Stephen Merritt , CPA
Stephen is the President of Stephen Merritt, CPA, P.C. He has over thirty years’ experience in the field of public accounting, assisting small to medium sized businesses and their owners with all their accounting and tax needs.
Stephen began his public accounting career with Aaron B. Cohen, CPA, P.C., working as an associate and becoming an equal partner in 1988. His responsibilities at Aaron B. Cohen, CPA, P.C., included everything from tax preparation to assurance and advisory services. When Cohen & Merritt dissolved in October of 1995, Stephen started the greatest accounting firm in all
of America, Stephen Merritt, CPA, P.C.
Stephen was raised in Washingtonville, New York moving to Virginia in 1975 with his enlistment in the United States Navy. He served honorably from 1975 to 1979. Upon completion of his military service, he pursued a degree in accounting and graduated from Old Dominion University.
An avid golfer, Stephen enjoys nothing better than a day practicing or playing golf at the Bayville Country Club. Additionally, he is a die-hard New York Giants fan. He is married to his life and business partner, Barbara. He has three children, Stephen, Jillian and Michael.
Barbara Merritt, CPA
Barbara has worked in the accounting field for over thirty years, assisting an array of business and individual clients in the preparation of tax returns, bookkeeping, financial statements, and audits. Barbara became Vice-President of Stephen Merritt, CPA, P.C., in 1996. She meets with clients, works closely with associates, and manages the day-to-day operations of the company.
Prior to joining the firm, Barbara worked as an accountant for Cohen & Merritt, CPA, P.C. Later, she became a Comptroller at one of the area’s largest homebuilders for three years, then joined Stephen at Stephen Merritt, CPA, P.C.
Barbara is a Virginia Beach native and a graduate of Kempsville High School. A pioneer of TCC’s 2 plus 2 degree program, she graduated from Norfolk State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Barbara is a Certified QuickBooks Pro-Advisor.
Barbara enjoys playing golf, dancing, and travelling. She shows off her cooking skills to the delight of the office staff on Taco Tuesdays.
Meet Oxford Merritt, Our Newest Office Mascot
After the passing of our beloved Louis, the sadness and quiet in the house was unbearable. Steve decided to “surprise” me. He was tired of my crying every morning and every night. So we took a road trip to Pennsylvania and came back with a pup! Oxford joined our team November 5, 2023. His spunky attitude and zest have brought much joy. He loves climbing on boxes and chairs, and enjoys chewing file folders and snagging credit cards from purses! Read more about Oxford here.
Louis Merritt, Office Mascot 2013 – 2023
Louis, our 60-pound lap dog, became the office mascot in 2013. He loved coming to the office to check on things and keep us all in line. Louis crossed the rainbow bridge in October of 2023. Please view our memorial page here.
At Stephen Merritt, CPA, P.C, our fabulous staff is always ready to provide professional and friendly service. Give us a call today at 757-420-5778.