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Wipfli LLP to implement Star Practice Management System

Wipfli LLP, one of the top CPA firms in the U.S., has chosen Star Americas to provide its new practice management system.  The Star Practice Management System will be deployed across the firm’s 15 U.S. offices, servicing the needs of more than 110 partners and over 800 professional staff. The project has a planned launch date in mid-2011.

The Star Practice Management System will replace the Mize Houser CPA/MIS system that Wipfli installed in the 1990s. Mize Houser, itself an established CPA firm, has an agreement with Star designed to provide CPA/MIS users with a clear and reliable upgrade path for their legacy system.

When Wipfli decided it needed to install a new system, it conducted a thorough due diligence process over an eight-month period into available practice management offerings, which included numerous demonstrations and a detailed analysis of the required software functionality.

Wipfli’s Chief Information Officer, Mark Baker, explained, “We handled the evaluation and procurement process in the exact way our IT consulting group would advise our clients to handle it. To an extent, this meant we had to ignore any inbuilt advantage Star may have provided through the Mize Houser connection and form our opinion on the strength of the software and the organization behind it.”

“We started out by considering over a dozen possible suppliers, which quickly reduced to a shortlist of three.  Out of this process Star emerged as the leader because they are dedicated suppliers to the CPA market, which means the functionality of the program and the skill sets of the consultants were the most tuned into what we were looking for,” added Mark.  “We are confident in Star’s ability to implement quickly given their focus on and experience with top CPA Firms, which was a huge factor in our decision.”

Other factors that influenced Wipfli’s selection included Star’s readiness to undertake enhancements to the program, such as scanning in receipts to attach to expense reports, and Star’s established presence for a number of years among other large CPA firms, such as Baker Tilly and Clifton Gunderson.  Further, Star utilizes the Microsoft technology stack, which is critical to support Wipfli’s growth goals while maintaining a cost-effective technology infrastructure.

Bernard Skalla, Star’s CEO, commented, “We are very pleased to be working with Wipfli, a firm that is held in high regard by its peers.  We know very well how strategically important this decision is and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with them.”

With more than 800 associates and 15 offices in Wisconsin, Minnesota and the state of Washington, Wipfli ranks among the largest accounting and business consulting firms in the nation. The firm serves businesses of various sizes, from public and large private companies to closely held family-owned businesses. Whether helping clients streamline processes, improve performance, leverage the right technology, or increase financial success, they offer innovative, effective, and personalized services.  Wipfli’s clients include manufacturers, health care organizations, financial institutions, nonprofit entities, dealerships, contractors and developers, small businesses, and individuals. As a trusted business advisor to more than 20,000 clients in a variety of industries, Wipfli is proud of its 80-year legacy of helping businesses succeed and its solid reputation as industry experts.

For more information please visit www.wipfli.com