FIRM HISTORY

Founding and Early Years
RP&B CPAs was established in December 1984 by James Roorda, CPA, who envisioned a firm grounded in the values of excellence, integrity, and professionalism. In the years that followed, Richard Piquet, CPA and Robert Bessee, CPA became integral to the firm’s growth, forming the foundation that still guides the firm 40 years later.

What started as a small practice near downtown Riverside quickly earned a reputation for technical expertise and a strong understanding of the business life cycle—from start-up through succession. Drawing on deep experience among both leadership and staff, RP&B has worked to continually transcend the expectations of a traditional public accounting firm by forming more strategic, business-oriented partnerships.

As the firm’s client base expanded, so did its areas of expertise. In 1994, Jim, Rick and Bob were introduced to ESOPs when an existing client, Inland Concrete Enterprises, Inc., completed a 100% sale transaction. By 2018, the firm had grown from a small group to a team of more than 30 employees now headquartered at the Vine Street location with a second location in Ontario, CA.

Specialization and Innovation
Over time, RP&B CPAs has developed specialized expertise in areas such as:

  • Financial Statement Compilations and Reviews
  • Employee Benefit Plan Audits
  • Tax Compliance and Strategy
  • Tax and Business Planning
  • ESOP Consulting Services

Our ability to adapt to evolving regulations, embrace new technology, and anticipate our client needs has helped our firm remain a source of success for businesses across multiple industries, including transportation, manufacturing, distribution, and more.

A Commitment to Relationships
What truly sets us apart is the strength of our long-standing relationships—with clients, associates, and within our team. We are proud to have provided many of our clients with decades of service, focusing on adding value through every stage of their business journey. The same can be said for several of our employees, who have grown with the firm and continue to shape a culture built on collaboration, growth, and mutual success.

Looking Ahead
After 40 years of service, RP&B CPAs continues to build on its legacy with an unwavering commitment to integrity, excellence, and professionalism. We remain dedicated to supporting the long-term success of our clients—today and into the future.

TIMELINE

1985

James Roorda establishes the firm as JD Roorda Company / Richard Piquet, CPA joins the team

1987

Richard Piquet, CPA becomes a partner / Robert Bessee, CPA joins the team

1989

The firm outgrows their original office in the California State Building and relocates to the Tibbetts Building

1994

The firm is introduced to ESOPs when an existing client, Inland Concrete Enterprises, Inc., completes 100% sale transaction

1996

Bob Bessee, CPA becomes a partner / The firm is officially renamed Roorda, Piquet & Bessee, Inc. (RP&B CPAs for short)

1999

RP&B CPAs moves into the Brockton office as the firm continues to expand

2002

An ESOP recordkeeping business forms as a separate business

2011

RP&B begins hosting their Annual Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament to raise funds for a local nonprofits chosen by the staff as part of their community involvement initiative / Michael Kouyoumdjian, CPA becomes a partner / Marcus Piquet, CPA becomes a partner / Carrie Miller, CPA becomes a partner

2016

Wins Best of Accounting Client Satisfaction Award / Carrie Miller, CPA resigns as partner, splitting her time between RP&B and her company, Euryale Brewing

2017

Jim Roorda, CPA retires / Marcus Piquet, CPA steps away from RP&B to spin out the Ambrose ESOP recordkeeping entity to be fully independent / Mike Zermeño, CPA delivers his first presentation, GAAP Accounting for Leveraged ESOPs, at the Las Vegas ESOP National Conference (now known as Employee Owned)

2018

Cristen Stier, CPA, MBA becomes a partner / Michael Kouyoumdjian, CPA becomes Managing Shareholder / RP&B CPAs moves into the Vine Street office and celebrates with a ribbon cutting ceremony

2019

Michael Zermeño, CPA becomes a partner / Recognized as one of Accounting Today’s 100 Best Firms to Work For / Richard Piquet, CPA passes away

2020

Fernando Ayala, CPA becomes a partner

2021

Robert Bessee, CPA retires

2022

Named one of Accounting Today’s 100 Best Firms to Work For / RP&B CPAs expands to second office in Ontario to accommodate team growth

2023

RP&B is ranked among the Top 10 US firms for number of ESOP Benefit Plan Audits / Cristen Stier, CPA presents for the first time on ESOP Accounting Basics at the ESOP California/Nevada Regional Annual Conference

2024

The firm surpasses 100 active ESOP clients around the nation / R&B adopts official Mission & Vision statements to guide the firm’s future direction

2025

Signage is installed on the Vine Street office — a milestone that signals the beginning of an exciting new era.

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