ACCOUNTANTS AND SMALL FIRM DEVELOPMENT - FILLING THE EXPECTATION GAP

As a supplier of necessary expertise, the professional accountant is i n a potentially strong position to influence the small business. Previ ous research indicates, however that the influence of the accountant o n the performance of the small firm is limited. This paper examines th e relationship between small firms and the accountancy profession in t he North East of England. It is based on two surveys of 31 small busin esses and 33 accountancy practices. It reveals a mismatch in the expec tations of the two groups and argues that if the accountancy professio n is to fulfil its potential in assisting small firms develop and impr ove their management capability, changes are required in the way accou ntancy services are marketed and provided.