Client demand, and their own perceptions of the areas clients need help in, are the main drivers of new business service offerings at accounting firms, according to a new study.

The research, part of the monthly Accountants Confidence Index study that Accounting Today conducts in partnership with ADP, also found that the overwhelming majority of firms offer their business clients an average of at least three different services — with significant numbers making well more than that available.

While firms are doing an excellent job of offering business clients multiple services, the majority of those services remain compliance-based, with accounting/bookkeeping and tax planning/filing far in the lead.

The study surveyed 270 accountants in mid-October.