The Power of an Independent Accounting and Advisory Firm

The accounting industry is changing fast. M&A activity and private equity (PE) firms are making headlines and reshaping the accounting landscape across the country, including right here in Atlanta. At Moore Colson, we’ve watched this shift closely. We've fielded the calls, we’ve had the conversations, and as a firm, we’ve made our decision:

We are proudly staying independent.

Our goal is clear: To become the largest independent accounting firm in Atlanta. And we are looking to continue to grow organically, strategically and intentionally, the same way we’ve been growing since 1981.

Staying True to Who We Are

At Moore Colson, independence is more than a status; it’s a strategy. It’s what gives us the freedom to put our clients and people first. We’re a firm owned and led by our partners. Every decision is made right here, by our team, inside our firm, in Atlanta, and is guided by what’s best for our clients, not by outside mandates or growth-at-any-cost pressure.

We Serve Clients, Not Outside Investors

Over the past five years, we've grown our revenue by nearly 50%; over the past three years, we’ve expanded our client base by approximately 65%. That kind of momentum isn’t fueled by short-term strategy. It’s built on relationships, trust and consistent results.

Here’s what makes Moore Colson different and why that difference matters:

• Non-Book-of-Business Model: Every client at Moore Colson is a firm client. Our partners aren’t compensated by their individual portfolios. That means clients are truly at the center, with access to the full depth of our team.
• Organic Growth, Real Stability: We have not absorbed other firms to increase our footprint as our structure and culture would likely make those integrations challenging. Our culture and cohesion are crucial to our success.
• Client Relationships First: As larger firms grow rapidly and shift focus away from the Southeast, we see opportunity. When client experience gets lost in the shuffle, we’re there with consistency, responsiveness and excellence, delivering the personal, senior-level attention clients expect and value.
• A Better Talent Experience: The accounting industry is facing a real talent crunch. And while some national firms struggle with turnover, we’re investing in culture, training, balance and leadership development. That stability doesn’t just attract great people; it keeps them. Our commitment to the Moore Colson team is reflected in our successful leadership transitions across four generations.

Seeing the Opportunity in the Noise

There’s no question that the PE wave and increased consolidation among firms are reshaping the accounting world. But while some see this as the only path forward, we see a different kind of opportunity:

• For clients looking for consistency amid change, we offer stability.
• For talent seeking purpose and balance, we offer culture.
• For partners aligned on vision, we offer clarity and ownership.

Our clients’ growth is our mission. That’s our north star. And we believe that by staying independent, we can serve our clients better, lead our people with purpose and build a lasting legacy for our next generation of leaders.

Built to Last, Since 1981

Moore Colson began with a simple idea: Combining great accounting with strategic advisory could create more value for clients. Our founders, Greg Colson and Jack Moore, were ahead of their time and that forward-thinking spirit still drives us.

We’ve expanded over the years, including launching Magnolia Trust Company in 2019 to support high-net-worth clients and their families with sophisticated trust and estate planning that will serve multiple generations. But through all the growth, we’ve held onto what matters: strong relationships, clear values and long-term thinking.

Succession isn’t just a box we check. It’s a culture we build. We’re staying focused on building the next generation of leaders right here inside Moore Colson.

The Road Ahead

We know exactly who we are and where we’re going.

We’re not chasing quick wins.

We’re building a firm for the future.

Because here, we envision more.

If you’re looking for a partner who values long-term relationships, who leads with integrity and serves with intention, let’s talk.

We’re Moore Colson. We’re independent by choice. And we’re just getting started.