Merger of Two Accounting Firms Results in the Formation of KVLSM LLP

Katz Viola Lebenhart Mauro, LLP and Lipner, Sofferman & Co., LLP have announced that they have merged to form KVLSM LLP. Lipner, Sofferman & Co., LLP relocated to 415 Crossways Park Drive, Suite C in Woodbury on December 1, 2017. Prior to the move, the firm was located at 125 Jericho Turnpike in Jericho.

KVLSM LLP is a full-service accounting firm on Long Island with a staff of professionals available to guide its clients through every facet of business and personal tax processing. The firm provides the highest level of professionalism and guidance across many industries, including fashion, entertainment, restaurant, automotive, technology and retail business, for both large- and small-sized corporations. The firm’s services include, but are not limited to, financial statement preparation, audit services, mergers and acquisitions, estate and trust consulting, tax preparation, IRS representation, cash flow and budget analysis, financial and retirement planning, and CFO services. The firm will be headed by four former partners with Katz Viola Lebenhart Mauro, LLP and three former partners with Lipner, Sofferman & Co., LLP. All partners are members of the American Institute of CPAs and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Michael D. Katz, CPA, ATA, the Managing Partner at KVLSM (formerly Katz Viola Lebenhart Mauro, LLP), is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the firm and overseeing all of the staff. He has over 25 years of experience in the accounting industry. His expertise is in small business and personal income taxation, business consulting, tax analyses and planning, audit representation and new business startups. His clients work in various businesses, including bakeries, restaurants, medical professionals, contractors, investment advisors, information technology consulting, jewelry, property managers, real estate investors, telecommunications firms and personnel agencies.

Eliot H. Lebenhart, CPA, worked at various CPA firms that provided tax services to the sports and entertainment industries. In 1983, he formed his own firm, Eliot H. Lebenhart, CPA, PC in Plainview, New York, which concentrated in the fields of fashion modeling, entertainment, and sports. He later developed a practice in the medical field, along with a diversified clientele. In 2014, he merged his firm with Sanders Thaler Viola & Katz, which became Katz Viola Lebenhart Mauro, LLP in November 2017.

Jay Lipner, CPA, has more than 30 years of experience in the accounting industry. His areas of expertise include automotive, amusement parks, stockbrokers and other industries, and specializes in taxation, business consulting, payroll and sales tax and business formation. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland and a Master of Business Administration degree from Adelphi University.

Kenneth E. Lipner, CPA, is a third-generation CPA with over 30 years of audit and tax experience. He has an extensive background in the areas of real estate, estates and trusts, not-for-profits, and automotive accounting. He also works extensively with condo and co-op boards, restaurants, car washes, wholesale diamond and jewelry manufacturers, attorneys and doctors. He holds CPA licenses in New York, Florida, and Virginia.

Robert J. Mauro, CPA, joined Sanders Thaler Viola & Katz, LLP in 2013. In November 2017, he became a partner and the firm changed its name to Katz Viola Lebenhart & Mauro, LLP. His areas of expertise include audits, reviews, compilations, cash flow analysis, budgeting, internal controls, accounting software and tax planning.

Randy Sofferman, CPA, was one of the Founding Partners of Lipner, Sofferman & Co., LLP and is proficient in all facets of taxation and estate planning, specializing in the automotive, stock brokerage, and real estate industries. He has been frequently asked to consult with other CPA firms, attorneys, and automotive dealers on a wide variety of topics, including management advisory services, litigation support, information technology, buy/sell, and all areas of taxation. In working with stockbrokers, he is recognized by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority as a Resolution Arbitrator.

Anthony J. Viola, CPA, has over 35 years of experience in the accounting industry. Although he is proficient in all facets of taxation and estate planning, his passion lies in tax planning and business consulting. He has spoken before Fortune 500 executives on the tax ramifications of stock options and at seminars for the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Last year, Katz Viola Lebenhart Mauro, LLP was formed as part of its rebranding effort, being formerly known as Sanders Thaler Viola & Katz, LLP. In 2014, Sanders Thaler merged in the practice of Eliot H. Lebenhart, CPA, PC in Plainview, allowing the firm to expand its practice areas by providing tax, accounting and business management services to the medical, sports, and entertainment industries.

“It is wonderful to have two accounting firms become one entity and service a wide variety of industries like never before,” Mr. Viola said. “This merger will also allow us to expand our services to a growing, more diverse clientele. It is wonderful to see these two firms come together and continue to provide an exceptional level of service for our clients.”

The new phone number is (516) 294-0400. For more information, visit our new website, www.kvlsmcpa.com.

Skip to content