CPA's Top Financial Management Priorities for 2006

Rick Telberg is president and chief executive of Bay Street Group LLC, advisors in marketing, management and strategy. He also authors a great business blog called CPA Trendlines.

Small company CPAs responded to a recent Bay Street Group survey, and here's the results:

Top 10 Financial Management Priorities for CPAs in 2006 (percentage of surveyed CPAs who agree. Includes multiple responses)

1. 60% - Improving Department's Organization/Performance
2. 53% - Recruiting, Training & Retention
3. 37% - Treasury Operations
4. 37% - Forecasting and Budgeting
5. 31% - Cash/Liquidity Management
6. 31% - Payments Systems 31
7. 30% - Mergers/Acquisitions/Restructuring
8. 30% - Business Performance Management
9. 30% - Strategic Planning
10. 28% - Financial Accounting & Reporting

(Source: Bay Street Group, LLC for AICPA, 2006)

BOTTOMLINE: Take a look at the boldfaced priorities! Then, take a look at the priority that you thought CPAs were high on in red.