Member Spotlight: Clark Schaefer Hackett

Member Spotlight by [Clark Schaefer Hackett]

Provide us with a brief summary of your business’ services

Clark Schaefer Hackett is more than an accounting and advisory firm; we’re striving to be your most valued advisor. We accomplish this through becoming an extension of your team in areas such as financial, technological, operational, and human resources.

Describe your company in three words

Responsive. Partnership-driven. Human.

Share a recent project, client success, or example of your work in action.

Our Columbus team recently helped YWCA of Columbus navigate a comprehensive compensation review, benchmarking pay against market data and building a clear framework the leadership team and Board could stand behind with confidence. It’s one example of the kind of work our Columbus office does every day across accounting, audit, tax, and advisory services, whether we’re helping a mission-driven nonprofit strengthen its operations or a growing business plan for what’s next. The common thread is understanding a client’s goals well enough to deliver something that actually moves them forward.

How do you stay engaged with trends that you see in your industry?

We stay close to what our clients are actually dealing with day to day, whether that’s shifts in tax law and regulatory requirements, changes in audit standards, or evolving workforce and compensation trends. Our teams track those changes closely, stay active in professional and industry networks here in Columbus and beyond, and bring what we learn directly into client conversations. That way our advice reflects what’s really happening in the field, not just what’s happening on paper.

If you had to start over from scratch, what’s the first thing you’d do differently?

We built our reputation on having outstanding professionals who deliver exceptional client service. If we could do one thing differently, we would have formalized the client experience sooner, creating a more structured approach to ongoing communication, understanding evolving business needs, and helping clients access the full breadth of solutions we offer across the firm. The result wouldn’t have just been growth for us. It would have created even greater value for the clients we serve.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a business owner?

Listen to understand. Someone early in one of our leader’s careers told them, “You can’t fix what you don’t fully understand.” That’s stuck with us, because it’s tempting to jump straight to solutions. The best work happens when we slow down first and really understand a client’s culture and constraints before we bring recommendations to the table.

What makes a successful partnership at your company?

Successful partnerships at Clark Schaefer Hackett are built on trust, responsiveness, and a shared commitment to achieving meaningful results. We work to become a valued extension of our clients’ teams, bringing practical expertise while taking the time to understand their unique culture, challenges, and goals. Our partnership with the Human Service Chamber of Franklin County is a great example, providing education, resources, and expertise that help member organizations and nonprofit leaders strengthen their operations and better serve the community.

What makes Columbus such a great place to do business?

Columbus has a strong, connected business community where organizations genuinely support each other’s growth instead of operating in silos. We have an office right here in Columbus in the Easton area, and our team has built lasting partnerships with local organizations. It’s a city where chambers, nonprofits, and service providers actively collaborate, which makes it a natural place for a firm like ours to grow alongside the businesses we serve.

What do you want people to remember about your business five years from now?

We want people to remember Clark Schaefer Hackett as more than a service provider, but as a trusted partner. We work alongside organizations, from small businesses to large private and public companies, to help them build stronger and more resilient operations. Our expertise, spanning from financial and technology to operational and human resources, is delivered with genuine care and relationship driven.

Social Media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CSHCO
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/clark-schaefer-hackett/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/clarkschaeferhackett
Website: www.cshco.com