Originally started as a one-person operation, for almost 10 years, Sharma & Associates has been advising and assisting on tax, accounting, and consulting needs in a way which delivered a unique value to our clients in the Aiken area. Building a reputation for consistency and results led to the practice growing into a full-fledged accounting firm. Today we serve clients in Aiken and Augusta from our Aiken, South Carolina and Evans, Georgia offices and are one of the fastest growing accounting practices in the CSRA. However, despite how much we grow, we remain dedicated to our core values of relationships, results, and relief.
Relationships
We believe in a client centric approach to handling our client’s accounting needs, and hope to become your trusted partner in success. While our firm is large enough to offer a full range of professional services at a fair price, we are simultaneously small enough to give you the individual attention that you deserve. Some of our clients have had very close strong relations with our accountants lasting as long as 25 years thanks to a unique approach that has shaped the firm. We do not believe in a “one size fits all” approach, and will tailor our service based on a client’s specific individual needs.
Results
Our goal is to make sure you are able to take full advantage of the US tax code in order to minimize your tax liabilities. By working with you on a personal level to determine the best solutions for your unique personal or business needs and leveraging our seasoned expertise, we are able to achieve the best possible results in pursuing this goal. Our unique approach of allowing for a bespoke platform of services allows for an unparalleled level of quality.
Our experiences have found this approach is particularly helpful in regards to our business clients who may require our services for multiple needs; such as, payroll, taxation, consulting, business licensing, or any combination thereof.
Relief
Rest assured that when a need arises, our firm is ready and capable to handle everything for you so you can focus on what matters most to you. Our team works diligently year-round to hold onto our expertise of the ever-changing tax code. These efforts give you the freedom to count on us to be your trusted partner and mitigate worries about sometimes complex and difficult tax issues that can naturally arise from time to time. Our partners have been trusted for years by their clients thanks to their ability to help guide and represent clients through tedious IRS issues.
Staff Profiles
Naresh Sharma, AFSP – Managing Partner
Naresh Sharma is the founder and Managing Partner of Sharma & Associates LLC. He founded Sharma & Associates in 2007, after realizing that there was growing need for a client centric organization that specializes individual, as well as, small to medium sized business taxation in the CSRA.
Naresh, with over 35 years of experience in accounting and tax preparation, is a highly experienced practitioner and has helped numerous clients solve their tax issues and problems, leaving them with the peace of mind to clearly focus on the other issues in life and business might have.
Naresh obtained his accounting diploma from the London School of Accounting in England and was admitted to The Chartered Association of Certified Accountants in May 1985. He is a member in good standing with the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, and the National Association of Tax Professionals.
Though Naresh (Nash) began his career in England, he has since moved to Aiken in 1993 where he has lived with his wife. He has two sons, to whom he has been fortunate to pass his life experiences on to. He enjoys outdoor activities, golfing and traveling with his family.
Nikhil Sharma – Management Consultant – Partner
Nikhil Sharma started initially as an intern with Sharma & Associates in 2010 while he was pursuing his undergraduate education. He graduated from the University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Finance and Global Supply Chain Operations Management.
In addition to his work with our firm, he participated and helped to execute multiple operations management consulting projects for small businesses and participated as a financial analyst for the Carolina Fund, a student run investment fund, during his time as an undergraduate. After graduation, he began his career developing his skills in the field of operations in relation to a wide range of business spanning from a multinational bank to locally owned small businesses. He returned to Sharma & Associates in 2015 as a full time associate.
He currently lives in Aiken, SC and enjoys sports, golfing and travel.
Robert L. Freitas, Jr. – Independent Investment Advisor
Robert is a Partner and Wealth Advisor affiliated with Stratos Wealth Partners, an Advisor-run organization that specializes in investment management and financial planning, serving the Aiken, SC and Augusta, GA areas.
Robert, with more than 10 years of experience in the financial services industry, believes in a holistic approach to financial planning. He seeks a complete understanding of his client’s financial objectives and life goals, as the two are necessarily intertwined. With this understanding, Robert constructs and implements each unique investment plan, tailored specifically to his clients’ needs in order to try to achieve a balance of expected return, risk, tax-sensitivity and cost.
Robert earned his Bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix. He furthered his education at Southern Wesleyan University where he received his Master’s degree in business management. Robert holds his FINRA Series 7 and 66 registrations through LPL Financial as well as his Life, Health, Annuity and Long-Term Care licenses.
Robert is a long-time resident of Aiken County and is active in the community. He is an adjunct professor with the School of Business at the University of Phoenix in Augusta, Georgia where he teaches finance and economics. He is also an Area Director for Business Networking International, an organization that helps businesses become more profitable through referral marketing. In addition to teaching and helping small businesses, Robert is involved in the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, and has served on a number of boards for local non-profit organizations. He also plays drums in his church orchestra.
Robert and his wife Missy reside in North Augusta, South Carolina and have two sons and one daughter. In addition to their three children they have also been blessed with six grandchildren. Robert and Missy enjoy spending time outdoors and with their family.
For additional information please visit www.stratosaiken.com
Robert Freitas may only discuss and/or transact business with residents of the following states: CA, GA, NC, OH, SC, TX and VA.
Pamela Thompson – Tax Preparer
Pamela Thompson started as an intern with Sharma & Associates in 2010 while pursuing her Bachelor in Business Administration concentrating in Accounting. She graduated from Limestone in 2011 with a Bachelor in Business Administration concentrating in Accounting. Her experience includes bookkeeping, payroll and tax preparation. She is also proficient in QuickBooks and other computerized accounting software.
In addition to her work with our firm, she works for a large security company where she works in the Personnel Security Department.
She currently lives in Aiken, South Carolina and enjoys cooking, going to church and traveling.