An Investigation of Issues, Challenges, and Prospects for Small to Mid-Tier Accounting Firms in Dublin, Ireland.

Abstract

With the existence of an oligopoly in the accounting industry all other existing firms have a smaller market share in the industry. They however, all wish to be able to compete and have a larger market share to compete in. Hence, studying how small to medium firms having an effective Human Resource, effective Firm Management and Industry Regulation can increase their productivity and competitiveness. This study will investigate the issues, challenges and prospects of firms outside of the Big Four. To find the answers to this investigation interviews were conducted. Heuristic interviews were the main tool for data collection and discourse analysis was used to analyse the answers given in the interviews. The results of the study, showed that the best ways for a company to bridge the gap between themselves and the Big Four is to focus on Talent Management, Talent Acquisition. As well as having a defined firm culture and investing in marketing. It can be concluded that these concepts can lead to firm success and increased productivity.