partnership

system vs. system: partner compensation best practices

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chart outlining multitier system
for full size, see full article

bonus lists: 12 allocation systems and 22 intangible performance attributes.

by marc rosenberg
cpa firm retreats

“if people are concerned about their absolute level of compensation, then they can be satisfied. however, if their focus is on relative standing, then they can never be satisfied.” – andrew grove, former chairman of intel

you’ve decided you’re going to discuss partner compensation at your next retreat, then you’ll need to start with some warm-up materials.

begin with this partner compensation best practices13-point checklist:

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partner comp: three subjective compensation systems

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plus balloting details for those who use paper and pencil.judge gavel,dollar banknotes and calculators

by marc rosenberg
partner comp: art & science

there are at least three performance-based systems for partner compensation. none rely completely on intractable formulas, but instead introduce various degrees of subjectivity. needless to say, none are without some controversy.

more on partner compensation: 11 points in designing a partner comp system | 3 tiers of compensation | what partners earn and how they earn it | how partners view compensation: it’s not all about the money

but each system requires serious thought. here’s a comprehensive of the three approaches. which does your firm use now? why? which might be a better approach?

let’s take a closer look:

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11 points in designing a partner comp system

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businessman sitting on scales with stack of coins in other traybonus checklist: the 12 systems used by firms to allocate partner income.

by marc rosenberg
partner comp: art & science

because partner compensation is the most sensitive aspect of cpa firm practice management, adopting a new system or modifying the current one requires an exceptional amount of thought, care and study. here we summarize the many issues firms need to address in designing their partner compensation system.

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how to address partner compensation at a retreat

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woman leading meeting, flipchart in backgroundhow do you feel about evaluations … and tying compensation to them?

by marc rosenberg
cpa firm retreats

before formally beginning the discussion part of a retreat session, it’s always a good idea to begin by asking the participants what they want to be sure to cover. as issues are suggested, the retreat facilitator should write them down on a flipchart.

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3 tiers of partner compensation

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chart of 3 tiers of partner compensationplus: 6 major factors impacting bonuses. and 4 notes from a master.

by marc rosenberg
partner comp: art & science

most cpa firm partner compensation systems consist of three tiers, each of which compensates the partners in a different way.

more on partner compensation: partner compensation 101| what partners earn and how they earn it | partner compensation: an art, not a science | how partners view compensation: it’s not all about the money | why most partner comp systems are performance-based

what is base compensation (or salary)?

it’s common to define partners’ base compensation as their historical or street value to the firm. what they bring to the firm every day. a managing partner once told me: “it’s what we would have to pay a partner at another firm to come work with us.”

practice debunked: many firms have equal bases for all partners. their thinking is that the base is merely a level of compensation that (1) is above what managers are paid and (2) is enough for the partners to live comfortably on. firms like this are operating a modified pay-equal system, which is widely viewed in the cpa industry as ineffective and unfair. not only do partners not perform equally, there is almost always a wide variation from highest to lowest performer. the case for equal bases is a weak one at best.

practice debunked: i’ve seen some firms impute partner bases as follows: first, compute hourly pay rate by dividing the standard billing rate by the firm’s billing rate multiple. then, multiply the hourly pay rate by 2,000 hours to arrive at imputed base pay. billing rate multiple is a staff person’s billing rate divided by the hourly pay rate. eighty to ninety percent of all firms are in the 3.5 to 4.0 range.

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partner accountability: how and for what?

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13 things to hold partners accountable for, 10 ways to do it and 12 questions to ask. bonus: example of a personal accountability plan.

by marc rosenberg
cpa firm retreats

partner accountability means different things to different people. some quotations:

“if there are no consequences to failing to achieve a goal, then it is less likely that the goal will be accomplished.” – marc rosenberg

“if people are not prepared to be held accountable for what they do, it is unlikely they will achieve much.” – david maister

more on retreats: 30 marketing and growth questions to cover at a retreat | how marketing for cpa firms is different | why create a marketing plan? | thinking of merging? discuss it at a retreat | how to take action after a retreat | 12 simple rules for a retreat | leave your retreat with a to do list | every retreat needs a leader, but who? | retreats are no place for clowns | who should participate in a retreat? | retreat logistics: how long, what kind? | what should cpa firms discuss at retreats? | why do cpa firms conduct retreats?

“i’m a partner in this firm. that gives me the right to do whatever i darn well please, whenever i want to do it.” – firm partner to whom “accountability” is a dirty word
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