Elliott Davis Launches Executive Search Practice
The Greenville-based accounting firm expands its human capital advisory division to support leadership recruitment.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in People
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Elliott Davis, a top 50 accounting firm, has established a new executive search practice to assist middle-market companies. The expansion integrates executive recruitment with behavioral science and performance psychology to help firms identify leadership talent.
Why it matters
The firm added this capability to help clients secure executives who align with their unique corporate culture and long-term strategic goals. This move signals a broader effort by the accounting firm to provide comprehensive advisory services to private equity-backed and privately held businesses.
Elliott Davis, which maintains a roster of more than 900 professionals, is ranked as a top 50 accounting firm. Principals Brandon Bailey and Matt Barnes oversee the new team, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience to the practice.
The players
Elliott Davis
Headquartered in Greenville, this firm is a top 50 accounting and advisory institution with more than 900 staff members.
Brandon Bailey
He is a principal at the firm and co-leads the executive search practice alongside Matt Barnes.
Matt Barnes
He serves as a principal at the firm and manages the new executive search division.
Flexpoint Ford
This private equity firm invested in Elliott Davis in June 2025 to support the accounting firm's growth.
Jeff Walker
He represents the firm's leadership and provided comments regarding the new executive search initiative.
The details
The executive search team conducts confidential, retained searches for high-level leadership roles. By leveraging behavioral science during the candidate evaluation process, the firm aims to ensure long-term compatibility for private equity-backed portfolio companies.
Timeline
Flexpoint Ford provided a private equity investment to the firm in June 2025.
Jeff Walker issued a statement regarding the new practice on October 28, 2026.
The expansion news was officially reported on October 30, 2026.
Market Landscape
This initiative follows the growth strategy established by the 2025 Flexpoint Ford private equity investment. The firm is increasingly positioning itself to compete for advisory contracts by integrating human capital services with its traditional accounting expertise.
Clients of the firm, particularly those in the private equity space, gain access to specialized search services for key leadership roles. These integrated advisory services are designed to improve long-term hiring outcomes for middle-market businesses.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates a shift toward providing holistic consulting services rather than traditional accounting alone. Leaders should look for integrated advisory models when selecting firms to help build out their executive teams.
Further reading
For more on local leadership changes, visit the Greenville People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CPA Practice Advisor.
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