The IPA 2009 National Benchmarking Survey - Frequently Asked Questions

Why participate in the survey?
Who else participates in the survey?
What value will I get in participating?
Are the results confidential?
How accurate is the data?
What is the deadline for submission?
Is there a fee to participate?
How do I get a copy of the full Benchmarking Report results?

Why participate in the INSIDE Public Accounting survey?

By participating in the 2009 IPA Annual Survey and Analysis of Firms, you contribute to the profession's most comprehensive, accurate and respected benchmarking tool, allowing firms such as yours to measure themselves against similar firms in key areas of fiscal and management performance. Only firms that participate in the survey will be eligible to be considered for the prestigious designations as an IPA Top 100 firm, IPA All-Stars, or IPA Best of the Best firms.

Who else participates in the survey?

Hundreds of CPA firms across the United States participate in the IPA Benchmarking survey each year. These include the Top 100 firms, and a high percentage of the next 250 firms. We anticipate over 300 firms will participate in the survey this year.

What value will I get in participating?

In addition to the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to the profession's oldest and most respected benchmarking survey, by participating, you will receive:

• A FREE 20-page Executive Summary in a convenient electronic copy of the Report results
• Consideration for inclusion in our coveted Best of the Best Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in overall practice management; Consideration for inclusion in our admired list of All-Star firms, recognizing outstanding achievement in many areas of practice; and consideration for inclusion in our IPA Top 100 ranking, identifying the largest firms in the nation.
• Preferred Pricing on the published price of the full IPA National Benchmarking Report, when published in October 2009.
• Priority status in being considered for profiling in INSIDE Public Accounting - a marketing and recruiting opportunity that has benefited many firms throughout the years.

Are the results confidential?

All survey data is held in the strictest of confidence and sensitive data will not be reported in any way that associates it with any specific firm. INSIDE Public Accounting does share net revenue and number of partners data for the IPA Top 100 firms and may share net revenue data for firms being named to the IPA Best of the Best and the IPA All-Star group. Some firms [other than the Top 100] participate in the survey, but ask not to be mentioned in any IPA designations, materials etc. If you don't want to be publicly acknowledged for your successes, you may request that you wish not to be considered a candidate for the IPA Best of the Best or IPA All-Stars or other designations.

How accurate is the data?

Our goal is to have the most accurate survey data available. Period. To do this, our team reviews each and every survey that is completed before it is included in the master data. We hand check all surveys for accuracy, and flag any response that appears out of the norm. After confirming the data with the firm, we electronically transfer all data - there is no re-keying of information in order to eliminate the possibility of error.

What is the deadline for submission?

The deadline for submission this year is June 8, 2009. Firms with a May or June year end may contact our office to request an extension.

Is there a fee to participate?

IPA does not charge any firm to participate in the survey. We view the IPA Annual Survey and Analysis of Firms as a valuable trend indicator for the profession, and are grateful to every firm that participates! All participating firms will receive a free executive summary of the results of the survey and a 20-page analysis of the IPA Top 100.

How do I get a copy of the full Benchmarking Report results?

The 2009 Report will be available in October 2009. All participating firms will receive notice of preferred pricing for the full report. The comprehensive IPA National Benchmarking Report includes over 20 pages of commentary and analysis; over 50 pages of charts and tables; 200 practice management metrics offered by firm size, by geographic region and Best of the Best benchmarking metrics so you can compare your firm against the best in the profession; and an additional 60 bonus pages of analysis covering the 2008 Top 100, IPA All-Stars and IPA Best of the Best. ( The 2008 National Benchmarking Report is available for purchase.)

Download the 2009 Annual Analysis of Firms Excel input file.