SSC CPAs Merges with Harrison Henderson, Expanding ESOP Model to Oklahoma

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – January 07, 2026 – SSC CPAs + Advisors, a 100% employee-owned accounting and wealth management firm, has announced a significant merger with Harrison Henderson PLLC, a well-established Oklahoma-based accounting firm. The move unites the two companies under the SSC CPAs + Advisors banner, marking a strategic expansion for the Kansas-based firm into the Oklahoma market and extending its distinctive employee-ownership structure to a new team.

The combination creates a more formidable regional player in the financial services sector, integrating Harrison Henderson’s deep local expertise with SSC’s broad service portfolio. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, the unified firm is poised to deliver an enhanced range of services to a wider geographic and industrial client base.

A Strategic Expansion into the Sooner State

For SSC CPAs + Advisors, the merger represents a calculated entry into Oklahoma's dynamic economy. Harrison Henderson, with offices in Tulsa, Norman, and Perry, provides SSC with an immediate and substantial physical presence in key markets. This expansion is more than just a new pin on the map; it's a strategic move into a state with a promising outlook for the accounting profession.

Oklahoma's accounting services market was valued at over $856 million in 2026. While the broader market has seen fluctuations, specific sectors show robust health. The payroll and bookkeeping services industry, a specialty of Harrison Henderson, has grown at an average rate of 5.5% annually over the past five years. Furthermore, accounting roles in Oklahoma are projected to increase by 9% between 2020 and 2030, outpacing the national average, fueled by growth in the state’s core industries like energy, aerospace, healthcare, and a burgeoning small business community.

By joining forces with Harrison Henderson, SSC gains direct access to a mature and diverse client portfolio. The Oklahoma firm has spent decades building relationships across a vast array of sectors, including oil & gas, construction, manufacturing, non-profits, medical practices, and agribusiness. This established network provides SSC with a crucial foothold in industries where specialized knowledge is paramount, directly supporting its goal of reaching new industry sectors.

The ESOP Advantage: A New Chapter for Harrison Henderson

One of the most significant aspects of this merger is the transition of Harrison Henderson's staff into SSC’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). SSC has been 100% employee-owned since 1999, a model that it credits with fostering a culture of shared purpose and commitment to client success. For the employees of Harrison Henderson, this move from a private firm to an employee-owned one marks a transformative shift.

"The integration of Harrison Henderson with our firm reinforces our foundation and broadens our horizons," said Brian Lang, chief executive officer of SSC CPAs + Advisors. "This merger is a testament to shared values, shared commitment to exceptional service, and a shared vision for future success for our employee-owners."

This transition to an ESOP structure provides Harrison Henderson's team with a direct stake in the combined firm's performance and growth. Employee ownership is often linked to higher employee engagement, lower turnover, and a heightened focus on long-term value creation—benefits that ultimately translate to superior client service. It aligns the interests of employees with those of the company and its clients, creating a powerful incentive for innovation and excellence.

Steven Henderson, managing partner of Harrison Henderson, who will join the unified firm, highlighted the benefits for his team. "Joining forces with SSC CPAs + Advisors opens the door to expanded opportunities—for our clients, our markets, and our people," he stated. "Together, we are stronger, more agile, and better positioned to deliver the high-touch service and forward-thinking solutions today's companies require."

Enhancing Client Value Through Combined Expertise

The merger is designed to create a comprehensive service hub that delivers greater value to clients of both legacy firms. SSC brings a wide array of high-level services to the table, including business advisory and CFO services, wealth management, retirement and estate planning, and specialized ESOP consulting. These offerings will now be more accessible to Harrison Henderson’s established client base.

Simultaneously, Harrison Henderson contributes its specialized expertise in bookkeeping and tax preparation for individuals and corporations, along with deep advisory experience in financial planning, business best practices, and succession planning. The firm’s long history serving niche Oklahoma industries provides the combined entity with invaluable, sector-specific insights.

This integration allows clients to benefit from a seamless financial partnership. A small business client, for example, can now receive core bookkeeping and tax compliance services while also accessing sophisticated advice on cash flow planning, wealth management for its owners, or structuring a future succession plan, all under one roof. The combination of SSC’s scale and broad capabilities with Harrison Henderson’s localized knowledge and client relationships creates a powerful value proposition.

Reshaping the Regional Accounting Landscape

This merger is set to alter the competitive dynamics of the accounting industry across Kansas and Oklahoma. By combining forces, SSC CPAs + Advisors strengthens its position as a leading mid-market firm, capable of challenging larger national players like Forvis Mazars and Eide Bailly that operate in the region, as well as distinguishing itself from smaller local practices.

The new, larger SSC can offer the resources, technology, and specialized talent of a multi-state firm while retaining the high-touch, relationship-focused approach that defined Harrison Henderson. This blend is particularly attractive to small and medium-sized businesses that require sophisticated advice but prefer the attention and local understanding of a regional partner.

With a history dating back to 1984 and a growth trajectory that has taken it from seven members to over 80 employee-owners even before this merger, SSC has demonstrated a clear strategy for sustainable expansion. The integration of Harrison Henderson is the latest chapter in that story, creating a unified firm dedicated to innovation, growth, and delivering unmatched expertise across an expanded financial landscape.