About Us
Our Story
After 12 years as a partner at a well-established accounting firm in Stamford, Connecticut, Chris Eck made the decision to start his own firm to better serve the needs of his clients.
Chris saw the opportunity to utilize technology and a streamlined process to improve the client experience and increase the efficiency of the firm. Along with these improvements, Chris has established a team of experienced professionals with diverse industry experience, to maintain that personal relationship our clients have come to expect.
Scroll down to read our vision, our values and meet our team - we would love to join yours.
Our Vision & Mission
Our firm's goal is to make accounting more accessible.
We can't wait to see what we can do together.
Our Values
Our Team
Chris Eck, CPA
Chris is a highly skilled and dedicated CPA and financial professional with over 16 years of experience in the field. Chris is known for his exceptional expertise in providing comprehensive accounting services and strategic financial guidance to clients across various industries. Throughout his career, Chris has cultivated a reputation for his attention to detail and unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and reliable financial information. With a strong foundation in accounting principles, tax law, and financial regulations, he has become a trusted advisor to numerous businesses and individuals seeking to optimize their financial operations. His client-centric approach, combined with his deep industry knowledge and utilization of modern technologies, has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor and problem solver. Chris remains dedicated to empowering his clients, enabling them to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape. ​Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris resides in Park Ridge, New Jersey with his wife and twins, embracing the joys and challenges of parenthood. He also shares his home with a delightful menagerie of dogs and cats, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. In his leisure time, Chris enjoys running, swimming, and biking and recognizes the dual benefits of maintaining physical fitness and clearing the mind. He enjoys the opportunity to explore the scenic landscapes of Northern New Jersey, taking in the fresh air and finding solace in the rhythmic pace of his footsteps. Above all, Chris enjoys the moments spent with his family and friends and creating lasting memories through shared experiences and quality time together. ​With a wealth of experience, a passion for excellence, and a genuine dedication to both his professional and personal life, Chris continues to make a positive impact in the financial world while fostering a balance between work and family.
Frank Hiza
Principal
A recent addition to the Eck Tax & Accounting Team, Frank has focused on helping a variety of businesses and individuals with tax, accounting, and consulting services for almost 50 years. After graduating from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Frank began his accounting career with a national accounting firm before founding Frank Hiza & Associates in 1986. His experience covers a broad range of services for closely held family businesses to multi-million-dollar businesses. He has been a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the NJ State Society of CPAs throughout his career. Frank lives with his wife in Berkshire County, MA where they enjoy plays, concerts, outdoor activities, and spending time with family, friends and their hound, Bessie. Frank is also an active member of the finance committee at their church.
Sarah Eck
Operations
Sarah joined Eck Tax and Accounting full time in May 2023. She is focused on creating the best possible experience for clients, working on refining processes, staying up-to-date on the newest technology, automation and learning what AI can do for the practice so the team can focus on quicker turnarounds and providing more services to clients. Previously, Sarah was a Vice President at Coalition Greenwich, an S&P Global Company for 12 years where she led operations teams for Voice of the Customer, providing data, analytics and insights to the financial services industry, specializing in providing unique data and actionable recommendations to help clients improve their business results. One of Sarah's notable strengths lies in their ability to lead and train teams, both domestically and internationally. Her expertise in project management has allowed her to successfully oversee global operations, implementing streamlined processes and driving operational excellence. She also brings a light programming background to the table, enabling her to leverage data analytics and insights to deliver actionable recommendations. She earned her MBA at Sacred Heart University where she met her husband, Chris. They now share a home in Park Ridge, New Jersey with their twins, rescue dogs and cats. She’s an avid Giants fan but will support the Jets when she must. She’s always looking for new places to explore and hike and aspires to one day run an animal rescue.
Diego Giraldo
Senior Staff Accountant, Bookkeeper
Diego is a dedicated finance professional currently thriving as a Senior Accountant at ETA. His journey in the financial world began in 2018 when he took on the role of a part-time staff accountant under the guidance of Chris Eck. Quickly immersing himself in the intricacies of taxation, he transitioned to a full-time tax preparer, a role he embraced for five rewarding years. Eager to advance his career, he is now positioned as a Senior Accountant, leveraging his skills and experiences for continued growth at ETA. In 2023, he proudly earned the title of QuickBooks Pro Advisor. His academic foundation includes Studying Mathematics and Computer Science at SCSU. Simultaneously, He pursued a passion for public service, working towards becoming a firefighter. While working towards that goal, he successfully completed his training, passed the practical exam, and began preparations for the NREMT exam. Beyond the professional realm, he calls Stratford, CT, home, where he resides with his fiancé, two wonderful daughters, and two furry companions. Family holds a special place in his heart, and he cherishes every moment spent with them. Outside of these precious moments, he finds joy in maintaining an active lifestyle through his passion for fitness. Additionally, he explores the world through the lens of his camera, capturing moments that tell unique stories through photography.
