The CJ Group History

In the early 1980s, the seeds of Cornwell Jackson were sown when Gary Jackson, disenchanted with his role at Arthur Andersen, sought new opportunities. Serendipity led him to connect with Knowles Cornwell, an established sole practitioner, through a chance encounter initiated by a search through the phone book. Their fateful meeting in a hotel bar resulted in a partnership agreement drafted on a napkin. Together, they embarked on a journey to build a firm that prioritized client service and innovation.

Over the next two decades, Cornwell Jackson thrived, establishing itself as a reputable firm known for its expertise in tax services. Adding a wealth management practice and an audit practice further diversified the firm's offerings, catering to the evolving needs of the growing client base. The firm's commitment to excellence attracted top talent, including Scott Bates, a seasoned professional with experience at Ernst & Young and Deloitte, who joined in 2002 to spearhead the expansion of the audit practice.

Recognizing the need for focused attention on financial planning, Cornwell Jackson made the strategic decision to spin off the financial planning practice into a separate entity. This allowed the firm to concentrate on its core competencies while ensuring both divisions' continued growth and success. Gary Jackson and Scott Bates remained at the helm of the CPA firm, driving its continued expansion and success.

Under the leadership of Gary Jackson and Scott Bates, and later joined by Mike Rizkal, Cornwell Jackson flourished, earning accolades such as being ranked among the top 25 CPA practices in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The firm's dedication to its employees was evident through numerous awards for being among the Best Places to Work. The promotion of internal talent, like Mike Rizkal and Will Acomb, underscores the firm's commitment to nurturing and developing its team members.

In 2015, Cornwell Jackson embarked on a new chapter of innovation by introducing the Client Accounting Services (CAS) practice. Recognizing the transformative power of technology, the firm leveraged cutting-edge software solutions to assist clients in maintaining their financial records efficiently. The CAS team not only provided bookkeeping services but also offered valuable insights and recommendations to help clients optimize their business operations.
By embracing cloud-based accounting platforms and automation tools, The CJ Group's CAS practice empowers clients to streamline their processes, gain real-time visibility into their financial performance, and make informed decisions to drive growth. This strategic initiative further solidified the firm's reputation as a forward-thinking partner committed to delivering tangible value to its clients.

In 2023, marking a milestone in our journey of expansion and transformation, Cornwell Jackson rebranded as The CJ Group. This rebranding initiative mirrors the firm's steadfast commitment to the unique needs of SMBs and middle-market clients. Recognized among the top 25 local CPA firms, CJ's growth is a testament to the firm's unwavering dedication to meeting and exceeding client expectations. This recognition underscores the firm's growth, as well as its agility and responsiveness in providing insightful, bespoke solutions that spur our clients' success.
While celebrating its growth in the industry, The CJ Group continues to cherish and uphold a high-touch, relationship-focused service model. The reimagined brand and distinctive 'CJ' logo symbolize the firm's personalized approach, a hallmark of its 40-year legacy. This balance of being a prominent player with a localized, attentive approach to client service is the essence of The CJ Group, ensuring the firm remains the right fit for businesses seeking growth, insight, and a true partnership.