RSSM, an accounting firm with a personal touch.

Rosen Seymour Shapss Martin, one of the United States top I00 accounting firms, does more than help its construction clients balance their books.

RSSM that offers traditional services of accounting, auditing and tax planning and preparation is a contributing factor to its clients' bottom line.

"We take on more than a role of being their accounting firm," said Frank Petitto, CPA and RSSM partner. "We want to be an integral part of their business and their development. It's nice to see small businesses grow and feel that you are a part of that process."

Founded in 1956, the accounting firm has more than 100 professionals, including 17 partners and two principals.

"We develop relationships that lead us to be their accounting firm in second and third generations," Petitto said. "Some of our clients have been with us for over 50 years, I haven't been here that long, but they have."

RSSM's client base is diversified and includes the industries of real estate, construction, manufacturing, wholesalers, apparel, modeling agencies, publishing and printing firms, insurance brokers and dealers, non-profit organizations, retail securities, service and trade contractors, as well as attorneys, physicians and other professionals.

With each CPA specializing in several industries, RSSM's clients get the service and in-depth knowledge they need to operate their business.

"Our clients call us for advice," Petitto said. "They look to us for our expertise. We know the business. We can talk their language."

RSSM assists its clients with sound financial decisions.

"We are not part of their management," Petitto said. "But the management team looks to us as an outside source to get an impartial view of the financial side of their business."

With objective financial advice, RSSM clients can devote their time where it is needed most.

"Even the most prudent management finds it hard to look at things objectively, because they are too involved in the day to day operation of their business," he said. "That's what they should be concentrating on."

RSSM also provides auditing services.

"If you do public construction or have a bank loan, you are required to have annual audits by an outside agency," Petitto said.

With today's economic climate, the construction industry has suffered along with many other businesses. RSSM helps clients to make financial decisions they can live with today and tomorrow.

"You don't see a frenzy in the construction industry like you did a few years ago," Petitto said. "Construction companies have to live with a bid for three or four years. If they are not totally financially secure, one contract could put them out of business."

And of course when it comes to tax time RSSM has all the answers, keeping abreast of all the latest tax changes that affect each industry.

"We are a full-service organization," Petitto said. "Our clients don't need to go anywhere else."

RSSM's strategy has been successful.

"The firm stated goal is to exceed client expectations," said Fred Shapss, managing partner of RSSM. "We at RSSM, strive to develop client relationships that foster the mutual trust and respect necessary to produce outstanding results and maintain the highest accounting and ethical standards."

Petitto specializes in providing accounting and auditing, as well as tax services to the construction, insurance, real estate, manufacturing and apparel industries, as well as estate and financial planning.

He is a CPA licensed in New York. Petitto received his BBA from Bernard M. Baruch College of New York, NY and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the NY State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

He has served as treasurer for the campaign committees of a U.S. Congressman and a Borough President of New York City. He has also served on the management of mid-size accounting firms, plus the printing and publishing committees of the NYSSCPA.