Pevita Pearce
Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI), a prominent national accounting and advisory firm, has announced a significant strategic acquisition, integrating CFO Hub, LLC, a San Diego-based provider of fractional CFO, controller, and financial advisory services, into the CRI Family of Companies. The newly combined entity will operate under the banner of CRI CFO Hub. This move marks a pivotal moment for CRI, not only broadening its geographical footprint into California but also fortifying its existing presence in key markets such as New York, Austin, and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, all of which are operational hubs for CFO Hub. CRI CFO Hub will continue to serve its diverse clientele from all established locations, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of service.
Strategic Rationale and Market Expansion
The acquisition of CFO Hub is a testament to CRI’s commitment to expanding its service portfolio and enhancing its national reach. CFO Hub, founded by Jack Perkins and led by Mark P. Jacob, has cultivated a strong reputation for delivering scalable finance and accounting solutions tailored to the needs of growth-oriented businesses. Their core services include fractional CFO and controller expertise, comprehensive accounting and back-office support, specialized accounting for government contractors with DCAA compliance, readiness for audit and due diligence, R&D tax credit services, and expert accounting staffing and recruiting. The leadership team at CFO Hub, comprising Brandon Hawkins, Rolla Salameh, and Joanna Freeman, has been instrumental in the firm’s success, including its recognition as San Diego’s #1 Accounting Firm in 2025.
Bill Carr, Chairman of CRI, expressed enthusiasm for the integration, stating, "CFO Hub has built something genuinely distinctive: a team of financial professionals who meet clients exactly where they are and grow with them. Jack, Mark, and their team bring a concentrated level of expertise in fractional financial leadership and outsourced finance and advisory services that complement CRI’s existing capabilities exceptionally well. We are proud to welcome them to the CRI Family of Companies, and we look forward to what we will build together for our clients." This statement highlights the strategic alignment and the perceived synergy between the two organizations.
Jack Perkins, CEO of CFO Hub, echoed this sentiment, characterizing the union as a "natural next step." He elaborated, "Our clients have always come to us for the kind of close, personalized financial guidance that helps businesses make better decisions at every stage of growth. Being part of CRI gives our team access to a deeper bench of expertise, expanded services, and the collective resources of a top nationally recognized firm, without changing a thing about the relationships and approach our clients rely on." This perspective underscores the client-centric approach that both firms prioritize and the anticipated benefits of enhanced resources without compromising established client relationships.
Background and Timeline of the Integration
The integration of CFO Hub into CRI represents a calculated move within the evolving landscape of accounting and advisory services. The demand for specialized financial expertise, particularly fractional CFO and controller services, has surged in recent years. Businesses, especially those in high-growth phases, often require sophisticated financial management without the overhead of a full-time executive team. Fractional services offer a flexible, cost-effective solution, allowing companies to access top-tier talent on an as-needed basis.
CRI, consistently ranked among the nation’s top accounting and advisory firms, has been strategically expanding its service offerings and geographical presence to meet this growing demand. The firm’s existing portfolio of specialized organizations already provides a broad spectrum of services, including wealth management, M&A advisory, data analytics, payroll and workforce management, retirement plan administration, and trust and estate services. The addition of CFO Hub’s specialized expertise in fractional financial leadership and outsourced services directly complements and enhances this existing suite of offerings.
While specific details of the transaction’s timeline were not disclosed, such acquisitions typically involve extensive due diligence, negotiation, and integration planning. The announcement signals the successful completion of these phases, moving the combined entity into its operational phase as CRI CFO Hub. The integration process is expected to focus on harmonizing operational systems, client service protocols, and company cultures to maximize the benefits of the merger.
Enhanced Service Offerings and Client Benefits
The immediate and most significant implication of this acquisition is the expanded access to a comprehensive suite of financial services for CRI CFO Hub clients. Previously, CFO Hub clients could leverage specialized fractional services. Now, as part of CRI, they gain access to the entire CRI Family of Companies, a diversified portfolio designed to provide holistic guidance across both business and personal financial needs. This includes:
- Deepened Fractional CFO and Controller Services: Clients will benefit from an even larger pool of experienced financial professionals, offering greater flexibility and specialized expertise to navigate complex financial challenges.
- Expanded Accounting and Back-Office Support: The integration promises enhanced capabilities in routine accounting functions, payroll processing, and other essential back-office operations, allowing businesses to focus on core competencies.
- Specialized Industry Expertise: CFO Hub’s established strength in government contractor accounting and DCAA compliance, alongside CRI’s broader industry specializations, creates a powerful offering for businesses operating in regulated sectors.
- Comprehensive Financial Planning and Advisory: The synergy between CRI CFO Hub and CRI’s other entities opens doors to integrated wealth management, M&A advisory, data analytics, and estate planning services, providing a truly 360-degree financial perspective.
- National Reach with Localized Service: The combined firm’s presence in California, New York, Austin, and the D.C. metro area, coupled with CRI’s extensive national network, ensures that clients receive both localized attention and access to national resources.
The recognition of CFO Hub as San Diego’s #1 Accounting Firm in 2025, led by individuals like Brandon Hawkins, Rolla Salameh, and Joanna Freeman, further solidifies the caliber of talent and service quality that CRI is bringing into its fold. This prestigious accolade suggests a strong track record of client satisfaction and operational excellence.
Analysis of Implications and Future Outlook
The acquisition of CFO Hub by CRI is a strategic move that addresses several key trends in the professional services industry. The increasing complexity of financial regulations, the demand for specialized expertise, and the desire for agile, scalable financial solutions all point to the growing importance of firms like CRI CFO Hub.
For CRI: This acquisition represents a significant step in consolidating its position as a leading national accounting and advisory firm. The expansion into California, a major economic hub, is particularly noteworthy. By integrating a firm with a strong reputation for fractional services, CRI diversifies its revenue streams and strengthens its competitive edge in attracting and retaining clients seeking flexible financial management solutions. The integration also allows CRI to cross-sell its broader suite of services to CFO Hub’s existing client base, creating new growth opportunities.
For CFO Hub: Becoming part of CRI provides CFO Hub with the resources and infrastructure of a larger, nationally recognized firm. This access to a deeper bench of expertise, advanced technology, and a wider range of specialized services will enable CFO Hub to serve its clients more comprehensively and scale its operations more effectively. The partnership allows CFO Hub to maintain its client-centric approach while benefiting from the strategic advantages of a larger organization.
For Clients: The primary beneficiaries of this integration are the clients of both CRI and CFO Hub. They will experience an enhanced service offering, greater access to specialized expertise, and a more integrated approach to their financial needs. The ability to access a broad spectrum of services under one umbrella, from day-to-day accounting to long-term wealth management and M&A advisory, simplifies financial management and fosters more strategic decision-making. The continuity of existing relationships and the personalized approach championed by both firms are expected to be maintained, ensuring a smooth and beneficial transition.
The transaction was facilitated by Adaptive Capital Partners and RA Capital, indicating a structured and professional approach to the acquisition process. Looking ahead, CRI CFO Hub is poised to leverage its expanded capabilities and national presence to address the evolving financial needs of businesses across various industries and growth stages. The continued focus on personalized service, combined with the robust resources of CRI, positions CRI CFO Hub for sustained success and growth in the competitive financial advisory market.
Further information about CRI CFO Hub can be found at cfohub.com, and details about CRI and its Family of Companies are available at criadv.com and criadv.com/family-of-companies, respectively.
