About Us.

What is INSIDE Public Accounting? Three Decades of CPA Expertise

INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) is North America’s leading provider of CPA practice management research, benchmarking surveys and industry analysis. 

About INSIDE Public Accounting

For more than 35 years, IPA has helped CPA firm leaders make informed business decisions using data collected from more than 600 firms annually. Our insights support firm growth, operational improvement and long-term sustainability. 

What is IPA’s Mission? 

IPA’s mission is to help CPA firm leaders build stronger, more profitable practices through data-driven thought leadership and objective analysis.

We analyze financial and operational data across firm sizes and population markets to provide actionable insights that help firms benchmark performance, identify opportunities and plan for growth. 

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Why CPA Firms Trust INSIDE Public Accounting  

Hundreds of CPA firms across North America rely on INSIDE Public Accounting because we combine longitudinal data, consistent methodology and deep industry experience. 

Unlike one-time surveys or anecdotal benchmarking, IPA provides year-over-year insights that allow firms to track trends, measure progress and make strategic decisions with confidence. 

IPA supports firms through: 

  • E-News updates delivered directly to your inbox 
  • The annual practice management survey 
  • Benchmarking and compensation reports 
  • The IPA 500 and Best of the Best rankings 
  • Quarterly practice management publications 
  • In-person and virtual data-focused presentations on the state of the accounting profession

These resources help firms understand performance, improve operations and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving profession.

Who is Behind INSIDE Public Accounting?

Connect with our dedicated IPA team

INSIDE Public Accounting is led by a team of professionals with decades of experience in CPA firm benchmarking, practice management research and industry analysis. Since 1987, IPA has worked with firms across North America to provide the data and insights leaders need to grow, improve operations, and make informed strategic decisions. 

Our team combines expertise in survey methodology, financial analysis, consulting, and communications to deliver objective, data-driven resources that support CPA firm success. 

Chelsea Summers

Executive Director

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Chelsea Summers works directly with the INSIDE Public Accounting Practice Management Survey and the Rosenberg Survey, overseeing the annual launch, data collection and review process. She manages survey submissions to ensure accuracy and consistency, and leads the development of IPA’s benchmarking reports, data analysis, IPA 500 rankings and Best of the Best lists. 

Her work supports the integrity and reliability of the data that CPA firms across North America use to benchmark performance and evaluate growth. 

Kennedy Backer

Director of Rosenberg Survey
Operations Coordinator

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Kennedy Backer plays a key role in administering INSIDE Public Accounting’s four annual practice management surveys, as well as the Rosenberg Survey. She works directly with participating CPA firms to support clear communication throughout the submission process and to ensure data is reported consistently and accurately. 

Kennedy analyzes and reviews survey submissions to maintain apples-to-apples comparisons across firms and manages the survey platform to streamline operations and uphold the integrity of IPA’s benchmarking data. 

Sarah Noonan

Marketing Coordinator

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Sarah Canning leads marketing and digital outreach for INSIDE Public Accounting, expanding the visibility of IPA’s surveys, benchmarking reports, rankings and industry insights. She develops and executes integrated marketing campaigns, manages email communications and oversees website content updates to ensure IPA’s research reaches CPA firm leaders and industry stakeholders across North America. 

Her work supports the distribution and awareness of IPA’s data-driven resources throughout the accounting profession. 

Charles Hylan

Facilitator & Consultant

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Charles Hylan presents IPA & Rosenberg survey data for firms across the country and regularly presents at association conferences. With more than 30 years of experience in public accounting and consulting, Charles works with CPA firm leaders to interpret benchmarking data and facilitate strategic planning retreats.

His expertise enables firm leaders to interpret data in order to implement meaningful operational and strategic improvements. 

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Testimonials

Heidi LaMarca

Heidi LaMarca

President & CEO, Windham Brannon

“The IPA report gives us insight into how we are doing compared to our peers as it relates to firm performance and highlights those areas that need improvement.”
Shaun Powell

Shaun Powell

Director of Finance, GBQ Holdings

“At GBQ, we look forward to the annual benchmarking report and regional data.  We use this to benchmark our performance against our peers and determine areas of improvement and areas where we have a particular strength that we can leverage.  We capture trends in various metrics which help us to determine potential risks and opportunities. It is a very valuable performance measurement tool and one of great value for GBQ.”
Dan Smith

Dan Smith

Chief Operating Officer, Smith + Howard

"Smith + Howard has participated in the IPA Survey for over 15 years. The consistent information requested by IPA, allows us to compare our firms results year over year, which continues to be valuable. More importantly, the information allows us to compare our firm to the “Best of the Best”. We also use the Human Resources and Information Technology survey results to ensure we are competitive and aware of the ongoing changes in our industry."
Allan Koltin

Allan Koltin

CEO, Koltin Consulting Group

“Working with the IPA team is always a pleasure. They ask great questions when they are interviewing me and always properly capture the essence of what is being said. IPA provides ‘must-read’ material for any current or future leader in the accounting profession. It is chock full of great feature stories and commentary and I always take away a couple of great ideas.”

FAQs

INSIDE Public Accounting provides practice management surveys, rankings and practice management insights that help CPA firms improve performance and plan for growth.

IPA resources are used by CPA firm owners, managing partners, firm administrators, consultants and industry analysts across North America.

IPA has served the public accounting profession for nearly 40 years, collecting and analyzing firm data since 1987.

IPA collects financial and operational data directly from participating CPA firms through structured surveys and applies consistent methodologies to ensure accurate comparisons.

Yes. IPA provides objective, independent analysis designed to support informed decision-making for CPA firms.