The 2024 INSIDE Public Accounting Information Technology Report
The annual INSIDE Public Accounting Information Technology Report is an independent snapshot of the technology staffing, applications, software and policies in place in hundreds of CPA firms across North America.
Methodology
Each survey submission is reviewed and examined. If data appears to be incorrect or questionable, we resolve issues with the reporting firm. While we do everything possible to ensure accuracy, the participating firms bear the ultimate responsibility for providing accurate data.
Throughout this report, all tables are presented by revenue bands and population sizes. IPA has switched from reporting on regional data to data from population markets (larger than 2 million in population; 1 million-2 million; 250,000-1 million and less than 250,000). We feel that the difference in population markets provides a more meaningful analysis than regional differences. IPA does not provide data on any individual firm.
Terms And Definitions
Unless otherwise noted, all commentary excludes the Big 4 firms, and includes all participating firms. Not all firms chose to answer all questions. Percentages cited in the following pages/tables are based on firms that answered those specific questions. The averages included in the full report are averages of data supplied by survey participants.
Averages throughout the report are trim averages, providing the average of the 90% in the middle of the data set, excluding the largest and smallest 5%. In some instances, the averages may not appear to total correctly; this is a function of rounding.
Some of following data has been excerpted in part from 2024 IPA Practice Management Report and the annual Firm Administration Report, separate reports from the IPA Information Technology Report that contain several items that may be of interest to IT personnel and key IT staff.
We extend our gratitude to the 311 firms that participated in this 14th annual IPA Information Technology Survey. CIOs, CTOs, managing partners, firm administrators, controllers, office managers and others all played a part in gathering the required data for the survey. We appreciate your efforts and flexibility, your input and suggestions for improvement, and your willing cooperation in ensuring accurate submissions.
Maintaining confidentiality is a responsibility we at INSIDE Public Accounting take very seriously. That uncompromising commitment is the foundation of our business, and we appreciate the trust you have placed in our company.
We look forward to continuing to serve you and the profession, and with your feedback and suggestions, we strive to improve this report every year. Feel free to contact us at survey@ipainsider.com.
executive summary
Summary Highlights
The 311 firms that participated in the IPA Information Technology Survey this year include:
93 firms above $30 million
46 firms between $20 million and $30 million
86 firms between $10 million and $20 million
86 firms under $10 million
Because the world of IT is constantly changing, it is critical for firms to stay on top of the latest technologies to maintain a competitive advantage.
This Executive Summary contains survey results, articles and graphs to help you gain a better understanding of the state of the profession today.
The tables in the full report offer a more detailed view, based on revenue band and population size, of all questions included in the 2024 survey.
Internal Systems/Programs/Software
Which Accounting Client Write-Up Programs Are Used?
FIRM SIZE (Net Revenues)
2024 Practice Management Benchmarking Tools
MANAGEMENT BENCHMARKING PACKAGE (PDF ONLY)
Includes National Practice Management Benchmarking Report, Internal Operational Report Package and the Financial and Operational Report Card
Internal Operational Package includes all three reports (Firm Administration, Information Technology and Human Resources). PDF versions only.
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Report cards are available to fully participating firms only. Please allow three business days for preparation and delivery. Report Cards will be sent to MP / CEO only.
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