John R. Waters & Company was established by our founder John Waters. Prior to the formation of the firm, John spent twenty years working in public accounting for both small and large firms. During his first two decades as a CPA, John developed a set of strong beliefs on how clients should be served. In 1971, having seen the advantages of a small firm atmosphere, John decided to start his own firm based on the principles he found fundamental to business. Appreciating the beliefs that John found so important, the clients he served came with him.

Throughout the next decade, John continued to grow the firm and in the mid 1980s brought on the two current partners, James E. Murphy and William W. Hogan. John continued as an acting partner before taking a more advisory role and transferring ownership in the early 1990s to William and James. John continued with the firm until he passed away in 2002.

During 2003 John R. Waters & Company acquired A. Robert Taylor & Company, a long established CPA firm located in Wilmette, Illinois. The acquisition brought a wealth of opportunity and experience for both firms and has helped set them on a clear path for the future.