Firm operations

TOPICS / FIRM PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

October 1, 2017

Setting expectations

This infographic shows the benefits of using engagement letters, liability risks of not using them, and sources firms can consult in drafting them.

August 1, 2017

Avoiding website claims that increase malpractice risk

Website language may compromise the defense of a professional liability claim.

May 30, 2017

How implementing value pricing can help your staff get more done

Value pricing can help staff get more done because billing by the hour can remove incentives to work efficiently.

February 21, 2017

What you need to know before you sell your firm

As the founder of brokerage firm Poe Group Advisors, Brannon Poe, CPA, has helped hundreds of CPAs sell their firms. He shares insights he has learned over the course of his career, as well as best practices for selling your firm.

December 1, 2016

Filling vital support roles

It is crucial for firms to hire and retain quality administrative staff.

October 24, 2016

MAP survey: Firms continue to grow revenue

Accounting firms of all sizes posted year-over-year revenue gains during their most recent fiscal year, with the rate of growth increasing for most practices.

October 24, 2016

Don’t fall victim to the newest phishing scam

Scam perpetrators can mine crucial information from executives’ public profiles on social media.

October 1, 2016

Use standard terms to build a liability shield

Firms should add standard terms and conditions to all engagement letters.

August 1, 2016

Controlling your data

CPA firms can be a treasure-trove of information for cybercriminals. Here are tips on how to protect your firm.

July 1, 2016

Making workflows work

These best practices can lead to better productivity and improved client satisfaction and retention.

July 1, 2016

The unexpected risks of trustee services

CPAs who agree to perform trustee services have to take more into account than just helping a client.

June 20, 2016

Money isn’t everything: Nonfinancial rewards that retain the best workers

Today’s professionals desire—and require—much more than money to stay satisfied, engaged, and loyal.

April 25, 2016

How to prevent workers from wasting time on tech troubles

Many minutes, hours, and sometimes days can be wasted on IT-related issues, costing both time and money.

April 4, 2016

Want to make more money? Focus on revenue-producing behaviors

In the pursuit of revenue growth, many firms make the mistake of overemphasizing the billing measures of chargeability and utilization.

March 7, 2016

How CPA firms can counteract unconscious bias

Though we like to think we’re impartial in our decision-making, it’s often the case that our unconscious beliefs affect our choices.

March 7, 2016

Consulting services can grow your firm—if managed properly

Firm leaders increasingly see the potential of consulting services to provide additional value to clients.

January 20, 2016

Millennials can play a role in move to value pricing

If your firm is looking at making the switch, consider asking them to serve on a value council—or even as the “chief value officer.”

January 19, 2016

Improve your business by working less

Owners’ hours directly impact the value of a practice: If all other things are equal, buyers prefer to buy an accounting practice with fewer owner hours.

January 11, 2016

These steps can help you embrace an exciting retirement

This column seeks to dispel four fears that retirees have and share a six-step strategy for creating a life after work.

January 11, 2016

How to manage underperformers

In order to ensure that you are engaging the best and the brightest employees in the firm, you must learn to handle and manage the underperformer.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Flip out with the latest Tech Q&A

The September Technology Q&A column shows how to create dynamic to-do lists with Excel's checkboxes and also how to set up multifactor authentication texts that don't rely on phones. Flip through both items and view a video walkthrough in our digital format.