Book the way to prosperity

Privately held accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll service companies reported an average net profit margin of 19.6% over a 12-month period ending Aug. 27, topping an annual list of the most profitable industries.

The accounting industry topped the nationwide list, compiled by Raleigh, N.C.-based financial data firm Sageworks, last year, too.

Other industries in the top five include landlords, auto equipment rental and leasing, dentists and legal services. Each of the top five industries reported a net profit margin greater than 15% — more than double the 7.3% of the average U.S. private company, Sageworks reports.

Sageworks analyst James Noe, in a release, says: “These companies don't typically grab the headlines, but their performance is crucial for the overall health of the U.S. economy, as privately held companies drive the bulk of GDP and job creation in the U.S.”

Here's a glance at the top 10 industries: