Sean Taylor

Sean Taylor is CEO of Smith + Howard, a nationally recognized tax, accounting, and advisory firm headquartered in Atlanta. Since becoming CEO in 2019, he has led the firm through transformational growth—expanding from just over 100 to more than 500 team members, completing five acquisitions in under two years, and securing a strategic investment from Broad Sky Partners.

A visionary leader, Sean is the architect of the firm’s 10-year plan to become a nationally known brand while staying grounded in client success and community impact. Under his leadership, Smith + Howard has expanded its capabilities, deepened client relationships, and built a culture focused on mentorship, integrity, and innovation.

Sean began his career at Smith + Howard as an intern after earning a BBA in accounting from the University of Georgia. He became a partner in 2003, led the firm’s Assurance practice for nearly a decade, and has spent over 30 years advising privately held businesses and nonprofits. Additionally, Sean co-founded the firm’s Nonprofit practice and remains an active advisor to that team.

Recently named a “Top Leader in Atlanta” and a “Most Admired CEO” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Sean also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Vistage, the world’s largest CEO coaching and peer-advisory organization. He serves on the Board of Trustees at Wesleyan School and on the finance committee for the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta. In 2012, he co-founded FoodStock, Georgia’s largest one-day meal-packing event, which has delivered over 4 million meals to children worldwide.

In his spare time, Sean is the host of The Worst Advice I Ever Got, a podcast that explores leadership lessons through the lens of early missteps and candid conversations.

Location

• Atlanta, Georgia

Education

• University of Georgia – Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting

Affiliations

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (Leadership Academy Inaugural Member)
• Wesleyan School (Board of Trustees)
• Dunwoody United Methodist Church

Awards

• Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Public Service Award (2020)
• Atlanta Business Chronicle Most Admired CEOs (2020)

Hometown

• Sandy Springs, Georgia

Interests + Hobbies

• Baseball
• Kayaking
• Reading