Practice structure

A sampling of data, insights and analysis from Accounting Today's 2017 rankings.

There are two extremes in working in professional services: The lone wolf who hunkers down alone, and forming teams to accomplish a goal.

The international association adds members is Belgium and France; EisnerAmper wins a PAM Award, Armanino is named Adaptive Insights Partner of the Region; and more news from across the country.

My two columns in January on having a firm specialty of being a generalist have generated considerable comments and emails to me.

Why do so many firms fail to get to the next level? Arguably the principal reason is the lack of a quality partner group.

A generalist has to be knowledgeable in most areas, but possibly expert in none.

The right number and titles of positions in a firm lead to stronger firm stability and growth. They can also lead to better employee job satisfaction and employee longevity because they set a clearer path to partner.

For all the fears of the older generations, the accounting profession (and your firm) will be in good hands with the Millennials, ConvergenceCoaching partner and consultant Tamera Loerzel tells Accounting Today – though it may require some adjustments all around.

Here's one task for each month of the year to help you build your practice.

Talent is the lifeblood of any company, and in the current competitive environment, CPA firms face plenty of challenges to becoming a place people want to join -- and stay.

As we reflect on the upcoming year, leaders in mid-market CPA firms need to address five practice challenges as they approach 2017.

Construction expert Aaron Woosley joins the firm to head the new Bowling Green office; Armanino releases its CFO Evolution Survey; and a roundup of other news from practices across the country.

New members are named to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's SAG, and other personnel news from around the profession.

The Ohio-based Regional Leader has combined with Georgia firm GrossDukeNelson & Co.

Parness & Parness PC and Spire Group PC will merge as of Jan. 1, 2017. The combined firm will operate under the latter's name.

The Top 10 Firm is continuing its tear of mergers with the Bosma Group, which will join in January. That makes CLA's sixth deal in as many months.

Accountants know all too well that tax prep services have become commoditized, with intense pricing pressure and clients who aren’t firm-loyal. Is it possible to turn around the trend and differentiate your tax prep services?

Accounting Today is in the midst of compiling its annual lists of the leading firms in the country, and is looking for more top-notch accounting practices to consider.

Terry Putney, the CEO of Transition Advisers, talks with Accounting Today editor-in-chief Dan Hood about making a cultural fit in a firm merger.