Neil Jeffas
Staff Accountant,
Bookeeper
Neil Jeffas is a tax preparer and bookkeeper with over 20 years in the financial industry. Having held positions in the finance and retail sectors he has developed the skills to understand and meet the needs of his clients. With an attention to detail and over a decade of experience analyzing finances, Neil has been able to assist in matters of varying complexity. Neil is currently working towards attaining his status as an enrolled agent to further assist his colleagues and clients alike. Neil attended Ramapo College of NJ to obtain a Bachelors degree in Economics. During his college years he worked as a bank teller at Pascack Community Bank, a small startup bank in his hometown. While at PCB, he was recommended for a position as a credit analyst in commercial lending. From there he continued his credit analyst path at Columbia Bank where he was quickly promoted to special assets analyst. In his analyst roles, he was responsible for analyzing and reporting all financial aspects of his clients to assist senior management in their decision-making process. When Neil is not thinking about finances, he likes to spend time with his wife Dana and their two K-9 companions, Penny & Cash. They live in a quiet neighborhood nestled within the NJ Pinelands where they soak in the peace and tranquility of their surroundings every chance they get. Having grown up in a family with an affinity for automobiles, Neil is also an avid enthusiast of just about anything with a steering wheel.
Don Eck
Staff Accountant,
Bookkeeper
Don has been a tax preparer for the past two years, helping individuals and businesses navigate the complex world of taxes and bookkeeping. Before venturing into the world of tax preparation, Don enjoyed a successful career in the food services industry. After dedicating many years to the industry, he made the decision to add tax preparation and bookkeeping to his list of specialties. Residing in the picturesque Washington Township, New Jersey, Don shares his home with his loving wife and their beloved canine companion, Jeter. As a devoted family man, Don enjoys spending quality time with his grandkids, creating lasting memories and imparting his wisdom to the younger generation. Sports play a significant role in Don's life, and he proudly supports his favorite teams, the New York Yankees, and New York Jets. His loyalty to these teams make for spirited conversations and lively game day experiences. Don’s dedication to his profession, coupled with his love for his family and sports, embodies the well-rounded individual he is. Whether he's delving into tax codes, cheering on his favorite teams, or enjoying moments with his loved ones, Don approaches every endeavor with passion, integrity, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
Toni Struss
Staff Accountant,
Audit
Toni Struss is a staff accountant and bookkeeper with 10 years in the financial and banking industry. Having held positions in the finance and customer service areas she has developed the skills to understand and meet the needs of her clients. With an attention to organization and detail Toni has the experience to evaluate finances and audit procedures. Toni has been able to assist in matters of varying strategies and challenges. Toni is currently working towards attaining her goals in furthering her career by studying to become a CPA. Toni attended Southern New Hampshire University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting while raising her growing family. During her college years, she worked as a universal banker at NVE Bank. While at NVE, Toni was promoted to platform work where she did internal audits and managed the teller line. When Toni is not working, she likes to spend time with her husband Justin and their family. They recently moved to Park Ridge, NJ where they are raising their 3 children, 2 dogs and a cat. They are avid sport lovers who tend to travel all around the tri-state area to support their children’s passions.
Meredith Shlasko
Operations Admin.,
Bookkeeper
Meredith is a professional with 16 years of expertise in client services. New to the company, Meredith is thrilled to take on the role of Operations Admin and Bookkeeper, contributing to the company's growth and success. Her responsibilities include overseeing job progress, monitoring email correspondence, process improvement, and ensuring smooth daily operations. Meredith actively collaborates with various departments fostering seamless communication and workflow. With a background as an SVP of Operations and Client Services at a real estate appraisal management company, Meredith brings valuable experience in operations and team management while delivering exceptional client service. She played a key role in growing the company to national coverage within 2 years and managed recruitment, onboarding & training, while closely collaborating with other departments to achieve company goals. Meredith holds a bachelor’s degree in Rhetoric & Communication with a minor in Sociology, enhancing her strong communication and critical thinking skills. She is happily married and resides in New Jersey, sharing her home with a beloved cat. In her leisure time, she enjoys learning Spanish and indulging in her passion for TV shows & movies.
Dana Jeffas
Associate, Bookkeeper
Dana has a passion for customer service which started 20+ years ago at the start of her retail career. She has held numerous positions in the retail landscape with the most recent as the National Field Sales Manager with LVMH owned Company, Sephora. For 15 years, Dana grew both professionally and personally working for Sephora. She excelled in building a sales field team, cultivating sales budgets & creating educational moments that secured a team expansion by tripling her headcount. Dana believes her career success is based on the principles of clear & prompt communication with peers and clients, strong collaboration to get the job done & caring for the work you do and the people you serve. Dana resides in a small town in South Jersey, Shamong, with her husband, Neil and their 2 pups. Penny & Cash were adopted as two litter mates in 2020. They are frenchie/aussie mixes full energy & give endless amounts of love. They love to go on adventures together in the Pine Barrens and road trips to see friends and family. Dana is a humanitarian with a passion for environmental protection. She also has a small business to support local households to reduce their single-use plastic waste.