Firm operations

TOPICS / FIRM PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

June 1, 2019

Effective communication to help avoid litigation

Don’t let a “failure to communicate” escalate into a loss of clients or costly litigation.

May 6, 2019

Why you can’t wait to prepare for disaster

Jennifer H. Elder, CPA/CFF, CGMA, co-author of the book “Faster Disaster Recovery: The Business Owner’s Guide to Developing a Business Continuity Plan,” discusses how to prepare so that an organization’s finances and reputation will be protected if a disaster occurs.

February 4, 2019

Ways to ward off cyberthieves outside the office

Working outside the office can leave you open to invasions from hackers if your device or the Wi-Fi network you’re on is not secure.

December 1, 2018

Docket or lose it: Avoiding the risk of missed deadlines

An effective docket system helps reduce the likelihood of a filing error and can make a CPA firm more efficient.

November 1, 2018

Overcoming obstacles to engagement letter use

Don’t expose your practice to a severe liability claim by relying on one of several fallacious arguments for avoiding the use of engagement letters.

October 1, 2018

Bank-financing an accounting practice sale

This article explains the what, why, and how for firms that may benefit from using SBA 7(a) loans in CPA firm purchases and sales.

July 16, 2018

Are permanent offices passé?

This article discusses the ins and outs of coworking and hoteling.

June 1, 2018

‘Address’ the risk of being your client’s mailbox

Permitting a client to use a CPA firm’s address exposes the firm to potential problems.

June 1, 2018

Technology may push firms beyond the billable hour

Switching from hourly billing to value pricing can reward tech-enabled efficiency.

March 5, 2018

5 professional liability risks to avoid

This article looks at five scenarios that could put CPA firms at risk and ways to mitigate them.

March 1, 2018

Think twice before suing for unpaid fees

Such actions could prompt a client to file a counterclaim for negligence or a regulatory complaint against the CPA firm.

December 1, 2017

Which engagement letter reigns supreme?

Here’s why the annual engagement letter is the undisputed champion.

November 1, 2017

How to prepare for the annual review of your employee retirement plan

Know the areas to scrutinize in an annual employee retirement plan review to reduce the risk of errors, misunderstandings, or breaches of fiduciary duty.

October 11, 2017

The secrets to opening a new CPA office

Blake Christian, a tax partner with HCVT, drops in to reveal the secrets he’s learned from opening several new offices over the years.

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.

FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

4 ways solo practitioners can stand out

Five years ago, a grieving Angel Zhen started his own CPA firm with no clients and no revenue. Today, he has 300 clients, $600,000 in revenue and 12 weeks of annual vacation. In this JofA article, he shares how he set up his firm and how you could do the same.