“When serving my clients, I try to put myself in their shoes and ask myself how they would want their services to be completed. In the end, my goal is always to provide the same high level of service I would expect from a service provider.”
Rick first joined Swart, Lalande & Associates, P.C. (SLA) in 1982 and again in 1994. As a shareholder in the firm’s Construction Industry Services Division, he provides audits, reviews and compilations of financial statements for construction contractors and real estate entities. Rick also provides comprehensive tax services to those organizations and their owners and has experience serving clients in the charter airline and music industries, as well as individuals. Beyond his client responsibilities, he is the firm’s secretary and a member of the Board of Directors and Strategic Planning Committee.
Rick began his career in 1976, working at accounting firm, Donald L. White & Company for over six years. After joining SLA in 1982, he left four years later to serve as the controller and CFO at Virginia Housing Corporation, where he worked for eight years. Rick rejoined SLA for good in 1994.
With a background of more than 30 years in both public and private accounting, Rick has developed the necessary knowledge and technical skill to help clients achieve their goals. Over the years, he has advised several entities to undergo cost segregation studies, which resulted in reduced income tax burden and increased cash flow. In addition, Rick has worked closely with contractors to help them obtain bonding for construction jobs and match them with bonding agents.
Rick was inspired to pursue an accounting career by his father, who was also an accountant. He actually began college as a math major before deciding to give accounting a try. Today Rick attributes his success to his attention to detail and the care he shows for his clients and their situations.
Rick was raised in Manassas, Virginia and currently resides in Chantilly with his wife, Freda. Together they have five children and two grandchildren. In his free time, Rick enjoys listening to music and reading.
