Jesse M. Swearingen, III

Jay Swearingen joined Bauknight Pietras & Stormer in 1994 and was named Managing Shareholder in 2024, ushering in a new era of strategic growth and innovation for the firm. In January 2026, BPS merged with Smith+Howard, bringing Jay and his team into the S+H family. With more than three decades of experience, Jay brings deep insight, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to both client engagements and firm leadership – guiding teams and businesses through growth, complexity, and transition.

A senior member of the tax services practice, Jay is a trusted advisor to closely held businesses and their owners across diverse sectors, including real estate, technology, retail, manufacturing, franchise restaurants, construction, and professional services. His areas of expertise include entity structuring, sales and acquisitions, business forecasting and modeling, outsourced CFO services, and debt management. He also plays a key role in the firm’s small business department, which delivers outsourced accounting solutions to growing enterprises.

Jay has been instrumental in expanding BPS’s presence in the private equity and M&A markets, regularly consulting with clients navigating transactions and transformations. Under his leadership, the firm has accelerated the development of internal coaching and leadership programs—ensuring the next generation of professionals is empowered to lead with confidence, purpose, and clarity.

Education:

• Master of Accountancy, University of South Carolina
• B.S., Accounting, Clemson University

Professional Involvement:

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants

Community Involvement:

• Columbia Advisory Board Chairman, First Citizens Bank
• Serves as Conservator for incapacitated persons and minors in Richland County
• Chairman of the Board, Norman J. and Gerry Sue Arnold Foundation
• Trustee, SC United Football Club
• Alternate Member, Executive Association of Greater Columbia
• Named one of South Carolina’s 2025 Most Influential Leaders by SC Biz News

Industry Expertise:

• Real Estate
• Professional Services
• Franchise Restaurants/Hospitality
• Manufacturing
• Technology
• Retail
• Construction

Specialized Expertise:

• Entity Selection
• Business Consulting
• Business Forecasting and Modeling
• Outsourced CFO & Accounting Solutions
• Sales and Acquisitions