Mauldin & Jenkins, a leading accounting and advisory firm, is pleased to announce its inclusion on Accounting Today’s 2026 Top 100 Firms list. In addition to the national ranking, the firm was recognized as a Regional Leader in the Southeast region.
Accounting Today named 2026 “the year of the client” in its annual report, highlighting a national shift among the Top 100 toward deeper, relationship-driven service models and an emphasis on the development of comprehensive solutions to address clients’ complex needs.
Mauldin & Jenkins has remained at the forefront of industry trends, and this past year, the firm made numerous strategic advancements to broaden its reach and service offerings, beginning with a significant transition from a geographic focus to a service line focus model to ensure specialized expertise was available to every client, regardless of their location
While the firm’s footprint continues to expand, its key drivers remain consistent with the industry’s top performers: an increased focus on advisory services, strategic identification of mergers and acquisitions partners, and talent recruitment, retention and development continue to support the firm’s ultimate goal of achieving client service excellence.
The firm’s recognition as a Regional Leader comes at a time of historic growth; its presence in the South Central Region and Louisiana and Texas markets was solidified through its largest merger to date with LaPorte CPAs and Business Advisors in December, which followed an earlier expansion into the Greenville, South Carolina, market through a merger with Bradshaw, Gordon, & Clinkscales in June of last year.
Beyond geographic expansion, the firm’s strategic focus on advisory solutions has driven deeper client engagement, evidenced by a 54.5% increase in the number of clients receiving more than 10 hours of advisory services over the previous year.
This growth is further supported by new specialized service offerings, including a Research & Development Tax Credit Practice led by Frank Battaglia, CPA, and a New Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) service designed to help athletes navigate financial planning, tax strategies, and complex regulatory compliance associated with NIL opportunities. Most recently, the firm optimized its governmental advisory capabilities by adding The Prinzo Group, a GA-based technology firm, to provide comprehensive support to public sector clients across the full project lifecycle.
“We aren’t just growing larger, we are growing more capable,” said Chief Operating Officer Kristen Lord. “Our strategies are a balance of M&A and organic growth. We are always looking for in-market opportunities with established firms or advisory services that will complement our existing lineup.”
To support these efforts, the firm appointed Benjamin Ellis as Chief Information Officer earlier this year. Ellis’s sophisticated understanding of IT strategy within the accounting sector ensures the firm’s systems are not only functional but also support a more personalized and efficient client experience. Additionally, the firm’s investment in AI systems and capabilities continues to upskill its professionals while elevating the value provided to its clients.
These collective advancements significantly broaden the firm’s resource pool, allowing it to continue offering the most comprehensive accounting and advisory solutions to meet clients’ needs.
Managing Partner, Hanson Borders, noted: “By proactively reviewing our service offerings and integrating specialized firms such as BGC, LaPorte, and The Prinzo Group, we align Mauldin & Jenkins’ capabilities with evolving market demands, ensuring our clients have the solutions and support they need to thrive.”
To view the full list of Top 100 Firms and Regional Leaders, click here.
