Do we need to use an accountant? The sales growth and survival benefits to family SMEs

Francesco Barbera, Tim Hasso

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

71 Citations (Scopus)
66 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between the usage of an external accountant and family firm sales growth and survival. Using a longitudinal panel of Australian small and medium sized family enterprises, we find that external accountants have a positive impact on sales growth and survival. We also find that the degree to which the accountant is acquainted with the family and the firm’s needs, which we term as embeddedness, moderates these positive outcomes. Furthermore, we find that appropriate strategic planning processes are necessary to maximize the sales growth benefit; however, these processes are not necessary to gain the survival benefit
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)271-292
Number of pages22
JournalFamily Business Review
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

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