Efficiency evaluation of accounting firm partnerships from the perspective of operating difficulties, strategies, and practices in Mainland China

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the operating efficiency of accounting firm partnerships. Design/methodology/approach An empirical analysis is performed with a three-stage research method: data envelopment analysis (DEA), univariate testing and regression analysis. Findings The results indicate that large firms are not necessarily the most efficient. Efficient accounting firms see an average 50 percent contribution from total practice revenues and a 50 percent contribution from the number of cases. The percentage of senior managers is higher for firms with poor operating efficiency than for firms with good operating efficiency. This implies that firms with poor operating efficiency have a higher expenditure in human capital. Both efficient and inefficient firms find intense market competition to be the main challenge, followed by the challenge of market recessions. Appropriate educational training should be provided to upgrade the professional expertise and competency of staff. Response to peer competition and assistance to local accountant practices are the main reasons for setting up practice in Mainland China. The main operating mode in Mainland China is bringing personnel from Taiwan. Originality/value Using DEA, univariate testing and regression analysis, this paper aims to help the operators of accounting firms in dealing with business difficulties, finding their own core competencies, and making up for their operating disadvantages. The findings can provide references to reviewing whether their human resource allocation is appropriate and which operational type should be adopted by the accounting firms. Hence, the accounting firms can formulate their future operational strategies.