Forvis, one of the leading accounting and consulting firms in the United States, has made significant strides in expanding its global reach through the formation of a global network with Mazars, an international accounting and advisory group. The organization is now known as Forvis Mazars in the U.S., and internationally.
This strategic move has enhanced the firm’s ability to serve clients across international borders while maintaining its core values and client-focused approach.
Although some have referred to the move as a merger, Forvis Mazars leaders emphasize that it is, in fact, the creation of a global network. While most global accounting networks have a member firm in each country, in which it operates, Forvis Mazars has just two firms, one U.S.-based and one that services clients in the rest of the world.
The network allows both firms to collaborate seamlessly, providing clients with a broader range of services, especially for those expanding internationally.
As part of the transaction, Forvis acquired Mazars USA, adding about 1,000 new staff members to its workforce, primarily in the Northeast. This expanded U.S. presence strengthens the firm’s foothold in key markets like New York and South Florida, positioning Forvis Mazars as a stronger player in the accounting and consulting sectors.
Leadership at Forvis Mazars is optimistic about the network’s potential, particularly in Florida, where the firm has experienced exponential growth, over the past few years. Tampa has emerged as a key market, showing double-digit growth year over year.
Adam Thomas, market leader in Tampa, and Paul Thompson, managing partner of the Florida practice unit, spoke with Tampa Bay Business & Wealth about the transition and the future of the business in Tampa.
I want to allow you to talk about the story of your firm—how you knew there was a growth opportunity and expanded in this market.
Adam Thomas: I’ve been with the firm for over seven years, back when it was Dixon Hughes Goodman. I was based in Raleigh and we had a small office in Tampa, mostly focused on insurance work. Tampa was seen as a market with a lot of potential, not just in insurance but beyond, and I was asked to come down and help expand the business. Over time, we brought in strong partners with expertise in health care, financial services, private equity and transaction services, which fueled our growth.
Things really took off two years ago, when we completed the Forvis transaction. That’s when we saw even more potential in Florida, and we brought Paul [Thompson] in to help take things to the next level.
Paul Thompson: I came down as the managing partner of the Florida practice, after being with our Virginia office. The idea was to build on the success Adam and the team had already achieved here, in Tampa. We saw incredible potential, not just in Tampa but in all of Florida, so we’ve expanded to other markets, like opening our office in Boca Raton.
How has the global aspect of your business evolved?
Thompson: It’s important to clarify that it wasn’t a merger—it was more of a formation of a global network. Forvis was already established in the U.S., and we came together with Mazars to form that global network. The main change has been the cohesion it brings.
Thomas: With the formalized relationship, it’s more seamless for us to help our clients with international needs.
What is the main factor in the growth your company is experiencing?
Thompson: We’ve been seeing robust growth firm-wide, close to double-digits, for several years now. Here in Florida, especially in Tampa, it’s been even more impressive. My first year here, we grew by about 25%; last year, we hit over 30% growth in our Florida practice. It’s been fueled by a mix of attracting extraordinary talent, focusing on industries like health care, private equity and construction.
The influx of people moving to Florida has also helped drive our business. And we’re not just growing in Tampa—our offices in North and South Florida are expanding rapidly, as well.
Thomas: More recently, we’ve also been focusing on asset management, especially in Tampa and South Florida. Another key area we’re looking at for future growth is private client services, where we work with high-net-worth individuals and family offices on everything from tax planning to estate management.
Let’s shift to another major topic—talent. It’s something everyone is talking about these days. How are you finding, and retaining, great talent, especially in such a competitive market?
Thompson: It’s definitely a challenge, but we’ve focused on creating a culture where people feel like they’re contributing, not just to the firm but also to the community. People want to be part of something bigger than just a job and we give them opportunities to make an impact, whether through their work or community involvement.
Thomas: We’ve built a culture where everyone is a part of the team, regardless of hierarchy. We’re also flexible in letting our staff decide which community efforts are important to them. For example, one of our employees had a brother stationed abroad, so we organized a drive to send supplies to his military unit. When people see that we care about what matters to them, it makes an enormous difference in how they feel about being part of the firm.
Is there anything else you want to talk about that we didn’t cover?
Thomas: We are just excited about the opportunities ahead, especially here in Florida. We’ve built a culture that’s growth-oriented and entrepreneurial, and I think that’s why people enjoy being part of the team. It’s not just a job—it’s fun to be around and that’s a big reason for our continued growth.
Thompson: We love being in Tampa, and Florida, and we’re actively looking for more opportunities across the state. My goal, when I came down here, was to make the Florida practice the best in our firm and, with the team we have here, I think we’re well on our way to achieving that.