About us

How it all began

As a full-service accounting firm with a significant litigation and forensic accounting division, our firm is divided broadly into two departments
Early beginnings

Who we are

Smith Stohlman, James & Gardere, P.A. was originally formed in 1988 as Moore & Ellrich, P.A. Based in northern Palm Beach County, Florida, we serve clients throughout the state. The firm’s original founders are W. David Ellrich, Jr. and Becky B. Moore. During 1996, Karyl H. Neal, a longtime employee of the firm, was admitted as a shareholder.

In early 2004, 2008, 2018 Matthew Stohlman, Matthew Smith, and Matthew James, respectively, were admitted as shareholders.  In 2021, Josh Angell and Nancy Richardson were admitted as the firms’ newest shareholders. The firm’s organization consists of a tax department, an accounting department, a business department and a litigation services department. We employ over 40 professional staff members and administrative personnel.

More than 35 years of trusted financial and forensic expertise
1988
Founded in Palm Beach County

Smith, Stohlman, James & Gardere was founded with a commitment to integrity, technical excellence, and trusted client relationships throughout South Florida.

1996
Expanding Leadership & Expertise

Longtime team member Karyl H. Neal became shareholder, marking the firm’s continued growth and investment in experienced leadership.

2004
Strengthening Litigation & Valuation Services

Matthew Stohlman joined the shareholder group, helping expand the firm’s nationally recognized forensic accounting and business valuation capabilities.

2008
Growth in Complex Financial Advisory

Matthew Smith became shareholder as the firm broadened its expertise in high-profile litigation support, tax strategy, and business advisory services.

2010
Next Generation of Leadership

The firm continued its evolution with new shareholder leadership and expanded capabilities supporting privately held businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

2015

Expansion Into Miami

The opening of the Miami office extended the firm’s reach across Florida, supporting growing demand for forensic accounting, international tax, and litigation services.

2018

Enhanced Advisory & Valuation Practice

Matthew James joined the shareholder group, strengthening the firm’s position in valuation advisory, transaction consulting, and forensic financial analysis.

2021

Continued Strategic Growth

Keith Gardere became shareholder as the firm expanded its multidisciplinary advisory services across forensic accounting, tax, valuation, and wealth management.

2026

Trusted Advisors Across Florida

Today, SSJG serves clients statewide through offices in Palm Beach Gardens, Miami, and Orlando with a team of specialized professionals delivering sophisticated financial and litigation advisory services.

Client feedback

Discover why businesses trust our expert wellness solutions

“I had a savior and his name was Matt James. I had a previous ‘neutral’ forensic that I agreed to work with only to learn after several months and large fees that the forensic himself was bias to my husband, and although I have a Master’s in Accounting, he challenged everything I mentioned leaving me to feel that I was not the client and had no say or idea what I was talking about. Matt James not only saved my family and I, as he is brilliant and excellent to work with, but his staff as well are very professional. ”

Premier Properties, LLC
Ivette Agusti

“Our medical company has utilized the services of Ellrich, Neal, Smith & Stohlman, P.A., specifically Karyl Neal for approximately five years. In that time we found them to be helpful, prompt and able to design an accounting style that fits our diverse, high paced business. When different situations arose that called for other financial expertise, if they were not able to offer it in-house from their other specialties, they had good resources available.”

President, Neurometrics Inc. and Neuro IOM Services Inc.
Cathleen Zippay

“Dave Ellrich is the best. He is prepared, convincing, persuasive and accurate. I have never seen David caught in cross-examination. He enjoys the respect of the judiciary and opposing counsel because he is credible and at ease defending his findings.”

Partner, Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A.
F. Gregory Barnhart

“Moore Ellrich & Neal has provided overall tax and accounting advice and return preparation to my law firm and all its associated professional associations for many years. The firm also provided forensic accounting services for us and has been involved in some of the biggest cases I have tried. The advice rendered and the work performed by you and your firm in all these matters has been outstanding.”

Partner, Burman, Critton, Luttier & Coleman, LLP
J. Michael Burman

“I have known Dave Ellrich for many years, and we have worked together on many large and complex litigation engagements. The quality and accuracy of Dave’s reports are second to none. He is excellent at taking complex issues and making them easy to understand. I highly recommend Dave and his firm.”

Partner, Fisher & Bendeck
Jeffrey D. Fisher

“Ellrich, Neal, Smith & Stohlman, P.A. has been providing accounting services for my companies and my family for just over three years. Karyl Neal is always available to research and answer some pretty complex accounting questions that seem to come to me at all times of the day. I feel very comfortable with the advice and direction she has given us over the past few years and I know this will continue for years to come. Karyl not only takes the time to learn our business, but actually helps us plan its’ future.”

President, TransCon Financial, LLC
Jonathan Preiser

“I have been fortunate to have used Becky Moore as my accountant for over twenty-one years. During this time I have seen the firm of Ellrich, Neal, Smith & Stohlman, P.A. expand to offer a full scope of services, yet in spite of this growth, I still experience personal attention. I have frequently recommended this firm to friends and family without any reservations. Paying taxes is still painful, but tax preparation is less painful working with Ellrich, Neal, Smith & Stohlman, P.A.”

MD
Ruskin Brown

“In a word, how do you describe the almost 30 years of advice, guidance and support that I have received both professionally and personally from Becky Moore . . . extraordinary! She has been the “Board of Directors” my companies never had; the one I turned to for help with the many critical business decisions I had to make, and the one I trusted implicitly to formulate my tax strategy. Becky Moore is tried, true and trustworthy.”

President, William Ennis Company
William R. Ennis, Jr
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