(October 24, 2008) - In the October special edition of Inside Public Accounting (IPA), Hein & Associates was once again named Best of the Best among accounting firms. Though 25 firms receive this designation each year, Hein is one of only seven firms nationwide to have received it in 1994 when it first debuted, as well as in 2008 (and many years between). This exceptional honor not only demonstrates that Hein is one of the best managed firms in the country, but also that it has stayed true to its vision, mission, and overall performance throughout the years.

According to IPA, the publication takes forty-nine performance criteria into consideration for the designation, and firms of all sizes are eligible. However, after the numbers are tallied, consistent characteristics among the top firms begin to emerge. Overall, each of the Best of the Best winners maximizes its management style to enhance best practices, resulting in consistent growth, and 2008 is no exception. This year’s report shows these firms are growing at twice the rate of their peers.

IPA explains, "While growth rates are a small segment of the almost 50 criteria examined, they represent the tangible end result of a series of decisions that the Best of the Best firms have implemented over the previous year."

Growth rate aside, these Best of the Best create their success by carefully crafting together benefit packages, professional training, and expense management with marketing, strategic planning, and investments for their future. The result, explains IPA, is a framework for consistent success.

IPA not only ranked Hein in its 2008 Top 100 list but also named it a 2008 All Star among accounting firms.

The publication was founded in 1987 and is published by The Platt Consulting Group. It reports and analyzes the news, trends, strategies, and politics that affect the nation's public accounting firms, providing them with the information and resources they need to compete and operate more profitably.

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