Bohl, House & Samek sells Springfield practice

A certified public accounting firm has exited Springfield after selling its local book of business.

Ryan Bohl, member of Bohl, House & Samek CPAs, said the firm's Springfield practice sold for undisclosed terms in July to Springfield-based Bell CPA LLC. Bohl, House & Samek continues to operate in Jefferson City, Bohl said.

A post on Bell CPA's website indicates Bohl, House & Samek closed its Springfield office July 5. The firm is transitioning Bohl, House & Samek's local clients.

A letter to clients from Blaire Chrouser, former Bohl, House & Samek partner and Springfield office leader, is included in the post. In it, Chrouser said she's starting a career doing business valuations, which led to the sale.

"This decision was a hard one to make, but I ultimately wanted to spend more time with my son," she said in the letter, dated July 6. "Because of the current economic environment, and shortage of knowledgeable professionals, and because your business and financial future are so important to me, I wanted to leave you in good hands. I am pleased to introduce David Bell and Bell CPA as my replacement."

She said two employees, identified as Lisa and Chase, from Bohl, House & Samek would be joining Bell CPA.

Bell CPA owner David Bell was unavailable for comment by deadline. According to Chrouser’s letter, Bell has been a CPA for 11 years and has been in public accounting for 15 years. Bell CPA operates at 805 W. Battlefield Road.

Bohl, House & Samek ranked No. 14 on Springfield Business Journal's 2021 list of the area's largest CPA firms. The company reported four CPAs, 1,500 local clients and 2020 revenue of $1.3 million.