One of the Nation’s Fastest Growing CPA firms Takes Greater Measures to Protect Client Data
Houston, Texas
December 15, 2022
Houston based McConnell Jones, one of the country’s fastest growing CPA firms, has completed its certification for ISO 27001. MJ earned this certification during the past year after undertaking a rigorous regimen to refine the firm’s technology, processes, controls and compliance in the areas of information and data security.
ISO 27001 is the only auditable international standard that defines the requirements of an information security management system (ISMS), which is a set of policies, procedures, processes, and systems that manage information security risks, such as cyber-attacks, hacks, data leaks or theft.
“As the firm continues to work with global organizations, the need to provide assurance that their data is secure and supported by a globally recognized, certified information security management system is increasingly more vital,” said McConnell Jones managing partner Wayne McConnell. “The ISO 27001 certification, coupled with our TruSight designation for financial institutions and the Service Organization Controls (SOC) audit we had last year, provides our clients and prospective clients increased confidence that their data related to financial statement audits, employee benefit plan audits, tax compliance, and consulting engagements is secure and continuously monitored,” he added.
The International Standards Organization (ISO) is a global organization that provides guidance for best practices in manufacturing, environmental management, health and safety, and IT security.
“While earning the ISO certification was an arduous process during the past 18 months, we were able to make further improvements to our data integrity,” said Chris Williamson, the firm’s Chief Information Security Officer. “I am proud that we were able to achieve this designation, especially as it came on the heels of the TruSight third party risk assessment process confirming that McConnell Jones already had excellent processes, controls, and management systems in place to protect sensitive information. Our clients can rest assured that the firm has placed a significant priority on data security today and into the future,” Williamson added.
“Earning the ISO 27001 certification is only the beginning of our commitment to data security for all of our clients” said consulting partner Odysseus Lanier. “Through the Firm’s ongoing internal audit function to continuously improve our information security environment, we are taking specific measures within our Accounting, Finance, Procurement and HR processes to sustain the benefits of our this certification for our clients.”
The Firm’s efforts to earn the ISO 27001 certification have been detailed in a case study by ISMS.online which can be accessed below:
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About Us
As one of the 2 largest African American owned CPA firms in the country, McConnell Jones provides comprehensive assurance, tax, and advisory services to public and private companies, nonprofit organizations, high net worth individuals, local, state and federal government agencies. Founded in 1987, McConnell Jones has been recognized as one of the “Fastest Growing Firms” and a “Top 300 Firm” in the United States by Inside Public Accounting and a Top Workplace by the Houston Chronicle. McConnell Jones has 4 offices in the US, including Houston, Dallas, Austin, and Washington D.C.