruiting...two-thirds of accounting firms don’t have strategic plans....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
What to Discuss in an InterviewHandling the interview, questions to ask, observing the candidate, what interviewers don't like and the interviewer's responsibility....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Executing the Right Strategy Requires CourageIs it your strategy to meet everyone’s needs? If it is, you will have a hard time achieving a competitive distinction....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
How Much are Firm Administrators Paid?The Association for Accounting Administration 2006 Compensation Survey shows average firm administrator compensation was $77,221....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Time Sheets Don’t Measure ValueTime sheets measure effort, not value....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Partners Need Courage to Be LeadersFrom Leadership Isn’t for Cowards, by Michael Staver....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
What Leaders Don’t KnowFrom the book Fifth Wave Leadership: The Internal Frontier, by Morris Shechtman....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Why Managing is Getting More Difficult and What to Do About ItReasons why it's harder to manage people....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Do Work/Life Balance Programs Make a Difference?Work/life balance is more important than compensation in employee satisfaction......#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
What Makes a Great Firm?Allan Koltin, CEO of PDI Global in Chicago, presented these indicators of firm greatness at the AICPA Practitioners Symposium in Las Vegas....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Juggling Four Generations in the WorkplaceUnderstanding generational differences may be the key to staff retention....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Why is Communication Such a Big Deal?Each partner may operate differently from other partners, and this is a recipe for poor communications....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
One Firm’s Special Program for WomenThey established a program called J.H. Cohn Professional Women....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
An Innovative Pricing Method for Tax PreparationPrice includes a mandatory financial planning session, unlimited free telephone consultations during the year, and response to IRS notices, etc....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Are You Controlling Your Clients or Are They Controlling You?You may be too close to changes in the accounting profession to appreciate them....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
How to Manage the IT FunctionThe right technology can not only allow you to be competitive, but to offer value added services as well....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Has the Profession Reached the Tipping Point?Listen to clients and become more knowledgeable about their companies and the industries in which they operate....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Most Business Training is a Waste of Time and MoneyIf the organization does not create a connection between what is being taught and how the firm operates, the training is useless....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Planning Your RetreatPartner’s Report suggests retreat discussion ideas...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Women’s Roles in CPA FirmsThe Women’s Executive Committee of the Illinois CPA Society surveyed 76 Illinois CPA firms on the role of women....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Will Your Paperless Office Project Fail?L. Gary Boomer says management concentrates on hardware and software to the detriment of execution....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
It’s Not the Shortage of Staff, It’s the Deficiency in the Work EnvironmentA survey asked accountants to tell how they feel about their jobs....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Why Staff LeavesFrom a moderated panel of CPA firm staff members at the AICPA Practitioners Symposium....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Unique Strengths of Small FirmsSmall firms inherently possess strengths not found in larger firms....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
How to be an Effective Managing PartnerSix guidelines for managing partners....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
How CPA Firm Leaders LeadPractical Accountant interviewed managing partners of prominent firms, and consultants to find out how the leadership role has changed....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Trends and Predictions from the Accounting Professions Best ThinkersHighlights from the accounting profession’s best thinkers....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Learning to Write—Why You Must and How You CanMost employers view writing skills as being more important than grades....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Portals—Why You Must Start Planning for Them NowPortals will provide big rewards to clients and the firm....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
If Your Staff Doesn’t Know the Firm’s Goals, It Will Not Achieve ThemAre your employees too busy because they are doing the wrong things?...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Preserving the Firm’s Intellectual CapitalSystems and processes. Individual skills. Relationships with clients....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Value Billing Means More than Raising RatesAccounting Web interviewed Ron Baker, author of The Professional’s Guide to Value Pricing....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Strategies Fail Because of Poor ExecutionPeople are too obsessed with big ideas, and focus too little on the details....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Staff Recruitment as a Marketing ProcessJennifer Lee Wilson advises a marketing approach to recruiting....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Rules for Record RetentionRules for Length of Retention of Administrative Files, in Years...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Selecting, Managing, and Compensating PartnersFindings from interviews of several firms and consultants....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Best Practices of Successful FirmsRosenberg Associates lists the best practices from the best firms....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Benchmark Your Paperless SystemThe Association for Accounting Administration conducted surveys on the degree of implementation of paperless offices....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
How to Recognize Burnout, and What to do about ItStress reactions can result in levels of depression or unhappiness that eventually threaten your job, your relationships and your health....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
A Recruiting Model from a 25 Year Old FirmHow Porter Keadle Moore LLP in Atlanta recruits on campus....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
How Small Firms Can Improve Recruiting and RetentionNew employees in accounting firms stay less than two years and turnover at small firms is about 10 percent....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
An Innovative Fringe BenefitA firm hired a nursing student at $10 per hour to help staff with chores such as going to grocery stores, banks, gas stations, and cleaners....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Are Accountants Knowledge Workers or Manual Laborers?Accountants are not knowledge workers unless their leaders treat them as such....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
So You Think Your Clients Will Give You Referrals?Survey suggests that 43 percent of CPAs think over 80 percent of their clients are good referral sources....#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
Practical Practice Tips and Useful InformationLook for "virtual assistants!"...#application.mgbuilder.actiontypes.badge('','')#more
