Paul A. Cerrone, C.P.A., M.S.T., C.V.A.
Paul is the managing partner of the Firm. Paul graduated from Nichols College, Dudley MA, in May 1980 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, specializing in accounting. Became a Certified Public Accountant on July 1, 1983, and obtained his Master’s degree in Taxation from Bentley College, Waltham MA, on March 11, 1989. Paul began his career in 1980 working at several local accounting firms before starting his own firm on November 1, 1991.
Paul became a Certified Valuation Analysts on January 16, 2006 to service the valuation needs of our clients and other business in the community.
Paul has also completed the training and received the designation of ADP Certified CPA, to assist the Dealers and controllers in the automotive niche that Paul has developed and serviced since 1983.
Paul is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA), the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) and Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce.
Paul is licensed to practice as a Certified Public Accountant in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland and New York
Contact Paul at [email protected]
Marie M. Shepherd, C.P.A.
Marie, is a Partner at Cerrone, Graham Shepherd, PC and a former partner at Graham Shepherd PC for 13 years. Graham Shepherd, PC recently merged with Paul A Cerrone CPA to form Cerrone, Graham & Shepherd PC.
Marie provides a full range of tax, accounting and auditing services to a variety of clients including individuals, nonprofits, manufacturers, real estate investors and developers, service providers, and retailers. Her specialty niches include condominium associations and computer consulting. She currently oversees the firm’s quality control and continuing education areas.
Marie is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) and the North Worcester County Business Association. She is also a board member of the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce.
Marie graduated from Nichols College and received the Outstanding Alumna Award in 2009 for her outstanding professional achievements and service to the community. She continues to assist the college by speaking to students, conducting mock interviews and offering tax season internships.
Marie, her husband James and their two sons, Alex and Max, reside in Oxford, MA. Whenever possible, she returns to Maine, where she spent her early childhood, to relax.
Contact Marie at [email protected]
John E. Graham, C.P.A.
John is the founder of Graham Shepherd PC. Previously John had been a partner in a large regional accounting firm where he serviced non-profits, real estate developers, manufacturers, retailers, service industries, wholesalers, insurance agencies, and legal and medical professionals. He also has experience in interstate and international taxation.
John is a graduate of Clark University with advanced degrees from the University of Vermont and Worcester State College. Active in the community, John has served as an officer or board member of many groups including: Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce, Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, Leicester Business Association, Worcester Fresh Air Fund, American Red Cross, Arts Worcester, SBANE of Westborough, Town of Paxton, Our Lady of Mercy Health Care Center, Becker College Trustee, Worcester Diocesan Expansion Fund and his church amongst others. Professionally he is a member of the AICPA, MSCPA, National Association of Enrolled Agents, Worcester Economics Club, Leave a Legacy and Estate and Business Planning Council of Worcester County. He is a former corporator of Leicester Savings Bank and is presently a corporator of Bay State Savings Bank.
Harsh M. Patel, M.B.A., C.P.A.
Harsh graduated from Rutgers University with an MBA in Professional Accounting in 2019. He began his career as an Auditor in 2019 and worked for PWC before joining CGS in January 2024. Harsh is a Certified Public Accountant who is experienced in performing many services including audits of nonpublic companies, preparing individual, partnership, and corporate tax returns. Harsh also works with the audit team on audits and assists with review and compilation engagements.
Contact Harsh at [email protected]
Brian Farrell, M.S.A., C.P.A.
Brian Farrell is a key asset to our team with a focused expertise in tax accounting for small businesses. He possesses a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Accounting with a concentration in taxation, both from the University of Massachusetts. Since starting his accounting career in 2021, Brian has quickly ascended through roles at a local Worcester firm and a top 100 accounting firm in Boston, sharpening his proficiency in tax planning for small enterprises.
Brian’s background includes foundational work in real estate development and management. Brian is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). His professional qualifications are underscored by several certifications, including a BNA Tax Research Certification, a QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor Certification, and a VITA Advanced Certification.
Contact Brian at [email protected]
Alex Quintanilla
Alex joined the firm in August of 2023. Alex Graduated from Worcester State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and a concentration in Accounting. Alex focuses on preparing individual, corporate and partnership tax returns and assists in preparing compilation and review financial statements.
Contact Alex at [email protected]
Maria L. Paulhus
Maria graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. Maria began her career at Graham Shepherd in January of 2010 with five years of prior public accounting experience. She has experience in all facets of public accounting and she is equally competent with both for-profit and non-profit clients and provides them with reviews, compilation and tax work. Her areas of concentration include condominium associations and QuickBooks consulting.
Contact Maria at [email protected]
Diane M. Macdonald
Diane graduated from Briarwood College in Southington CT with an Associates degree in Applied Sciences and has taken courses towards a bachelor of Arts degree. Diane came to us in December of 2008 with 15 years experience in the paralegal/administrative field and five years in various other administrative fields.
Contact Diane at [email protected]
Debra Buxton
Debra holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Nichols College, Dudley Massachusetts. Debra started her career as a Credit Analyst and Commercial Loan Officer for seven years for Shawmut Bank, She then moved into Real Estate as a licensed Real Estate Appraiser, after which, Debra was employed for six years as an Administrative Assistant for the Town of Boylston before beginning her employment at Paul A Cerrone CPA in January, 2004.
Contact Debra at [email protected]
Patricia J. Richer
Patty graduated from Becker College with a Business Administration degree. She has worked as an administrative assistant and Para-professional accountant with Stephen W. Heald CPA for over 20 years. Previously, she was an administrative assistant with the Worcester Area Chamber of Commerce.
Patty handles our clients’ bookkeeping and payroll needs and has become an accounting specialist in selected industries. She oversees preparation and review of individual, fiduciary, and corporate tax returns. She also trains in and supports Business Works accounting software and QuickBooks.
Contact Patty at [email protected]