(October 13, 2009) - Inside Public Accounting (IPA) has once again named Hein & Associates LLP a "Best of the Best" firm. The October 2009 issue recognized the firm among only twenty-five in the nation, based exclusively on their performance in specific management areas. In addition to the "Best of the Best" designation, IPA also named Hein & Associates LLP one of the "Top Five Best Managed Firms in the West."

Michael Platt, publisher of IPA, explains that Best of the Best firms "each demonstrate the right combination of vision, planning and execution to deliver superior performance. Firms who earn this designation are tops in their field and represent the best of what the accounting profession has to offer."

"We’re honored to be recognized," says Larry Unruh, Managing Partner. "Our firm has always strived to maximize best practices and enhance our strategic vision. It’s a careful balance, but looking forward is just as important to us as focusing on the present."

According to IPA, the scoring system removes any possible imbalance that could be attributed to size or proximity to a major metropolitan area. "The result is the clearest picture yet of the best managed firms."

This is the 16th year that IPA has named the best-managed accounting firms. Hein & Associates LLP has been named "Best of the Best" seven of those years, and “Best of the Best Honorable Mention” two additional years.

Two hundred and forty-five firms participated in this year’s Annual Survey and Analysis of Firms. Each is eligible to be named "Best of the Best." The 2009 recipients ranged in size from $3 million to $168 million, and represented all regions of the country.

IPA also ranked Hein & Associates LLP to its Top 100 list, and named it a 2009 All Star in the "Training" category.

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