Record Number of State Societies to Participate in MAP Survey

The 2003 National Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) Survey launches this week with the highest number ever of state CPA societies, 44, agreeing to participate. The survey, jointly produced by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Alliance for CPA Firms (PCPS) and the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (TSCPA), is designed to aid firms in analyzing and comparing their performance and profitability.

Last year's survey attracted 2,500 accounting firms and 38 state societies. This year's survey promises greater detail and the ability for firms to customize results. Firms will be able to rank themselves based on various factors including location, firm size, compensation, and profitability. With 44 state societies participating and encouraging support from their states, the survey organizers hope to have an even stronger base of information than in past surveys.

"The biggest advantage of the survey is that firms have a way of benchmarking against firms in their geographic area, their size range, and possibly in their service area," said Rich Caturano, head of the PCPS task force. "Firms can get an idea of whether they're on track financially.

PCPS members and previously participating firms have received a copy of this year's survey. The survey will be available online June 16 through August and will take about an hour to complete. Results will be available in October.

A sample [1] of last year's survey results is available for viewing online.