William Cooper (1826–1871) was an English accountant who founded the accountancy practice of Cooper Brothers, now part of PricewaterhouseCoopers.[1]
Cooper started his professional career as a clerk at Quilter, Ball & Co.[2] In 1854, he left the firm to establish his own practice at 13 George Street in London.[2] In 1858, his brother Arthur joined the practice and the name was changed to W. & A. Cooper. In 1860, the firm was renamed Cooper Brothers, a name that is now well-known in the accountancy world.[1]
Cooper was the son of Emmanuel Cooper, an influential figure in the City of London and Deputy Chairman of London & County Bank.[1]