Founding and Early Years

RP&B CPAs can trace our roots back to December 1984, when our founder, Jim Roorda, CPA, set out to build a firm grounded in excellence, integrity, and professionalism. In the years that followed, Richard Piquet, CPA, and Robert Bessee, CPA, joined Jim in shaping the foundation of what would become RP&B CPAs—principles that continue to guide us 40 years later.

What began as a small practice near downtown Riverside quickly grew into a trusted name known for technical expertise and a deep understanding of the business life cycle—from start-up through succession. From the start, we’ve worked to go beyond the expectations of a traditional public accounting firm by forming strategic, solutions-oriented partnerships with our clients.

As our client base expanded, so did our areas of expertise. In 1994, we were introduced to ESOPs when one of our long-time clients, Inland Concrete Enterprises, Inc., became 100% employee owned. That moment sparked what would become one of our firm’s core specialties. By 2018, our team had grown to more than 30 professionals, headquartered on Vine Street in Riverside with a second location in Ontario, California.

Today, under the leadership of our Managing Shareholder, Michael J. Kouyoumdjian, CPA, we continue to grow our presence within the ESOP community—educating business owners and industry leaders on the powerful benefits of employee ownership as a succession strategy.

Specialization and Innovation

Over time, our firm has developed specialized expertise in areas such as:

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

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