What is the history and background of Moss Adams?
Moss Adams was founded in 1913 in Seattle, Washington, making it one of the oldest accounting firms headquartered in the western United States.
The firm was originally named Moss Adams & Co.
and was started by James Moss and Thornton Adams, two CPAs who saw an opportunity to provide accounting services to the rapidly growing businesses in the Pacific Northwest.
In the early years, Moss Adams focused primarily on serving clients in the timber, agriculture, and fishing industries, which were the dominant economic drivers in the region at the time.
The firm expanded significantly in the 1960s and 1970s, opening new offices across the western United States and diversifying its service offerings to include consulting, tax, and wealth management services.
One of Moss Adams' key strategic decisions was to establish a strong industry-focused approach, training its professionals not only in technical accounting and tax matters but also in the specific issues and challenges facing clients in their respective industries.
Moss Adams was an early adopter of technology in the accounting profession, investing in cutting-edge software and systems to streamline its operations and provide better service to clients.
In 1990, Moss Adams became a founding member of Praxity, a global alliance of independent accounting firms, which has allowed the firm to better serve clients with international operations.
Over the years, Moss Adams has been recognized for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, with the firm receiving numerous awards and accolades for its efforts to foster a inclusive and equitable workplace.
The firm has a strong focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship, with initiatives such as its "Green Team" program, which encourages employees to adopt eco-friendly practices in the office and at home.
Moss Adams has a robust internship and graduate recruitment program, which has helped the firm build a pipeline of talented young professionals to support its continued growth and expansion.
In 2022, Moss Adams announced the appointment of a new CEO, Chris Schmidt, who is tasked with leading the firm's strategic initiatives and driving further growth and diversification.
Moss Adams has a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest, but it has also expanded its reach across the United States, with offices in multiple states, including California, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas.
The firm is known for its industry-specific expertise, with specialized teams focused on sectors such as technology, life sciences, real estate, and healthcare, among others.
Moss Adams has a strong focus on professional development and continuing education, with extensive training programs and opportunities for employees to grow their skills and advance their careers.
The firm has a long history of giving back to the communities in which it operates, with employees actively engaged in various charitable and volunteer initiatives.
Moss Adams is committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and innovations, regularly investing in research and development to ensure it is providing the most up-to-date and effective services to its clients.
The firm has a robust data analytics and business intelligence practice, helping clients leverage data-driven insights to make more informed decisions and drive business growth.
Moss Adams has a strong emphasis on client service, with a focus on building long-term partnerships and tailoring its services to meet the unique needs of each client.
The firm is known for its collaborative culture, with employees across different service lines and offices working closely together to deliver seamless and integrated solutions to clients.
Moss Adams has a strong track record of successfully navigating economic and industry challenges, adapting its service offerings and business strategies to meet the evolving needs of its clients.