Our Firm
We combine the experience of a large firm with the personal attention that only a small firm can provide. Our clients come back to us year after year because they know they are in good hands.
We spend less time talking and more time listening. You and your business are unique. We understand this and take the time to learn from you how best to serve your needs, whether simple or complex.
Our People
Peter C. Grant, CPA, President, Shareholder
B.S. in Business from St. Mary's College
MBA from Golden Gate University
After a stint as an Army officer, Pete spent five years in the construction industry as a C.F.O. For the last thirty years Pete has been in public accounting. His area of expertise is the understanding of a wide variety of business, tax, accounting and investment transactions and applying an integrated approach for successful solutions to complex problems. Joining the firm in 1986, Peter has guided the firm and our clients through five recessions and recoveries. Peter's unwavering dedication to client service has helped shape the firm moving forward into this rapidly changing world.
Member: AICPA, CalCPA, Oakland Chamber of Commerce
Steve Kliegman, CPA, Shareholder
B.S. in Business, Syracuse University
Steve began his career in public accounting at a regional CPA firm in Hartford, Connecticut and then relocated to California to join the International Tax Department of Price Waterhouse, San Francisco. After leaving PW as a manager, he became the Tax Director for the U.S headquarters of a U.K. publicly traded conglomerate where he was responsible for all aspects of tax planning and compliance for the holding company and it’s subsidiaries. In 1983 he left the private sector to practice public accounting and in 1996, Steve merged his practice with Pete Grant with the resulting firm of Smith Grant & Kliegman. Steve specializes in taxation for individuals, entities, trusts and estates.
Member: AICPA, CalCPA
Susan Carlson, CPA, Tax Manager
B.S. in Business, U.C. Berkeley
M.S. in Taxation from Golden Gate University
Susan was born in England and emigrated to the United States in her early teens. Susan has over thirty years of public accounting experience predominately in taxation. She became our firm's tax manager in 1984. Her areas of specialty include estates, trusts and individuals both in compliance and planning. She currently lives in Alameda.
Member: AICPA, CalCPA
Matthew E. Dennis, Staff Accountant
B.S. in Business, Minor in Economics, California State University, Hayward.
The newest employee of the firm, Matthew also serves as the firm's marketing assistant, web-master, and business development assistant. Matthew’s specialties include quantitative business and financial analysis.
Member: CalCPA
Molly Melamed, Office Manager, Quickbooks Advisor
B.S. in Psychology, Antioch University, S.F.
Molly is Smith, Grant & Kliegman's office manager and Quickbooks advisor. She brings 25 Years experience as bookkeeper for small businesses and provides day to day bookkeeping and accounting assistance to many of our clients.
Our History
Originally founded in 1953 as Wallace, Meyer, Morrow & Smith in the Central Building on 14th & Broadway, Smith, Grant & Kliegman has been a fixture of the Bay Area. Many of the firm's original clients are still with us. Now located in the restored Leamington Building on 19th & Franklin, we are committed to our continuing dedication to service to our clients.