Prager Metis CPAs LLC has added the Bernkopf Group Ltd., expanding the New York-based firm’s footprint in New Jersey.

The Bernkopf Group’s Morganville office will add a second New Jersey location to Prager Metis’s existing offices in Basking Ridge. Prager Metis ranked 72nd on Accounting Today’s 2016 list of the Top 100 Firms, with $50.78 million in annual revenue. In addition to New York, the firm also has offices in Los Angeles and London.

Prager Metis office locations in New Jersey and New York

As part of the deal, managing partner Steven Bernknopf is joining Prager Metis as a principal. Bernknopf is a Certified Financial Planner and will lead Prager Metis’ financial planning practice in New Jersey. His firm has over three decades of experience providing financial planning, tax and accounting services to individuals and closely held businesses.

“Prager Metis has a level of expertise and a growing reputation that is unique for an accounting firm of its size,” Bernknopf said in a statement. “Their firm culture and desire to expand their New Jersey presence fit so well with my background and areas of expertise that I feel Prager Metis is a perfect fit for our firm.”

Phil Whitman and Phyllis Eisenberg of Whitman Business Advisors helped arrange the merger.

“For the Bernknopf clients joining forces establishes a deeper breadth of support and services,” said Lori A. Roth, regional managing partner of Prager Metis’ New Jersey offices. “The combination provides more stability in a very competitive New Jersey market, so it’s a good move for both firms.”

Michael Cohn

Michael Cohn, editor-in-chief of AccountingToday.com, has been covering business and technology for a variety of publications since 1985.