Stephen F. Schink CPA and Barone, Howard & Co. CPAs have agreed to merge. The deal will take effect on New Year's Day.

Stephen Schink, a CPA and founder of the Rome, N.Y. firm, will become a partner in the newly conjoined firm.

In light of the merger, the two firms will have approximately 20 employees, which include six CPAs. The firm will provide accounting, financial statements and audit services to small businesses, municipalities and non-profit organizations. The duo also assist individuals, companies, trusts and estates tax services along with several other services.