Frequently Asked Questions – S. Mark Hand & Associates, P.A. Merger

Why did S. Mark Hand & Associates merge with Hancock Askew?

Hancock Askew & Co. has a strong culture similar to the culture we’ve established at our firm. Both firms have a long, independent history and are service-oriented, client-focused and employee-centric. The stronger practice formed as a result of this merger will better position us to provide tax, accounting, auditing and business consulting services throughout the Southeastern US. As one firm, we will still provide local, personalized service, but with the expertise of more than 180 people behind us in offices in Savannah, Atlanta, and Augusta, Georgia, as well as Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville, Florida.

This merger is a key component of the firms’ succession plans. Our firm will now be better prepared to evolve and adapt as client needs change over time. This merger also offers new growth opportunities for our employees, helping to ensure a bright future for years to come.

Will I still have the same accountant?

The service team with whom you’ve been accustomed to working with over the years will stay the same. Relationships are critical in this business and we are committed to maintaining and reinforcing the trust you’ve placed in our firm.

Will my rates go up?

Nope! This merger is about uniting our two firms for the purpose of providing our clients with access to a more robust service line and a highly regarded team of industry experts – not raising rates. You will see absolutely no negative changes in the service you currently receive, your fees or your service team unless there are changes in your circumstances or changes caused by a new tax law or issue. You will have a new logo on your invoice, as well as new payment options and instructions.

How will this merger impact me?

Most importantly, the people you know, trust and depend on will be the same people that continue serving you in the future. Your daily interactions won’t change, but you will have access to a more diverse team of professionals with new specialties to better serve you.

Through this combination, we’ll be able to better serve our clients with enhanced niches and services. S. Mark Hand & Associates clients will now have direct access to a wider array of services including: financial statement audits, employee benefit plan audits, internal audit, IT risk assurance, transaction advisory and many more. Hancock Askew also offers more robust specialty teams in various industries like manufacturing and distribution, public companies, real estate and construction, nonprofit organizations, technology and franchise businesses.

Will you be changing your location?

No, our location will remain the same: 1301 Riverplace Blvd., Suite 2400, Jacksonville, Florida 32207

In addition to the Jacksonville office, Hancock Askew also has offices in Savannah, Atlanta and Augusta, Georgia; as well as Miami and Tampa, Florida.

Will the company have a new name?

Yes! S. Mark Hand & Associates, P.A. will now be known as Hancock Askew & Co., LLP (HAC).

How do I contact my accountant?

Even though we’ve merged, all phone numbers will remain the same. You can continue to use the number you’ve always used to call your CPA.

That being said, effective immediately, the email addresses of the S. Mark Hand & Associates team will change. The new team email addresses are set up in the following way: 

[first initial][last name]@hancockaskew.com

For example, if you would like to contact Mark Hand, the email address you would use is mhand@hancockaskew.com.

Our old email addresses will forward to the new email addresses for a temporary time frame. We will alert all clients of when this temporary time frame will end.

If you have additional questions, please give us a call at
904-356-9400.

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