Arkansas-based JPMS Cox to merge with Oklahoma firm

The Arkansas accounting firm of JPMS Cox will merge in January 2018 with Oklahoma-based HoganTaylor, creating one of the region’s largest independent accounting firms with more than 300 employees.

The new firm will operate under the name HoganTaylor and will have offices in Little Rock, Fayetteville, Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

According to a press release announcing the merger plans, the firm will continue to represent clients from small nonprofits to multibillion-dollar multinationals.

“In track record, in culture, in expertise and focus on client service, these two firms fit hand-in-glove,” said HoganTaylor CEO Randy Nail. “By joining forces we’re capturing tremendous synergy to create value for our clients, communities and employees.”

“HoganTaylor gains a stronger presence in Arkansas, dozens of talented CPAs and support staff, and several additional expert practice areas. JPMS Cox adds a deeper bench, increased capacity and specialized services like cybersecurity to better serve its growing client list,” Nail said.

HoganTaylor, with 15 employees in Little Rock since 2015, will add JPMS Cox’s staff of 74 to total 314 team members across all four offices when the merger closes January 1, 2018. The Little Rock staff will combine into the JPMS Cox office space at 11300 Cantrell Road.

No staffing changes are anticipated as a result of the merger.

JPMS Cox managing partner Gary Cooper concurred. “We have complementary skills, teams and industry expertise. Joining forces with HoganTaylor will let us bring our clients highly specialized services, while deepening and enriching our ability to serve a growing list of clients in Arkansas and throughout the mid-South.”