Whitlock Co

CEO , Firm News , Josh Beaird

Josh Beaird, CPA, CIA, Appointed as CEO of Whitlock

Josh Headshot April 2023

Whitlock is pleased to announce the appointment of Josh Beaird, CPA, CIA, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In his new role, Beaird will assume overall responsibility for the firm's operations and strategic direction, ensuring the realization of both short-term objectives and long-term goals.


Having joined Whitlock in 2010, Beaird has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise, leading to successive promotions of increasing responsibility and authority. In recent years, he has been instrumental in driving staff development initiatives, optimizing operational processes, and fostering a dynamic virtual office environment. Notably, Beaird is spearheading the implementation of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a comprehensive business management system designed to empower individuals and align them with the firm's vision.


Josh takes over CEO responsibilities from long-time Partner Joe Page, CPA, CFE. Joe says, “After serving as CEO for over ten years, I feel it is time to turn over the leadership role to the next generation. Josh is a younger Partner who thrives in taking leadership roles. Whitlock has a long-standing policy of promoting from within, and Josh will be an asset for many years to come. We are excited to see where he leads us. Going forward, my focus will be on client service and assisting Josh in the leadership transition process.”


Josh received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Accountancy from Missouri State University, completing the accelerated program in 2010. He then earned his CPA license in 2011. Josh was promoted to Partner at Whitlock in the spring of 2019. In his client service role, Josh has specialized in assisting community banks and small businesses prepare financial statements, assessing risk, and improving business operations.


Josh says, “I am grateful to have the trust of the Partners and staff at Whitlock to lead this firm. A solid foundation has been built by those who led in the past, and we have a talented team to take us into the future. My goal is to continue the firm’s legacy of enhancing our client’s prosperity and developing great people.”

Help Us Help You Achieve Your Company's Goals

Whitlock. is the successor to Roper and Atkins, a CPA firm founded in Springfield in 1913. Through several mergers and name changes, Whitlock today comprises over 50 CPAs and associates with offices in Springfield, Kansas City, and Joplin, MO. Whitlock's clients include a wide range of businesses and organizations, with services divided into three major areas – auditing and accounting, tax preparation, and business advisory and consulting services.

Josh beaird headshot 1463x2048

View Similar Blogs

Other blogs about cybersecurity and your business

  • Cybersecurity Audit Checklist mid new 1

    IT Audit vs. Cybersecurity Assessment: What’s the Difference?

    If you’ve been told you need an IT audit, you might have also heard the term cybersecurity assessment in the same conversation. They sound similar. They’re often confused. But they’re not the same...
  • Depositphotos 35296841 stock photo tablet pc showing calendar on

    Mid-Year Tax Planning: Why July Matters More Than January

    For most business owners, tax planning is something that happens in the spring. You gather your documents, you meet with your accountant, and you deal with whatever the year produced. It feels like...
  • Pexels photo 8730981

    Third-Party Risk Management for Community Banks: A Practical Checklist

    Every community bank uses outside vendors. Core banking. Payments. Cybersecurity. Loan platforms. The list adds up fast. Regulators know this. And they expect you to have a process for managing the...