Professional Accounting Practice Management

With rising competition in the field, independent accountants as well as accounting firms are finding it harder to survive and make a profit. According to the author of this management guide, the difficulty is compounded by the fact that most professional accountants lack training or expertise in managing a practice. Kastantin, an experienced CPA, consultant, and accounting educator, has written a comprehensive manual that will enable accountants to upgrade their practices systematically and develop the human relations competence that is vital to managing a successful practice.

The first several chapters discuss the need to accept a basicbusiness orientation through a stated business purpose and to define the size and scope of a practice as well as personal finance goals. The author next considers such basics as liability insurance, employment contracts, and financing methods. A major section of the book is devoted to working relationships with bookkeepers and other staff, partners, bankers, and the Internal Revenue Service. Chapters on client services offer specific guidelines on management concerns relating to auditng, review and compilation, tax practice, management advisory services, and client write-up services. Turning to the question of marketing, the author gives detailed advice on soliciting clients, advertising and the creating of a firm image, and explores the ethical issues involved. he describes the various ways that computers can assist the practitioner in managing a practice. He suggests an organized approach to accounting practice administration and outlines the use of financial statements and break-even analysis in practice management. The final chapter, which includes a case study, deals with business budgeting and sales forecasting as they relate to banking relationships, business management, and personal financial planning. This convenient, logically organized manual is an invaluable resource for the accounting practitioner who wishes to maximize financial return and to develop the kind of well-run practice that can retain clients despite increased competition. It is an appropriate acquistion for the business and accounting collections of academic and public libraries.

JOSEPH T. KASTANTIN is an Instructor of Accounting at the University of Wisconsin--La Crosse. As a CPA and consultant, he had had direct, hands-on experience with the management problems of accounting firms.