salary and compensation outlook for small cpa firms 2025

cornerstone report

the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 overview of what accountants can expect regarding annual salary and bonuses at small cpa firms – and what small cpa firms can expect to budget.

by 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research

a combination of a talent shortage and the general economic environment could push payroll budgets up by as much as 16.9% in 2025 at small cpa firms, according to 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research. but partners and owners could make even more.

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battling the staffing crisis: is a little-known, but controversial, visa program the answer for 2025 hiring?

cornerstone report: h-1b hiring and salary trends in tax, accounting and finance

  • the jobs outlook, salary trends, and election year politics.

卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research estimates and illustration

what it is. how it works. and what cpa firms are doing.

by 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research

the h-1b visa program is vital for u.s. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations, including tax, finance, and accounting.

卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research estimates that as many as 46,000 tax, accounting and finance professionals work at u.s. firms under the h-1b program. this figure has received scant attention in the profession but is critical to its infrastructure. to the extent that it has received attention, critics say the program holds down salaries for u.s. workers.

in 2024, the biden administration eased restrictions on the h-1b visa program while clamping down on abuses. by 2025, with the trump administration, it had become a lightning rod of controversy.

the nation’s tech industry has a huge stake in the outcome. despite fluctuations in the number of h-1b workers requested and approved, the demand for h-1b workers in computer-related occupations remains strong, and h-1b workers play a critical role in the workforce.

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ten things your tax clients need to hear | listicle

//m.g005e.com/category/checklist/listicle/by 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research

everybody resolves to get organized at the start of a new year. january 2 is the day to tell tax clients what they need to do for a hassle-free tax return. here’s a list of 10 things to tell them.

more listicles here

1. gather your documents

collect all tax-related documents, such as w-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, charitable contribution receipts, and any other income or deduction records. (give them a complete list.) remind them where they can find these documents or when to expect them from employers, banks, etc.

2. add filing deadlines to calendars

list key filing deadlines, including the standard filing deadline and any relevant extension deadlines. you can also give them deadlines for sending you information and documents.

3. verify personal information

encourage clients to double-check their personal details – including social security numbers, addresses and dependent information – on all documents, as errors can delay processing.

4. track recent life changes

discuss how significant life changes like marriage, divorce, having a child, change in dependents, or moving can affect tax situations and deductions.

5. estimate quarterly taxes

for self-employed clients or those with significant non-wage income, review estimated tax payments and remind them that the fourth-quarter payment is due january 15.

6. maximize contributions

remind clients they can still contribute to iras, hsas and other accounts for the prior tax year up until april 15. tell them to record and document their contributions, ideally before they plan to file their return.

7. review deductions and credits

list deductions and credits they may qualify for, such as the child tax credit, earned income tax credit or education-related deductions. consider whether specific clients have special deductions and credits.

8. be aware of new tax laws

update clients on any changes in tax laws or irs regulations that could impact their filing this year. (update yourself, too!)

9. set up direct deposit

recommend clients provide direct deposit information for faster refunds if they’re expecting one.

10. avoid common mistakes

educate clients on common tax filing mistakes, such as math errors, missed deductions, or failure to sign and date forms. give them a list. this might be part of a tax-prep seminar.

taxpayers and tax preparers can both get stressed out at tax time. you can minimize the stress by helping clients stay in control.

business model evolution accelerates

two men talking in an office

change is needed in mindset and skillset.

by scott moore
the rosenberg national survey of cpa firm statistics

leading firms will continue to proactively evolve their business models to include more digital process automation, bundling of services with subscription-style pricing, strategic outsourcing, and upscaling of talent along the client value continuum.

editor’s note: every year, the 2024 rosenberg national survey of cpa firm statistics asks the profession’s top consultants two sets of questions:

    • how do you think the next 12 months will unfold? trends? predictions? other thoughts?
    • how would you assess the last 12 months? trends? observations? struggles?

