Client retention replaces staffing as Top CPA Firm Issue in PCPS Survey.

• Position: Update - Letter to the editor

For the first time in over a decade, staffing is not the chief practice management concern for most CPA firms, according to the 2009 PCPS CPA Firm Top Issues Survey. In an apparent reflection of the troubled economy, client retention instead is the most significant challenge keeping CPAs up at night. In addition, bringing in new clients is a concern for some firms for the first time since 2005. Other challenges on the top issues lists this year include technical complexity, succession planning, and human capital concerns.

The bi-annual PCPS CPA Firm Top Issues Survey gathers information from a wide range of CPAs in firms of different sizes to highlight the most pressing challenges facing practitioners across the country. It consists of five top issues lists, with one each for firms in the following five categories: sole practitioners...