Balance that goes beyond the books.
As a team of CPAs, consultants, and tax planners we focus on people first. We start with our employees so their success extends to create yours. The result is a level of service other firms can’t match in Tampa Bay and beyond. And we’re not just saying that, we’ve lived it for over five decades.
To be trusted advisors.
To be a trusted advisor for our clients, leading them through the next generation of change by providing innovative solutions, true partnerships and enduring expertise; continuing to attract, cultivate, motivate, and retain outstanding individuals.
Building upon the legacy.
Live by and build upon the legacy as a respected professional services firm and trusted partner to our clients. Continue to grow a culture that supports our team members, to empower them to be their best, in both service to our clients and in their lives and communities.
Values
Clients
Passion
We are passionate about our clients and create relationships that stand the test of time.
Innovation
We encourage innovation; embracing positive change and growth.
Solution
We focus on the solution, not the problem.
Culture
Impact
We make a positive impact in the community with an attitude dedicated to giving back.
Respect
We foster mutual respect and collaboration; helping each other develop through teamwork and mentoring.
Family
We believe in an appropriate work-balance that emphasizes faith and family.
Quality
People
We hire and develop the best – which is essential to delivering exceptional service.
Ethics
We uphold the highest ethical standards.
Value
We manage client and firm resources with careful thought and optimal effectiveness.
Meet our team.
In 1971, Mike Marston and Bob Spence formed the foundation of Spence Marston Bunch & Morris in St Petersburg, Florida. Shortly thereafter, they brought in Ed Bunch who would act as the managing partner for decades.
And eventually, George Morris was added as a partner through acquisition of George’s prior firm. In 2006, Ed’s son Steve Bunch joined the firm, and became a partner four years later.
In 1974, Gordon Spoor left the local firm where he was working to start a new accounting firm that better matched the culture and values he believed in. His goal was simple: to build a family-oriented environment where employees could pursue their career aspirations in public accounting while also leading a balanced lifestyle.
In 1997, Gordon’s son W.G. Spoor joined the firm, and became a partner a few years later. Gordon and W.G. added their third partner in 2010 with the addition of Rich Franz, who joined the firm in 2004.
With Mike, Bob, and Ed passing the torch to Steve, and with Gordon handing off firm management to W.G. and Rich, the next generation began steering their respective firms. In 2015, WG, Steve, and Rich extensively discussed what a merged firm would look like – and it became clear that the combination would result in enhanced capabilities, expanded opportunities for employees, and an even stronger foundation for the service of clients.
In 2016, Spence Marston Bunch & Morris and Spoor & Associates merged to form SBF, which now has over 100 team members. After five-plus decades, SBF continues to embrace the original values of its original founders.
While SBF has grown to become one of the largest local accounting firms in Tampa Bay, we are still a family-oriented firm at our core. We are an organization that’s focused on people – both the success of our employees as well as the businesses and individuals we serve.
At SBF, our depth and breadth of knowledge, combined with our low attrition, give us a distinct competitive advantage over other firms. Our clients consistently praise our ability to return the same client service professionals to their account year after year. We understand that quality client service begins with a genuine care and respect for our people.