September 1, 2021 — Rushton, one of the Northeast Georgia region’s largest business accounting and consulting firms, continues to grow as part of a merger announced this week of the longtime respected Cumming, Ga. firm of Lee & Associates, CPAs.

 The merger, which increases Rushton’s staff to over 50, further expands Rushton’s presence across metro Atlanta with a new firm office in Cumming in addition to its Carrollton office and headquarters in Gainesville. Rushton’s merger also enhanced its expertise and services in tax strategy, a strong focus of the Lee firm.   

 “The merger of our two companies into one is a natural fit,” said Rushton managing partner Chris Hollifield. “We share a positive culture with a long and proud history, talented staffs with strong customer relationships, and a spirit of community service.”

 Founded in 1993, Lee & Associates, CPAs has provided personalized tax and business services for clients in Forsyth County and the surrounding area. The firm’s expertise ranges from traditional tax management and accounting services to more in-depth services such as business consulting, management strategies, and transactional planning – mirroring and strengthening Rushton’s own client services.  The office is located at 108 Colony Park Drive, Suites 500/600 in Cumming, Ga.

 As part of the merger, H. Richard (Rick) Lee Jr., CPA, has been named a partner at Rushton. Also joining the Rushton team are experienced tax and business advisors Jonathan Carroll, CPA, MTX; Sharon Tyre, CPA, MPA; and Bhuvana Rajagopalan, CPA; in addition to office manager Elizabeth Williams.

 “These professionals have been a staple of Cumming's business community and take pride in the trust they’ve earned among their client base,” Hollifield said. “We are excited to welcome them to the Rushton family.”

Founded in 1981, the Rushton firm provides businesses throughout North Georgia with a wide variety of services including accounting, auditing, tax planning and return preparation (federal, state, multi-state, and international), business consulting, payroll services, business valuation, and wealth management. In addition to general business operations, Rushton offers financial expertise in a number of specific industry fields such as construction, agribusiness, government, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, professional services, manufacturing and distribution. For more information, call 770-287-7800 or visit www.rushton.cpa.