Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Accounting Solutions
At SEK, we build trusted relationships by providing reliable, forward-thinking accounting and advisory solutions tailored to clients' unique needs. With deep expertise and a commitment to client success, our team of 200+ professionals across six offices in Pennsylvania and Maryland delivers personalized service rooted in integrity and empowerment. Founded over six decades ago as a small three-partner firm, we have grown into a premier regional CPA firm while maintaining a personalized approach that sets us apart. Our accolades, including being named a Best Place to Work in PA and recipient of the Best of Accounting Award for Client Satisfaction, reflect our dedication to excellence.Affiliated with prestigious industry organizations, we combine big-firm resources with small-firm responsiveness, using cutting-edge technology and a compass-inspired ethos to guide clients through financial challenges. We prioritize community involvement, continuous learning, and work-life flexibility, ensuring our team thrives personally and professionally while delivering trusted advisory partnerships throughout business lifecycles.
Services
Accounting
Business Valuations
CFO Services
HR Advisory
Tax Planning
Audit Services
Retirement Plans
Payroll Management
QuickBooks Support
Mergers & Acquisitions
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of experience in accounting and advisory services.
- Our team includes 26 partners and 165+ dedicated professionals.
- We maintain a personalized level of service despite our growth.
- We've received the Best of Accounting Award for Client Satisfaction.
- Our affiliations provide access to cutting-edge industry resources.
What people say
Dedicated professionals
Trusted guidance
Top-notch service
Exemplary reputation
Caring attitude
Services
Business Valuations
Our NACVA-certified professionals deliver accurate business valuations using recognized methodologies. We help owners understand their company's worth for succession planning, mergers, or retirement. Services include strategic valuation reports, reasonable compensation analysis, and quality of earnings assessments to support informed decision-making.
CFO Services
We provide interim CFO/controller support for organizations needing financial expertise during transitions. Our CPAs assist with financial reporting, audit preparation, operational efficiency improvements, and strategic planning, offering both on-site and remote service options to maintain business continuity.
HR Advisory
Our HR specialists offer comprehensive human resources solutions including compliance support, employee handbook development, benefits administration, and ACA compliance guidance. We provide tiered service options from self-service tools to fully outsourced HR management tailored to organizational needs.
Payroll Management
We handle complete payroll processing with secure employee portals, tax filings, and integration with accounting software. Our services include multi-state compliance, financial reporting, and QuickBooks/Sage 50 support to ensure accurate, timely payroll management for businesses of all sizes.
Audit & Assurance
Our audit team provides employee benefit plan audits, peer reviews, and financial statement audits with deep expertise in regulatory compliance. We deliver quality-driven assurance services that enhance financial transparency and support organizational decision-making through rigorous examination processes.
People
Kara Darlington
Managing Member of the Firm
As Managing Member, Kara leads SEK's strategic direction while maintaining hands-on client service. With decades of accounting experience, she oversees firm operations and client relationships, ensuring alignment with our core values of integrity and empowerment.
William Fritts
Director of Business Valuation
A certified valuation analyst, William leads our business valuation practice with 30+ years of expertise. He specializes in strategic succession planning and has completed hundreds of valuations for diverse businesses, providing actionable insights for ownership transitions.
Laura Stover
Director of HR Advisory
Laura heads our HR advisory services with SHRM-certified expertise. She develops compliance strategies and HR solutions, helping clients navigate complex employment regulations while fostering workplace cultures that attract and retain top talent.
Krista Gardner
Member of the Firm
As a CPA and tax specialist, Krista provides strategic advisory services to clients. Her expertise in tax compliance and planning helps businesses optimize financial outcomes while maintaining regulatory adherence across multiple industries.
Matthew Detar
Member of the Firm
Matthew leads assurance services with extensive audit experience. He specializes in financial reporting standards and regulatory compliance, delivering audit solutions that enhance transparency and build stakeholder confidence for public and private organizations.
Questions
What accounting services does SEK specialize in?
SEK provides comprehensive accounting services including audit, tax planning, business valuations, CFO/controller support, HR advisory, payroll management, and M&A transaction advisory.
Which industries does SEK serve?
We serve diverse industries such as affordable housing, agribusiness, financial institutions, healthcare organizations, local government, and nonprofit entities.
How can I schedule a consultation with SEK?
Use our website contact form to schedule a consultation - our team will connect you with the appropriate specialist for your needs.
What makes SEK different from other accounting firms?
We combine big-firm capabilities with personalized service, maintaining a 60+ year commitment to integrity while earning multiple client satisfaction awards.
Does SEK offer HR advisory services?
Yes, our HR specialists provide compliance support, employee handbook creation, benefits administration, and ACA compliance assistance for businesses of all sizes.
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