The Burdette Smith Group, P.C., a firm based in Fairfax, Va., has merged with a Tysons Corner, Va.-based firm, Bish and Haffey, P.C., to form Burdette Smith & Bish LLC.

The merger became effective on January 1 of this year, according to spokesperson Linda Sears. Burdette Smith had approximately 30 staff members prior to the merger, and has gained about 12 more since the merger. Burdette Smith also has gained two new partners, in addition to the four it had previously. All six are now known as principals, however, as the combined firm has changed its structure to a limited liability corporation. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

The merger is expected to help the combined firm attract larger clients. “They felt a larger firm would have more opportunities for larger jobs,” said Sears.

The former members of Bish and Haffey have relocated from Tysons Corner to Burdette Smith’s offices in Fairfax.

The principals at the combined firm had known each other from their involvement in the northern chapter of the Virginia Society of CPAs. “Most of the CPAs around here just know each other,” said Sears. The six principals at the Burdette Smith & Bish now include Thomas E. Burdette, Jeffrey A. Smith, Joseph M. English III, Thomas M. Crutchfield, Charles A. Bish and John J. Haffey III.

The firm also announced that Rebecca Bartholomae, CPA, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Virginia Society of CPAs.

Several employees have also been promoted at the firm, with Sue Ranck and Angelito Gabriel advancing to the job of senior manager, Ryan Perry and Tiffany Dearborn to supervisor, and Kevin Green to senior.