Accounting Services

The US accounting and tax preparation industry includes about 100,000 firms with combined annual revenue of $95 billion. Large companies include PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Ernst & Young, and H&R Block. The industry is fragmented: the 50 largest companies hold less than 50 percent of the market. Most firms are small, with annual revenue under $1 million; large local firms may have revenue of $5 to $10 million.

The industry includes firms that provide primarily accounting, tax preparation, auditing, bookkeeping, and related services, but doesn't include companies like law firms that may provide such services as a secondary line of business.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand for accounting services depends on new business formations, the increasing complexity of corporate business, and higher personal income. The profitability of individual firms depends on the right mix of services and effective marketing. Large firms have advantages in providing a range of services to large corporate clients and having the resources to serve customers with many locations. Small firms can compete effectively by specializing and providing superior service. The industry's average annual revenue per worker is $100,000.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major services include tax preparation, payroll services, auditing, bookkeeping, tax consulting, and general accounting. Tax preparation accounts for 25 percent of industry revenue, payroll services for 25 percent, and auditing for 15 percent. Bookkeeping represents 10 percent of industry revenue, and tax consulting and general accounting, 5 percent each. Other services ...