A Proud Legacy of Service — to Clients and the Community
CBM has always been known for excellence and innovation. Our founder broke new ground when he established the firm in the early 1920s, and today we continue to honor our predecessors’ legacy with a focus on client success.

The CBM story began in 1921, when James A. Councilor Sr. left his position as head of the Consolidated Returns Division of the U.S. Bureau of Internal Revenue to form an accounting firm that would assist companies and individuals with the new income tax process the government had recently established.

Eight years later, his firm, then known as Councilor & Company, created a division under the supervision of William Gordon Buchanan — an audit department known as Councilor & Buchanan — to review and prepare tax returns for clients, as well as provide guidance and advice on accounting issues.

During the ensuing years, the firm established some notable milestones. In 1930, the firm hired Edna Nick — one of the first women to be employed by an accounting firm. She was eventually named a senior partner, and enjoyed a 51-year career with the organization. Later that decade, the firm was also part of a landmark court case that established the accounting industry billing standard of eight hours constituting a day’s work.

In the late 1930s, several additional partners were added to the organization, including D.L. “Dooley” Mitchell, W. Baldwin Buchanan, James Councilor Jr. and Edward E. Hayes. In 1947, the firm became known as Councilor, Buchanan, Mitchell & Hayes, eventually evolving to Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell in 1961.

Since then, we have served hundreds of clients with thoughtful advice and notable expertise. We have continued to play an integral part in the growth and development of the accounting profession, boasting six past presidents of the District of Columbia Institute of CPAs (DCICPA), now called The Greater Washington Society of CPAs. Two senior partners were also honored with the DCICPA’s highly respected Public Service Award. CBM partners have also served as past presidents of Holy Cross Hospital, Washington Hospital Center, the National Kidney Foundation and the National Epilepsy Foundation. Our team currently serves many community and charitable organizations in leadership roles, on boards and committees.

Now celebrating more than 90 years of service to clients and the community, CBM looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence and innovation for decades to come.