Robust economic climate and record low unemployment
levels are contributing to widespread demand for skilled accounting
and finance professionals. Accountants are playing key roles
in improving efficiencies while enabling companies to keep
pace with growth.
Diversification remains the key priority
at public accounting firms. With limited growth in tax
and auditing services, the major firms are finding new
opportunities to become full-service consultants to
their clients.
Specialty areas such as business valuation,
systems consulting, merger and acquisition services,
and litigation support are generating most of the growth
at public firms. While tax and auditing services are
not being eliminated, they have become part of a larger
package of options designed to enhance the business
performance of clients. The scope of offerings by public
accounting firms is expected to expand.