Julia Chirkova
Latham, NY- and South Burlington, VT-based accounting and advisory firms BST & Co. CPAs and Gallagher, Flynn & Co. have officially combined, announcing the formation of a new entity named BST Gallagher Flynn. This strategic merger, effective August 18th, unites two established firms with a shared commitment to client service and professional development, aiming to create a more robust regional presence across the Northeast and beyond.
The financial specifics of the transaction were not disclosed by either firm. However, the combination is positioned to leverage the strengths of both organizations, creating a larger, more comprehensive service offering. BST & Co. CPAs, recognized as an INSIDE Public Accounting top 300 firm, brings its extensive experience in assurance, tax, and specialized consulting disciplines. Gallagher, Flynn & Co., a well-respected accounting and advisory firm founded in 1961, contributes its own deep expertise across assurance, tax, advisory, outsourced accounting, and consulting services.
A Strategic Alignment for Enhanced Client Value
The newly formed BST Gallagher Flynn is designed to offer clients an expanded suite of services, encompassing assurance, tax, advisory, outsourced services, and specialized consulting disciplines. Officials from both firms emphasized that the merger is intended to provide greater capacity for investment in technology, innovation, and talent development. This enhanced capacity is expected to bolster the firm’s ability to adapt to the evolving needs of its clientele and the broader accounting profession, while crucially maintaining the personalized service and responsiveness that have been hallmarks of both BST & Co. and Gallagher, Flynn & Co.
"Throughout this process, it became clear that our firms share many of the same values and aspirations," stated Ron Guzior, managing partner of BST & Co. "We are both committed to exceptional client service, investing in our people, and building organizations positioned for long-term success. By bringing our firms together, we are creating real value for our clients and new opportunities for our professionals."
The merger also aims to strengthen the firm’s capacity for deepening industry specialization and expanding its advisory capabilities. This strategic move acknowledges the increasing complexity of business environments and the demand for highly specialized expertise. By combining their resources and talent pools, BST Gallagher Flynn anticipates an accelerated ability to address niche market needs and provide proactive, forward-thinking solutions.
Jason Hamilton, managing partner of Gallagher, Flynn & Co., echoed this sentiment, highlighting the foundational strength of relationships within both legacy organizations. "For generations, both firms have built their success on relationships," Hamilton said. "As we spent time getting to know one another, we found strong alignment in how we serve clients, develop our people, and think about the future. This merger is not about changing what made either organization successful. It is about building on those strengths and creating something even stronger together."
A Legacy of Service and Growth
BST & Co. CPAs, founded in 1976, has established itself as a significant regional player, offering a comprehensive range of services. These include assurance, tax, consulting, valuation, forensic accounting, outsourcing, and specialized advisory services to a diverse client base comprising businesses, nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, and individuals. As the firm approached its 50th anniversary in 2026, its service portfolio had expanded to include accounting and advisory, cybersecurity, marketing, talent strategies, and valuation services, among others. This history of continuous expansion and adaptation positions BST & Co. as a forward-looking firm ready for further growth.
Gallagher, Flynn & Co., with its founding in 1961, boasts an even longer history of providing accounting and advisory services. The firm has built a reputation for its commitment to clients across a broad spectrum of industries, delivering expertise in assurance, tax, advisory, outsourced accounting, and consulting. The longevity of Gallagher, Flynn & Co. underscores its resilience and ability to navigate economic shifts and industry changes, a testament to its client-centric approach.
The combined entity, BST Gallagher Flynn, will operate with a unified vision, integrating the operational structures and service delivery models of both legacy firms. This integration is expected to be a phased process, prioritizing client continuity and employee engagement. The leadership has indicated a focus on leveraging the strengths of both firms’ existing teams and expertise to ensure a seamless transition.
Implications of the Merger
The formation of BST Gallagher Flynn represents a significant development in the regional accounting and advisory landscape. The consolidation of these two established firms creates a more formidable competitor with enhanced capabilities and a broader geographic reach. For clients, this merger promises access to a wider array of specialized services, potentially leading to more integrated and comprehensive solutions for their business challenges. The increased scale also allows for greater investment in cutting-edge technologies and innovative service delivery methods, which are becoming increasingly critical in the digital age.
The accounting profession is currently undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, evolving regulatory environments, and changing client expectations. Mergers and acquisitions, such as this one, are a common strategy for firms to gain scale, diversify service offerings, and attract and retain top talent in this competitive environment. By combining forces, BST Gallagher Flynn is positioning itself to be more agile and responsive to these industry shifts.
Furthermore, the emphasis on preserving personalized service while expanding capacity is a critical factor. Many clients, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, value the close working relationships they have with their accounting advisors. The challenge for merged firms is often to scale without losing this personal touch. The stated commitment from both Guzior and Hamilton suggests a deliberate effort to integrate while safeguarding the client experience.
The merger also has implications for the talent market within the accounting profession. Larger firms often offer more diverse career paths, specialized training programs, and opportunities for advancement. By creating a more substantial entity, BST Gallagher Flynn is likely to become a more attractive employer for accounting professionals seeking to grow their careers. The emphasis on investing in people, as highlighted by Guzior, signals a commitment to fostering a supportive and development-oriented work environment.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Future
The creation of BST Gallagher Flynn marks the beginning of a new chapter for both BST & Co. and Gallagher, Flynn & Co. The integration process will undoubtedly involve challenges and opportunities, but the stated alignment of values, aspirations, and a shared vision for the future provides a strong foundation. As the combined firm embarks on its journey, its success will be measured by its ability to effectively integrate its operations, leverage its expanded capabilities to deliver exceptional value to clients, and continue to be a leader in the accounting and advisory profession within the Northeast and beyond. The strategic move underscores a commitment to growth, innovation, and client-centricity in an ever-evolving business landscape.
