Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC CPA: Company Profile

Background

Overview

Heard, McElroy & Vestal, LLC (HMV) is a full-service Certified Public Accounting (CPA) and consulting firm established in 1946. With nearly 80 years of experience, HMV has become one of the largest public accounting and consulting firms in North Louisiana and East Texas, serving clients across multiple states, including Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

Mission and Vision

HMV is committed to building relationships and providing opportunities for clients, employees, and communities. The firm's mission is to deliver exceptional professional services while maintaining high ethical standards, fostering trust and integrity in all client interactions.

Primary Area of Focus

The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services, including:

Accounting Services

Audit & Assurance

Retirement Plan Services

Tax Services

Transition & Exit Planning

These services cater to a diverse clientele, ranging from individuals to businesses across various industries.

Industry Significance

HMV has been recognized as a "Top 200 Firm" and one of the "Fastest-Growing Firms" in the United States by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA). This acknowledgment underscores the firm's significant presence and rapid growth within the accounting industry.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

HMV aims to provide high-quality accounting and consulting services that meet the evolving needs of its clients, ensuring long-term relationships and sustained growth.

Specific Areas of Specialization

The firm specializes in several key areas:

Tax Compliance and Planning: Serving closely held businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

Audit and Assurance: Offering comprehensive audit services to ensure financial integrity.

Business Valuation: Providing accurate valuations for various business needs.

Retirement Plan Services: Assisting clients in managing and optimizing retirement plans.

Mineral Management: Through Aliign Mineral Management, LLC, offering specialized services in oil and gas consulting.

Key Technologies Utilized

HMV employs advanced technologies to enhance service delivery, including:

Amazon Web Services (AWS): For secure and scalable cloud computing solutions.

Paylocity: An integrated HR and payroll platform.

MonsterInsights: A tool for website analytics and performance tracking.

Primary Markets and Conditions Targeted

The firm serves a broad spectrum of industries, including:

Construction and Real Estate

Employee Benefit Plans

Healthcare

Natural Resources

Non-Profit Organizations

Manufacturing

Restaurant and Entertainment

Retail and Wholesale

Telecommunications

Utilities

This diverse portfolio allows HMV to adapt to various market conditions and client needs.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As a privately held firm, HMV does not publicly disclose detailed financial information. However, its recognition as a "Top 200 Firm" and one of the "Fastest-Growing Firms" by INSIDE Public Accounting (IPA) indicates substantial growth and financial stability.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly available.

Notable Investors

As a privately held entity, HMV does not have publicly known investors.

Intended Utilization of Capital

While specific plans for capital utilization are not disclosed, the firm's strategic growth, including the expansion into East Texas and the merger with Norton and Associates CPAs, suggests investments in service diversification and regional expansion.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

HMV's strategic initiatives include:

Expansion into East Texas: Opening a new office in Longview, Texas, to serve clients in the telecommunications and utilities sectors.

Merger with Norton and Associates CPAs: Enhancing local support and expanding the firm's client base.

Stages of Development

These initiatives are in the implementation phase, with the Longview office operational and the merger effective as of January 1, 2025.

Target Conditions

The expansion targets the growing demand in East Texas, particularly in the telecommunications and utilities industries. The merger aims to strengthen the firm's presence in the Shreveport area.

Relevant Timelines

Longview Office Opening: 2023

Merger with Norton and Associates CPAs: January 1, 2025

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

HMV utilizes a range of technologies to enhance service delivery, including cloud computing solutions, integrated HR and payroll platforms, and website analytics tools.

Significant Scientific Methods

The firm employs advanced data analytics and financial modeling techniques to provide accurate business valuations and financial insights.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, the firm's use of advanced technologies suggests a commitment to integrating innovative solutions into its services.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Roy E. Prestwood, CPA: Managing Partner

Oversees firm operations and strategic direction.

Recognized as one of America's Best-in-State CPAs by Forbes in 2025.

Robert L. Dean, CPA: Partner-In-Charge of Business Valuation Consultants, LLC

Leads the firm's business valuation services.

Holds certifications as an Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) and Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA).

Kelsi S. Dickerson, CPA: Tax Partner

Specializes in tax compliance and planning for individuals and businesses.

Joined HMV in 2013 and promoted to partner in 2025.

Elizabeth G. Killough, CPA: Tax Partner

Focuses on tax compliance for closely held businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

Promoted to partner in 2025.

Malia M. Wollerson, CPA: Tax Partner

Specializes in oil and gas taxation and private foundation compliance.

Promoted to partner in 2025.

Leadership Changes

Recent Appointments

July 1, 2025: Kelsi S. Dickerson, Elizabeth G. Killough, and Malia M. Wollerson were promoted to partners.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The accounting and consulting industry is characterized by a mix of large national firms and regional players. HMV's recognition as a "Top 200 Firm" and one of the "Fastest-Growing Firms" positions it favorably within this competitive landscape.

Competitor Analysis

HMV competes with other regional firms and national entities offering similar services. Its strategic focus on personalized service, industry specialization, and technological integration differentiates it in the market.