We are committed to providing close, personal attention to our clients. We take pride in giving you the assurance that the personal assistance you receive comes from years of advanced training, technical experience and financial acumen. Our continual investment of time and resources in professional continuing education, state-of-the-art computer technology and extensive business relationships is indicative of our commitment to excellence.

Our Partners:

All of our partners are members of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Acountants. Our firm is committed to active participation in professional associations and community organizations. Representatives of our firm have been presidents of the local CPA chapter, directors of the state CPA society, and Presidents, Chairs and Board Members of numerous local non-profit community organizations.

Rick B. Smith: Specializes in accounting, tax and business advice services for closely held businesses and professionals. Before joining SSBP, he was a senior accountant for a national accounting firm specializing in audits and accounting for small businesses. Graduated from University of Southern California (B.S. in Business Administration, 1971, M.B.A., 1973) and Golden Gate University (M.S. in Taxation, 2005).

Kenneth R. Merideth: The firm's partner in charge of the Audit Department, specializes in for-profit and non-profit industries, including construction, manufacturing, governmental and employee benefit plans. Graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara (B.A. Economics, 1972) and from California State University, Northridge (M.S. Accounting, 1978).

Billie Jo Rodriguez: Responsible for planning and supervising audits of both for-profit and non-profit corporations and preparation and review of income tax returns. Before joining SSBP, she was a Senior Accountant at a local accounting firm headquartered in Santa Barbara, California. Graduated from Santa Barbara City College (A.B. Accounting, 1978) and Golden Gate University Masters of Taxation program.

Debra N. Dettenmayer: Responsible for a wide spectrum of services to small businesses and individuals, including compliance, financial statements, tax preparation and management advisory. Before joining SSBP, she was a Senior Accountant for a local accounting firm headquartered in Santa Barbara, California. Graduated from Westmont College (B.A. Education, 1978, M.A. Education, 1980) and University of California at Santa Barbara (CPA Certificate Course, 1983).

Juan M. Soto: Habla Espanol. Over 20 years in public accounting. Specializes in all tax matters including estate, gift, trust, partnership, corporate, individual, multi-state and U.S. matters. National accounting firm experience. Graduated from California State University, Northridge (B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting, 1985) and Golden Gate University (M.S. in Taxation, 2001).

Sharon Iler Roberts: Provides accounting, auditing and income tax preparation services to a wide range of clients, including non-profit and for-profit corporations and individuals. Sharon spent twenty years as a partner in a local public accounting firm prior to joining SSBP. She is a graduate of California State University, Northridge (B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting, 1980).

Rick C. Heldwein: Manages the firm's construction practice. He is actively involved in the construction industry. He is a member of CICPAC ( Construction Industry CPAs and Consultants) a nationwide network of CPAs and consultants who are dedicated to helping contractors improve performance. He is a member of the board of directors for the Associated General Contractors of California (AGC California) Tri-Counties District which serves Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. He is a member of the the Ventura County Contractors Association (VCCA) and the Santa Barbara Contractors Association (SBCA). In addition, Rick assists with the supervision of the firm's auditing department which includes clientele in the construction, manufacturing, agriculture, not-for-profit, governmental, garment, employee benefit plans and wholesale/retail industries. Graduated from California State University, Northridge (B.S. in Business Administration with an Option in Accounting, 1993).