Chris Morse, principal at Baker Tilly and head of the Moss Adams office in Fresno, said the merger brings a broader range of services to Fresno, with heavy investments in technology on the horizon. Images via Moss Adams/Baker Tilly

It’s a time of transition for the Central Valley’s largest accounting companies following a merger that has created the sixth-largest CPA firm in the U.S.

In April, accounting, consulting and wealth management firm Moss Adams and advisory, tax and assurance firm Baker Tilly announced plans to combine. The merger closed in June, strengthening the firms’ industry specialization, expanding geographic reach and enhancing capabilities across advisory, tax and assurance services, according to a news release.

The combined company will operate under the Baker Tilly name, positioning the firm to help middle-market businesses navigate an increasingly complex environment. Such businesses typically generate annual revenues of $10 million to $1 billion.

Moss Adams entered the Fresno market in 2016 when it combined with accounting firm Morse Wittwer Sampson LLP. That same year, it absorbed professionals from a local Deloitte office. In 2018, Moss Adams acquired Fresno-based Baker Peterson & Franklin.

Moss Adams was ranked No. 1 on The Business Journal’s list of Accounting Firms for 2024, with 34 local CPAs as of November 2023.

Jeff Ferro, CEO of London-based Baker Tilly, will continue leading the combined firm until his retirement. Eric Miles, currently CEO of Seattle-based Moss Adams, has been named CEO-elect and will assume the Baker Tilly role on Jan. 1, 2026. Ferro will remain a director.

“Moss Adams is a great strategic fit with Baker Tilly. We’ve long respected the firm, its people and its industry-focused approach,” Ferro said. “By bringing together our strengths, we are expanding our ability to serve middle-market businesses with greater expertise, resources and insights.”

Chris Morse, principal at Baker Tilly and longtime head of the Fresno branch, said there have been no significant personnel or structural changes. The team continues to grow to serve new and existing clients.

Morse said the most common question from clients is whether their service providers will change. He emphasized that clients would continue to be served by the same teams as before the merger.

Moss Adams will co-brand with Baker Tilly over the next year, with a gradual transition to the Baker Tilly name.

“We will be able to bring a broader range of professional services and industry experts to Fresno and the surrounding market. We will be heavily investing in technology and our people on the most recent advances and tools,” Morse said.