Draffin & Tucker, LLP, one of the largest certified public accounting firms in the Southeast, has expanded its reach into the Atlanta market with the opening of a second office in the Concourse Office Park's Queen Building. Recently celebrating 60 years of superior client service, the firm is widely recognized as a leader in the healthcare industry, with an additional focus on the construction, manufacturing, real estate and governmental industries.

"We are excited to announce that Draffin & Tucker, LLP has expanded to the Atlanta market," says Stephen M. Bedsole, partner in charge of the newly opened Atlanta office. "We were founded as a firm committed to providing superior service to our clients, and our clients are the reason that we have been successful for more than 60 years. The new Atlanta location will allow us to better serve our existing clients and expand our market base. Another focus will be expanding our talent pool, which should help us add lateral partners."

Bedsole is a partner in the firm's healthcare practice and has more than 28 years of experience in public accounting. He is directly involved in the full range of accounting services provided to hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities, including auditing, budgeting and various forms of reimbursement management. Bedsole is a certified public accountant (CPA) licensed to practice in Georgia and Alabama. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Alabama and Georgia Societies of Certified Public Accountants, the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and various state hospital associations. Bedsole received a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Troy University.

Bedsole is joined in his move from Albany by Jimmie Richter, a partner in the firm's healthcare practice. Richter has extensive experience in auditing, preparation of program reimbursement reporting forms, tax return forms and provider representation in dealing with state and fiscal intermediaries. He is a CPA licensed to practice in Georgia, and is a member of the AICPA, the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Georgia Chapter of HFMA. Richter graduated from the University of Georgia, magna cum laude, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting.

"The success of our business relies on the success of each and every client. It's a philosophy embedded in the culture of Draffin & Tucker, a firm grounded in history with a clear vision for the future," says firm managing partner, Jeff Wright. "Our strength continues to be the quality of service we provide to our clients and the value we place on our employees as part of our family. We realize the strength of our clients requires trusted business advisors with passion and a strong commitment to personal service. We are committed and excited to bring that culture with us to Atlanta."

More information about the firm can be found at www.draffin-tucker.com.