The American Institute of CPAs conducts periodic surveys of its members to gauge important issues. The most recent survey, released in June, showed the top issue varied among firms of different sizes. Two issues all firms identified as challenges were attracting new clients and retaining existing clients. Sole Practitioners – Top 5 Issues Keeping up with changes and complexity of tax laws Retention of current clients Bringing in new clients Keeping up with accounting & attests standards Seasonality/workload compression Firms with 2 to 5 Professionals – Top 5 Issues Bringing in new clients Retention of current clients Keeping up with changes and complexity of tax laws Seasonality/workload compression Keeping up with accounting & attests standards Firms with 6 to 10 Professionals – Top 5 Issues Bringing in new clients Retention of current clients Retaining qualified staff (at all levels) Keeping up with changes and complexity of tax laws Fee pressure/pricing of services Firms with 11 to 20 Professionals – Top 5 Issues Partner accountability/unity Bringing in new clients Retention of current clients Fee pressure/pricing of services Developing a succession plan Firms with 21+ Professionals – Top 5 Issues Bringing in new clients Partner accountability/unity Retention of current clients Developing a succession plan Finding qualified staff (at all levels)
