2008 MAP survey results: find out what your peers are doing.

AuthorLasch, Erin

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Ohio CPA firms continue to grow, but at a much slower pace than the profession experienced over the last several years. The same can be said of CPA firms nationwide, according to the 2008 National Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) Survey results. Over 2,700 firms from 44 states participated in this biannual survey sponsored by the AICPA Private Company Practice Section (PCPS) and the Texas Society of CPAs. Participation was extraordinarily high this year, especially in Ohio, with 126 Ohio firms participating.

"More Ohio firms participated in the 2008 survey than ever before. Because of this, for the first time OSCPA received a 'super state report.' This more detailed report breaks down results into major metro areas," PCPS Project Manager Heidi Brundage said.

THE REGIONS IN OHIO'S "SUPER STATE" REPORT INCLUDE:

NORTHEAST: Akron, Canton, Cleveland and Youngstown

40 firms: 17 small, 14 medium, 9 large)

WEST: Cincinnati, Dayton, Lima, Springfield, Toledo

(43 firms: 10 small, 17 medium, 16 large)

CENTRAL/SOUTHEAST: Columbus, Mansfield, Steubenville, Zanesville

(43 firms: 16 small, 17 medium, 10 large)

The MAP survey is one of the profession's most powerful benchmarking tools, providing firms with strategic guidance on trends in the profession and possible performance enhancing improvements. One trend appearing throughout this year's survey is clearly a sign of the times--there has been a "belt-tightening" when it comes to many staff benefits. Key issues such as succession planning and finding qualified staff continue to be trouble spots for firms nationally and in Ohio.

FIRM GROWTH LEVELS OFF AS NEW CHALLENGES IMPACT THE PROFESSION

Of the Ohio firms participating, 75% said they experienced growth in firm size (measured in gross fees) during the past year, with many large firms reporting growth in the 6 to 9% range.

Percentage of surveyed firms experiencing 6 to 9% growth:

* Northeast 44%

* West 38%

* Central/Southwest 40%

In Ohio, the lowest concentration of firm growth was in medium-sized firms in the western Ohio region, which includes Cincinnati, Dayton, Lima, Springfield and Toledo. Only 59% experienced slight growth with the remainder reporting no change or a decrease.

Sarbanes-Oxley drove the rapid pace of growth over the past few years. Now that SOX has celebrated its fifth anniversary, the market around it seems to have peaked and settled into place.

"We have continued to experience growth, but not at the...

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