The purpose of this research is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) (along with the related Enrolled Agents or EAs) and their auditing and assurance, tax & financial planning, and consulting businesses. Less then half of CPAs are in private practice (more work in business & industry). And only a small minority of the CPAs in private practice work at the twenty largest CPA firms. The vast majority of CPAs in private practice work as sole practitioners and at other small firms.
Historical Phases
This research provides a top down view of the CPA firms market. This research is part of Tiburon's broader coverage of strategic advisors. This research addresses the historical phases of CPA firms, including:
- Auditing & Assurance Business Emergence Phase
- Tax Business Emergence Phase
- Financial Planning & Investment Management Business Emergence Phase
Business Segments
This research defines CPA firm businesses, including:
- Auditing & Assurance Business
- Tax & Financial Planning Business
- Consulting Business
Key Service Providers
This research outlines the key service providers to CPA firms, including:
- Auditing & Assurance Technology Vendors
- Tax & Financial Planning Technology Vendors
- Independent Broker/Dealers, Custodians, & Clearing Brokers
- Open-End Mutual Fund Companies & Other Investment Product Companies
- Industry Trade Groups & Other Continuing Education Providers
Future Predictions
And this research makes several future predictions for CPA firms, including:
- Moderate Growth in Traditional CPA Businesses
- Fastest Growth in Group B Firms
- Fastest Growth in Tax & Financial Planning Business
- Increasing Wealth Management Role for Entertainment Business Managers
- Continued International Opportunities
- Substantial Growth in CPA Firms Mergers & Acquisitions