Smith + Howard Strengthens Southeast Presence with BPS Acquisition

On January 13, 2026, Smith + Howard, a leading accounting and advisory firm, announced its acquisition of Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A. (BPS), a significant player in South Carolina's public accounting sector. This strategic move marks a significant expansion in Smith + Howard's regional footprint and aims to enhance its advisory services across the Southeastern United States.

BPS, listed as a Top 250 Firm by INSIDE Public Accounting, is reputed for its tailored advisory services across diverse industries. With this acquisition, BPS will integrate into Smith + Howard's operations, co-aligning values and client-centric approaches. Clients of BPS can now expect to access a wider range of resources and specialized expertise benefiting from the diverse offerings that Smith + Howard presents.

Sean Taylor, the CEO of Smith + Howard, stated, “This acquisition reflects our ongoing commitment to thoughtful, high-quality growth that augments both our geographical reach and depth of service.” Taylor emphasized that the integration with BPS aligns with the firm’s principles of exceptional client service and highlighted BPS's strong client relationships and specialized expertise as valuable assets for collective growth.

The acquisition not only secures Smith + Howard's expansion into a vital market but also enhances its capability to serve clients in shared sectors, including construction, real estate, and manufacturing. Furthermore, the additional expertise provided by BPS extends into niche industries like captive insurance and telecommunications and enriches services such as forensic accounting and litigation support.

Jay Swearingen, Managing Shareholder at BPS, expressed enthusiasm about joining forces with Smith + Howard. He remarked, “This partnership propels our firm into a promising new phase by amplifying the services and expertise we can offer our clients.” Swearingen also acknowledged the shared commitment to trust, innovation, and collaborative relationships that this merger reinforces, aiming to support sustainable growth for all parties involved.

In the aftermath of the acquisition's closure, BPS will undergo a brand transition to reflect Smith + Howard’s identity while ensuring that existing client service teams maintain continuity. Smith + Howard stipulates that clients will still engage with their familiar teams while enjoying the broader suite of services like audit, tax, and advisory solutions offered by the unified firm.

This acquisition further strengthens Smith + Howard’s growth trajectory, following its recent merger with Horton, Lee & Burnett in Birmingham, Alabama. This previous merger also emphasized enhancing the firm's advisory skills and extending its reach throughout the Southeast. The firm remains dedicated to blending organic growth initiatives with targeted acquisitions to uphold service quality and ensure long-term value for its clients.

While the financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, it follows a noteworthy trend in Smith + Howard’s strategic partnerships, including a recent alliance with Broad Sky Partners, marking the firm’s first external investment.

About Smith + Howard

Smith + Howard is a nationally recognized firm, serving diverse clients in sectors such as construction, distribution, hospitality, manufacturing, nonprofit, real estate, technology, and logistics. The firm offers a comprehensive array of services, from audit and tax to international tax planning, cyber risk compliance, and more. Through its Family of Companies, Smith + Howard also provides wealth management, sales and use tax consulting, and executive search services, ensuring assistance for businesses across various stages of development.

About BPS

Established in 1991, BPS operates out of Columbia, South Carolina, and ranks among the premier accounting firms in the Southeast. With nearly 100 Certified Public Accountants among its staff, BPS provides crucial advisory support to clients in industries such as insurance, real estate, manufacturing, and technology, earning a reputation as a trusted partner for its client base.

In conclusion, this merger marks a significant chapter for both Smith + Howard and BPS. As they unite, they position themselves for continued growth, innovation, and client satisfaction in the accounting and advisory space.