NATIONAL OFFICE – BKD CPAs & Advisors is the nation’s No. 1 provider of audit preparation services to private higher education institutions, according to data available from the Federal Audit Clearinghouse. BKD is the nation’s No. 2 overall preparer among both private and public institutions.
According to 2020 data collection form filings (crossed referenced to the latest available Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), BKD conducted more audit engagements of private higher education institutions than any other public accounting firm and is the No. 2 overall audit preparer when including public institutions. The Missouri-based Top 15 accounting firm is also the top audit provider overall in the Midwest. BKD works with a growing list of more than 230 higher ed clients nationwide.
Audits conducted by knowledgeable, independent advisors can help schools provide greater transparency for grantors and private donors, improve efficiency and validate their financial strategies.
“It’s gratifying to see the level of trust our clients place in our work and in our teams,” said BKD Partner Adam Smith, who leads the firm’s Higher Education Center of Excellence. “BKD recognizes the headwinds colleges and universities face today, which is why we’ve directed significant resources at the local, regional and national level to better serve our higher education clients.”
The BKD Higher Education Center of Excellence continuously evaluates the potential issues facing colleges and universities in order to further develop its Financial Sustainability Services offerings. This suite of services is tailored specifically to colleges and universities and provides a range of in-depth, data-driven analysis of long-term sustainability, including program economic analysis and financial scenario modeling.
More of BKD’s thought leadership in the higher ed sector can be found at no cost via the 2022 Annual Higher Education Outlook report or by subscribing to BKD’s higher education Thoughtware series.