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2008 MAP Survey Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find a list of frequently asked questions.

 

Q1. When will the survey be fielded?

 

A. The survey is open now. Firms will be invited to take the survey beginning the week ending May 1st. The survey will remain open throughout May and June and will close on Friday, July 11th.

 

Q2. Does it cost anything to participate in the survey?

 

A. No, there is no cost to participate in the survey. All participants will receive a summary report. PCPS members and Texas firms will receive a more comprehensive results report. See the Overview page for more pricing details.

 

Q3. How long will it take to complete the survey?

 

A. Participants will find that the list of questions is significantly shorter than in past years in an effort to streamline the most relevant data. However, since the survey is still fairly detailed (to provide firms with the most inclusive results possible), we strongly suggest that you print out the PDF version of the survey questions to gather your responses. Between locating your firm’s data and entering information into the survey tool, we estimate that most firms will take one to three hours to complete.

 

Q4. Where can I find a downloadable version of the survey?

 

A. In the survey tool, a participant can download a PDF of the Survey questions by clicking the link at the top right of the screen called “Printable Version.“  Utilize this PDF document to easily collect your responses and refer to it when completing the on-line survey.

 

Q5. Once I start the survey, must I finish it then or can I come back to it at a later time?

 

A. The survey is designed to allow participants to come back into their results and, if desired, complete the survey in more than one sitting. Once you have started and you exit, all you need to do is RETURN to your survey via the link in your email invitation and it will direct you to the place where you left off in the survey tool.

 

Q6. How are survey questions selected?

 

A. Survey content is examined each year before the survey goes live. Feedback is received from the previous survey’s participants and industry leaders. Usability, application and scope are closely considered by the PCPS Executive Committee, IntelliSurvey, the AICPA and outside legal counsel. The goal is to provide firms with the type and level of data on their practices that is most meaningful, while offering a user experience that is friendly and efficient.

 

Q7. If I participate in the survey, what will I receive?

 

A. As a PCPS member or Texas participant, you will receive a PDF of your firm’s personal and comprehensive results report via email along with access to the online reporting tool, both as a complimentary member benefit.

 

As a non-PCPS or Texas participating member firm, you will receive a free summary results report that will line your responses with national averages. You will have the option to purchase a more comprehensive report and access to the on-line reporting tool for $100 as an AICPA member and $200 as a non-AICPA member. If your firm joins PCPS, you will receive the upgraded report and access to the on-line tool as a member benefit.

 

Q8. How can I print my responses from the survey tool?

 

A. Set your printer to print in “landscape” mode and your responses will print without being cut off. 

 

Q9. When will the results be available to me?

 

A. Participant results reports will be available in September. You will receive an email explaining how to access the results.  National and regional reports will also be available in September, shortly after the participant reports are released. 

 

Q10. If I want to review results but my firm did not participate, what can I receive?

 

A. As a PCPS member, you will be granted access to the National, Regional and Firm Size results free of charge on this site. Non-PCPS members can purchase results for $200 as an AICPA member and $300 as a non-AICPA member.

 

Q11. My state society is participating in the survey, what does that mean to me?

 

A. The supporting state societies provide us with a means to achieve nationwide participation. Every participating state society will receive a customized state or regional report depending upon the number of participants from their state. The participating states are encouraged to share this report with their members but are not able to sell it. You can contact your state society to learn more about your state’s report.

 

Q12. What is the on-line benchmarking tool?

A. The on-line tool is an additional benefit to PCPS member and Texas firm participants that allows them to create their own benchmarks and peer groups. You can use the tool to compare your firm’s data to other firms’ data based on the parameters you select. The 2008 tool will be available after survey results are released in September. If you have questions about the on-line tool or need help accessing it, you can contact us by email at PCPS@aicpa.org.

Q13. How do I print only the response summary pages from my Individual Response Report without printing all of the other detail pages?

 

A. While in your Individual Response Report, go to the File Menu of your browser and select “Print Preview.” Once in “Print Preview”, using the arrows at the bottom of the page, scroll to the page where your survey summary begins and note that page number. Then scroll to where your survey summary ends and note that page number. Click the printer icon at the top left corner of the screen. A print dialog box appears. Click the “Page” radio button under “Page Range” and enter the page range you wish to print in the field to the right. Then click “Print.”

Copyright © 2008 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Inc., New York, New York.