SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) _ A national accounting firm is expanding its South Bend office, with plans to hire about 100 people by the end of next year.

Crowe Horwath says the additional jobs stem from growth in its audit and tax practices. South Bend office managing partner Gary Fox says more than 40 people have already been hired for the new jobs.

Fox tells the South Bend Tribune (http://bit.ly/1qN8cAI ) it will be hiring for both full- and part-time positions. Fox says the Chicago-based firm is creating a specialized group in South Bend to work with its audit and tax clients throughout the firm.