Advisory
Alabama Accounting Firms to Merge Staff of 140
Himmelwright, Huguley and Boles (HHB) has provided a broad range of accounting, tax, and advisory services since 1998 to both businesses and individuals—including several specialties that now broaden BMSS’ offerings. Specifically, the firm provides a ...
Aug. 29, 2016
The Alabama accounting firm of Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith (BMSS) has acquired the firm Himmelwright, Huguley & Boles, an Auburn-Opelika CPA firm. The merger will take place on January 1st, 2017 bringing the combined entity to a total of 140 employees. The firms will consolidate under the name Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, LLC.
BMSS ranked 13th on Accounting Today’s 2016 Regional Leaders list for the Top Firm in the Gulf Coast region, with $16.8 million in annual revenue. Additionally, BMSS has been named a Best Place to Work by numerous publications, including the Wall Street Journal and Accounting Today.
“Barfield Murphy Shank & Smith (BMSS) is a great success story in the accounting industry and the story is about to get better,” said Allan D. Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised both firms on the merger. “They are already a Top 200 CPA firm nationally and this merger is the start of their geographic expansion throughout the state of Alabama. It will also make them a Top 10 CPA firm (amongst non-nationals) in the entire Gulf Coast region.”
Himmelwright, Huguley and Boles (HHB) has provided a broad range of accounting, tax, and advisory services since 1998 to both businesses and individuals—including several specialties that now broaden BMSS’ offerings. Specifically, the firm provides a robust outsourced bookkeeping service. HHB also provides accounting and auditing services to a variety of industries such as medical practices, farming/timber and governmental entities.
“We firmly believe that BMSS supports our mission in each area of how our firm operates as well as the culture that we have created for our employees. We know that by joining our two firms, we will be stronger together,” explained HHB founding shareholder, Jim Himmelwright.
The expansion of BMSS into the Auburn-Opelika area is in alignment with the firm’s strategic growth plan. It’s also familiar territory for founding member and managing partner, Don Murphy, who graduated from Auburn University in 1986 with a degree in accounting. “This merger is significant for all of us. We are excited to expand our reach into other parts of Alabama with the help of a new partner that shares our values and passion for making the client experience an exceptional one. I look forward to welcoming HHB’s shareholders, employees and clients to the BMSS family,” said Murphy.
“They are all about being a “best place to work” firm and providing outstanding client service and now will be expanding their reach throughout the state,” Koltin added. “Himmelwright, Huguley & Boles (HH&B) was carefully selected reviewing the Auburn-Opelika market. They had a similar culture, wonderful talent and leadership, and a great reputation of delivering awesome service to their clients.
BMSS was founded by Keith Barfield, Don Murphy and John Shank in 1991 with the mission to be the local alternative to the national accounting firms, one that would provide a life-work balance for their employees without compromising high-quality, client experience. With the exception of a recent merger with a sole proprietor in 2014, the firm’s growth during the last 25 years has been organic. Serving closely held businesses in various industries including construction, manufacturing, credit unions, not-for-profit and technology, BMSS provides the traditional accounting, auditing, and tax services as well as value-added services including payroll administration, wealth management and IT support. For more information about Barfield Murphy Shank & Smith visit www.bmss.com.