more: accounting firms must consider capital resources | firms not keeping all their clientsaccounting still short on staff and students | artificial intelligence plays role in analytics, optimization | challenges for the accounting profession: private equity, offshoring, training new hires | recalibration is key for accounting profession | people development still a concern | focus on intentional growth | accounting firms upshift to corporate model | tech anxiety paralyzing some accounting firms | what’s going to happen? lots, say consultants | growth and complacency must concern accounting firms this year | solving staffing requires intention | how accounting firms are handling the staff shortage
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this will set the pace for the profession as a whole, as more firms follow suit in these areas in their efforts to keep up with client expectations and market dynamics. an increase in m&a activity and consolidation will increase this effect, as strategic investments target firms with the highest potential to achieve maximum market value.
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accounting firms must consider capital resources

firms of $20 million to $50 million in revenue will be presented with many opportunities.

by gary thomson
the rosenberg national survey of cpa firm statistics

continued exploration of capital resources will be a hallmark of the next 12 months. determining the cost of strategic priorities will drive a better informed exploration of the basic question: “from where will we get our needed capital?”

editor’s note: every year, the 2024 rosenberg national survey of cpa firm statistics asks the profession’s top consultants two sets of questions:

    • how do you think the next 12 months will unfold? trends? predictions? other thoughts?
    • how would you assess the last 12 months? trends? observations? struggles?

more: firms not keeping all their clientsaccounting still short on staff and students | recalibration is key for accounting profession | accounting firms upshift to corporate model | growth and complacency must concern accounting firms this year | the future of fees | how accounting firms are dealing with retirement | what’s your firm worth? private equity wants to know
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

 

those sources include, but are not limited to, owners, banks, private equity, mergers, esops, etc. the potential sources are abundant … determining what’s right for your firm is a unique and focused effort to get it right.
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ten ways to use the holiday season to prepare for the tax season | listicle

//m.g005e.com/category/checklist/listicle/by 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research

you want to hit the busy season running, not getting organized. the holiday season provides an excellent slow-time opportunity for tax offices to get ahead on tax season preparations.

more listicles here

here are 10 ways you can leverage this time:

  1. organize client information: contact clients to ensure you have updated contact information, financial records and relevant documentation. resolve any missing information from previous tax years. confirm that you’ll be doing their taxes again.
  2. schedule year-end tax planning meetings: meet with clients to review their financial situation and discuss year-end strategies, such as charitable donations, retirement contributions or capital gains harvesting, which could reduce their tax liability. also help them prepare to deliver timely tax information.
  3. update tax software and tools: make sure your tax software is up to date. prepare any templates, checklists or tools you use for tax preparation. confirm that everything works.
  4. train or update staff: conduct training sessions to familiarize your team with any changes in tax law, software updates or new procedures. discuss client handling and workflow management.
  5. review changes in tax legislation: update yourself and staff on recent tax law changes at the federal, state and local levels. consider how these changes will affect your clients and adjust your strategies accordingly. inform clients as necessary.
  6. send out year-end reminders: send emails or newsletters reminding clients of important deadlines, year-end financial considerations and any last-minute tax-saving opportunities. later, remind them again.
  7. organize internal workflows: refine your tax season workflow, including document intake, file management and communication protocols. identify and rectify bottlenecks.
  8. prepare engagement letters: draft and send out engagement letters to clients for the upcoming tax season, outlining services to be provided, fees and other important terms. include checklists. suggest deadlines.
  9. update client portals: if you use a client portal, make sure it is ready for tax season, with clear instructions on how clients can upload documents, complete checklists or communicate securely. consider asking clients to use it in a trial run.
  10. market tax services: use the holiday season to promote your tax services through social media, newsletters and local networking events. offer early-bird discounts or consultations to attract new clients.

the holiday season is a special time with a psychology all its own. it’s slower and happier. try to combine the holiday spirit with staff preparation. avoid coming back from the holidays and needing to start organizing for the busyness that’s right around the corner.

