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.

Praise for Management Accounting Best Practices "It doesn't matter where you start reading, even the most experienced accountant will find some useful ideas." —Alan H. Boycott, Chartered Accountant, Düsseldorf, Germany "This is one of the best books about new accounting practices in practical accounting. I highly recommend this book for accountants of all levels." —Andrei Ralko, Controller, International Center for Transitional Justice, New York, NY The only practices worth followingare the best practices... Destined to become an essential desktop tool in helping professionals make management decisions in accounting, Management Accounting Best Practices introduces over 100 best practices from accounting expert Steven Bragg for questions such as: How does the system of interlocking budgets work? What does a sample budget look like? What best practices can I apply to the budgeting process? How can I integrate the budget into the corporate control system? How do throughput concepts impact the budget? Now, when members of your management team come calling with questions, you'll have the answers at your fingertips, in Management Accounting Best Practices. It's the easy-to-use, daily reference manual for every accountant in a management position.

Effective Practice Management – CPA and Other Find out how your firm can generate greater profits through efficiency, accurate billing and staff management. Industry leading CPA and Software Developer, Fred Lindsley, shares his insights and experiences regarding CPA practice management, time keeping and billing. How to start your Accounting Firm in Four Steps Software Solutions to Common Practice Management Pitfalls Practice Managements Essentials Effective Practice Management Reporting Minimizes Write-Offs and Write-Downs The Auditor’s Dilemma – The Temptation to Compromise Principles for Money Value Billing or Time and Billing for the Local CPA

Going solo doesn’t have to be a game of trial and error. Careful planning can make it one of the most rewarding decisions of your accounting career. Now in its second edition and revised by author Brannon Poe, this book leads new solo practitioners through each stage of creating your own firm, bringing your vision to reality, and nurturing your practice to make that reality a success. Follow each of the book’s five parts as it takes you chronologically from start to success. Each chapter is rich with strategies as well as stimulating follow-up questions that will help you define your goals and plans, drawing you to careful consideration of important factors such as: Creating concise mission and vision statements Establishing goals, standards, attitude, and skills that reflect a successful practitioner Anticipating financial needs Defining family involvement Shifting from employee to owner Understanding potential stumbling blocks Advancing your practice with a specialty Deciding whether to buy a practice Choosing a form of organization for your practice Building client relationships Keeping a focus on the future And much more!