12 FEB 2025 / M&A UPDATES

Smith + Howard Acquires Smith Kesler & Co., Strengthening Construction Accounting Expertise and Expanding into the Carolinas

- MYCPE ONE Insights Team

Seek0% bufferedCurrent time00:00Volume

Smith + Howard, a leading national tax, accounting, and advisory firm based in Atlanta, has announced the acquisition of Smith Kesler & Co. (SKC), a well-established accounting practice with four offices across North Carolina and South Carolina. Founded in 1974, SKC has built a strong reputation for its specialized audit and tax services, particularly within the construction industry.

Strategic Expansion:

This acquisition marks Smith + Howard's fifth in the past 16 months, aligning with the firm's strategic growth plan. The addition of SKC enhances Smith + Howard's core accounting services and extends its construction industry client base into the Carolinas. Steve Hinds, Managing Stockholder of SKC, will transition into the role of Partner, overseeing regional operations, while all SKC employees will officially join Smith + Howard.

Leadership Perspectives:

Sean Taylor, CEO of Smith + Howard, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome the talented professionals at Smith Kesler & Co. to Smith + Howard. Their outstanding reputation, high-caliber client portfolio, and deep industry expertise provide a strategic advantage in our ability to serve clients. Expanding into the Carolinas allows us to introduce Smith + Howard’s world-class advisory services in a region that is central to our long-term growth strategy."

Reflecting on the decision to join Smith + Howard, Steve Hinds shared, "As we looked to the future, we saw an opportunity to expand our reach and support construction businesses beyond the Carolinas. To achieve this, we sought a partnership with a larger firm that could offer enhanced resources for our clients and greater opportunities for our team. Equally important was finding a partner whose values and culture aligned with ours. From our first conversations, it was clear that Smith + Howard was the perfect fit, exceeding our expectations in every way."

Advisory Insight:

Industry leader Allan Koltin, who advised on this transaction, commented on the acquisition: "Smith Kesler is widely recognized as one of the premier construction accounting firms in the Carolinas. Many top accounting firms sought to partner with Smith Kesler for its talent and client service, but its choice of Smith + Howard underscores the firm’s strong culture, entrepreneurial spirit, and collaborative approach. In just two years since receiving private equity investment, Smith + Howard has established itself as a client-focused national firm, attracting top talent and executing on its growth strategy."

This strategic move underscores Smith + Howard's commitment to expanding its national footprint and enhancing its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

Until next time…

Don’t forget to share this story on LinkedIn, X and Facebook

📢MYCPE ONE Insights has a newsletter on LinkedIn as well! If you want the sharpest analysis of all accounting and finance news without the jargon, Insights is the place to be! Click Here to Join

Scale Your Accounting Firm the Smart Way with MYCPE ONE! Your Trusted Offshore Partner for CPAs and Accounting Firms.

Struggling to scale? Let MYCPE ONE’s offshore accounting team help you grow faster and more efficiently.

With 500,000+ vetted professionals across 40 offices in 2 countries, we provide you access to top talent and advanced technology, all while handling the hiring process for you.

Trusted by 3,000+ firms, including 45+ BDO Alliance Firms and 40+ of the Top 200 Accounting Firms!

Start building your offshore dream team today with MYCPE ONE!

Scale smarter. Save bigger. Stay ahead.

Schedule a call!