does your firm suffer cultural deficiencies?

bar chart

six key insights that could apply to any accounting firm.

by 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research

an organization’s culture should be one of its most valuable assets. it could also be a make-or-break liability.

and that goes double for audit firms, where integrity and professionalism are all-important.

so it’s troubling when the public company accounting oversight board reports steadily worsening part i.a. deficiency rates among global network firms.

more: audit fees continue to climb | cfos see ai as top risk and opportunity | does accounting belong in stem? | accounting arc | opportunity awaits incoming aicpa ceo | artificial intelligence may already be plateauing | regulation, geopolitical instability spark concern | ten ways to manage price increases | survey says 57% of firms are raising prices next year | how will private equity impact accounting careers? | eleven questions about kids, wealth and the family business | twelve years and out: seasoned accountants join the exodus
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how much worse? the deficiency rate for global network firms in the u.s. has basically doubled since 2020. and non-affiliate firms are twice as bad.

part i.a. deficiencies are cited when a firm does not obtain enough audit evidence to support its opinion on a public company’s financial statements or internal controls.
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audit fees climb another notch

bar chart and pie chart

the financial industry tops the list (no surprise).

by 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research

audits aren’t getting any easier, that’s for sure.

but that’s a good thing.

more: cfos see ai as top risk and opportunity | does accounting belong in stem? | accounting arc | opportunity awaits incoming aicpa ceo | artificial intelligence may already be plateauing | regulation, geopolitical instability spark concern | ten ways to manage price increases | survey says 57% of firms are raising prices next year | how will private equity impact accounting careers? | eleven questions about kids, wealth and the family business | twelve years and out: seasoned accountants join the exodus | how accounting firms are handling the staff shortage | gen ai in accounting: epic transformation, or overheated hype? | survey shows big opportunities in small business
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

 

thanks to the headaches continually passed down from the boards and commissions that set the rules and standards for audits of public companies, audits have grown more complex and time-consuming.

add to that the increasing complexity of global business.

and the complications of mergers and acquisitions.
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ten popular benefits that keep staff happy | listicle

//m.g005e.com/category/checklist/listicle/by 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research

today’s scarcity of accounting talent makes it all the more important to retain existing professionals and staff. salary alone won’t keep them happy. the most valued benefits often center around work-life balance, financial perks and career development.

here are the top 10 benefits that typically appeal to cpa office staff:

  1. flexible work arrangements. options like remote work, flexible hours and compressed workweeks are highly desirable for balancing personal and professional lives, especially during tax season. ask staff what they’d like.
  2. professional development and certification support. invest in your firm’s most important asset by covering costs for cpa exams, licensing, cpe credits and certifications. staff will appreciate, and the firm becomes stronger when staff knows more.
  3. competitive salary and bonuses. money talks! fair compensation, performance-based bonuses and profit-sharing are strong motivators, especially in an industry with rough seasonal demands. paying staff well is less expensive than trying to find new staff. surprise bonuses go a long way.
  4. health insurance and wellness programs. comprehensive health benefits, including mental health resources and wellness incentives, help staff stay healthy and resilient during high-stress times.
  5. paid time off (pto) and mental health days. generous pto policies, including paid mental health days, encourage a healthy work-life balance and help prevent burnout. if personnel have put in extra time during tax season, they deserve at least as much time off. four-day workweeks are especially appreciated in the summer. how about bonus vacation days during slow periods?
  6. retirement and financial planning assistance. a robust 401(k) match, retirement planning resources and financial education sessions are appreciated benefits. the promise of long-term financial security does much to ensure long-term retention.
  7. student loan repayment assistance. many cpas have student loan debt, so offering student loan assistance is a valuable benefit, easing financial stress and improving loyalty. after all, your firm is benefiting from the education that staff paid for. great way to attract new, trainable talent.
  8. career advancement opportunities. clear paths for promotion, mentorship programs and leadership development foster growth and engagement within the firm. be sure to consistently consult with personnel to understand where they want to go and how they want to get there.
  9. family-friendly benefits. parental leave, child care support and family-focused benefits resonate well because they demonstrate the firm’s understanding of family commitments. single parents appreciate help and understanding and will stick with a job that helps them work.
  10. workload management and seasonal assistance. hiring additional seasonal staff, outsourcing and managing workloads to avoid burnout during tax season are significant benefits for employee well-being. help existing staff understand how the seasonal assistance is making their lives easier.

if you’re serious abut retention – and you should be – look for the magic mix of benefits that keeps everybody happy and glad they work with you. and don’t try to guess what they want. ask them!

four steps could close the tax gap

the difference between what’s owed and what’s paid is $625 billion.

by 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research

what’s more aggravating than paying all the taxes you owe while other people cheat?

maybe this: that the biggest tax cheats are the wealthy while it’s the lower-income taxpayers who get audited more.

more: art werner: how to turn tax prep into tax advisory | quick tax tip | art werner: navigating business structure decisions amid tax law changes | quick tax tip | tax season memo from staff to managing partner | is the irs adequately tracking corporate tax evasion? | irs still unsure how to measure audit rate | art werner: estate planning strategies | quick tax tip | art werner: post-mortem estate planning | quick tax tip | pause to praise the tax pro volunteers | irs vs. fraudsters | imagine! the national tax advocate does | art werner: maximizing fringe benefits
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the financial consequences of noncompliance are staggering. according to the annual public report issued by the internal revenue service advisory council, an estimated $688 billion in taxes went unpaid in 2021.
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ten tips for holiday marketing | listicle

//m.g005e.com/category/checklist/listicle/by 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research

the holiday season tends to be a little slow, the calm before the storm of the upcoming tax season.

staff gets into a party mood, so maybe this is a good time to put some of the accounting aside and switch over to some creative, holiday-themed marketing.

here are 10 ideas for engaging clients, enhancing brand awareness and boosting business:
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we’re honored. thank you

“卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 is a key source of insights, data and actionable intelligence for hundreds of thousands of accountants around the world… a major platform for thought leaders to share bold insights, innovative ideas and, not infrequently, audacious challenges to the status quo in the profession.” – accounting today

by 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research

the much-watched accounting today ranking of the “top 100 most influential people” lists 49 members of the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 community – authors, contributors, advisors, and commenters – among the elite 100, including founder and ceo rick telberg.

“thank you to accounting today for the recognition. we’re honored,” telberg says. “but, most of all, thank you to the 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 community, who make it all possible and to whom we gratefully dedicate this distinction.”

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cfos see ai as top risk and opportunity

pie chart

are you working on a policy yet? half your peers are.

by 卡塔尔世界杯常规比赛时间 research

if you’re in business – anywhere from accounting to manufacturing to retailing – you’d better buckle up because next year isn’t going to be like this year, let alone the year before.

more: does accounting belong in stem? | accounting arc | artificial intelligence may already be plateauing | regulation, geopolitical instability spark concern | ten ways to manage price increases | survey says 57% of firms are raising prices next year | how will private equity impact accounting careers? | eleven questions about kids, wealth and the family business | twelve years and out: seasoned accountants join the exodus | how accounting firms are handling the staff shortage | gen ai in accounting: epic transformation, or overheated hype? | survey shows big opportunities in small business | salary guides for accountants vary widely: whom do you believe? | are you earning what you deserve?
goprocpa.comexclusively for pro members. log in here or 2022世界杯足球排名 today.

 

the bdo 2024 cfo outlook survey uncovered a startling change that occurred this year. early in 2023, 71 percent of middle-market cfos said supply chain disruption was their primary risk, economic volatility running a close second and geopolitical disruption a close third.

but artificial intelligence never made the top five. in fact, it isn’t even mentioned in that survey. not once.

but 2023 was long, long ago.
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