Smith + Howard Welcomes Geels Norton, Expanding Cyber, Risk Audit and Advisory Capabilities

ATLANTA (February 3, 2026) — Smith + Howard, a nationally recognized accounting and advisory firm, today announced that Geels Norton, a boutique cyber, risk audit, and advisory firm, has joined the Smith + Howard family of companies. This strategic move expands Smith + Howard’s cyber and risk capabilities, and supports the firm’s continued investment in specialized, high-growth audit and advisory services.

Effective February 1, Geels Norton will legally operate as Smith + Howard, while continuing to conduct advisory services under the Geels Norton brand. 

Founded in 2021 as a highly specialized cyber and risk firm, Geels Norton is known for its technical rigor, enterprise-grade audit quality, and boutique-level client attention. The firm competes with leading providers in the cyber and SOC space (System and Organization Controls), offering customized, advisory-led solutions rather than standardized compliance services.

“This moment reflects years of collaboration and trust built through working closely together,” said Sean Taylor, CEO of Smith + Howard. “Geels Norton has been a valued partner for the past several years, and their expertise in cyber and risk audit complements our platform and our culture. Together, we’re creating a Cyber and Risk Practice designed to support the increasingly complex needs of modern businesses.”

The addition of Geels Norton enables Smith + Howard to expand its audit and advisory offerings under one integrated firm, including enhanced support for SOC 2 reporting and ISO certification services (International Organization for Standardization). Moreover, Geels Norton is a Preferred Assessor for Microsoft’s Supplier Security & Privacy Assurance (SSPA) program, reinforcing the firm’s ability to support enterprise-grade security, risk, and compliance requirements.

SOC 2 reports and ISO certifications play a critical role for organizations that outsource essential services, such as SaaS platforms, web-based tools, and technology infrastructure. As buyers increasingly require proof of mature internal controls, SOC reporting and ISO certifications serve as a key signal of credibility, security, and operational discipline.

“Joining the Smith + Howard family of companies allows us to expand our impact while staying true to what has made Geels Norton successful over the past five years,” said Nick Norton who co-founded the firm with Bryan Geels. “Our clients will continue to receive the same high-touch experience, now supported by broader resources and expanded capabilities. This next chapter builds on a partnership we’ve developed over several years and allows us to deepen our collaboration with a firm that shares our vision for the future.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. In November 2022, Broad Sky Partners partnered with Smith + Howard as the firm’s first external investor.

The addition of Geels Norton represents Smith + Howard’s third strategic growth milestone in the past six months, building on the firm’s recent integrations of Horton, Lee & Burnett and Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, and reinforcing its commitment to thoughtful expansion and long-term client value.

About Smith + Howard:
Smith + Howard is a nationally recognized accounting and advisory firm serving clients across industries including construction, distribution, hospitality, manufacturing, nonprofit, real estate, technology, and transportation and logistics. The firm delivers a full suite of services, ranging from audit, tax, international tax, transfer pricing, cyber risk compliance, and R&D tax credits to SOC reporting and more. Through its Family of Companies, Smith + Howard also provides wealth management, sales and use tax, property tax, management consulting, human capital consulting, and executive search services, supporting businesses at every stage of growth.

About Geels Norton:
Geels Norton is a boutique cyber, risk audit and advisory firm known for its depth, rigor, and client-centric approach. The firm delivers enterprise-grade audit quality with customized, advisory-led solutions across SOC reporting and cyber risk services, helping organizations build trust, demonstrate control maturity, and support long-term growth.