About Us > Executive Team
Our staff of experienced professionals should be considered your closest advisors, involved and interested in your success and personal satisfaction. The relationships built at Jacobs & Company are lasting ones because of the long-term commitment our people have toward you and your business.
We offer a comprehensive mix of services designed to help you capitalize on the various challenges and opportunities in today's financial world. Our goal is to help you and your company reach its full potential. Your success is our success.
Marilyn Lew-Jacobs, CPA
Partner
Marilyn has extensive experience in providing clients with tax consulting, tax compliance, financial reviews and auditing services.
A Business Administration graduate from Barry University, Miami Shores, Marilyn began her career as an entry-level accountant with the Miami office of Touche Ross, where she gained national, regional and local firm experience in senior positions. She left Deloitte & Touche as a Senior Tax Manager in 1997 and progressed to become a partner in the Jacobs & Company predecessor in 2000.
Marilyn is active in many professional and charitable organizations, including:
Paul Keihner, CPA
Partner
Paul has been with Jacobs & Company since 2010 and is experienced in tax and auditing services. His prior experience includes extensive accounting work for managed medical practices, including primary care, gastroenterology and orthopedic facilities, in Palm Beach County.
Having earned a Master's of Science degree in Economics from Clemson University, Paul taught various economics at Florida Atlantic University, including courses in the principles of economics, money and banking, and international economics. He holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida and Florida Atlantic University in economics and accounting, respectively.
Paul grew up in Miami and has been a resident of Palm Beach County since 2005. When not in the office, he can be found working on his tennis and golf games.
Paul is involved with variety of professional organizations, including:
Brenda M. Seligman, CPA Senior Tax Consultant
Brenda is a certified public accountant licensed in Florida and New Jersey. After earning a Masters of Science degree in Education from Hunter College and an MBA in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Brenda became a partner in an accounting firm in New Jersey. Moving to Florida, she opened her own successful accounting firm, eventually selling the practice after 16 years.
A graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County, Brenda has been active in many civic and professional organizations, including:
Before becoming an accountant, Brenda taught elementary school, math in high school, and accounting at Caldwell and Kean Colleges in New Jersey. Today in her spare time, Brenda loves to knit, participate in book clubs and work on her golf game.
Steven Y. Okita, CPA Senior Accountant
Steven is experienced in tax preparation, financial statement preparation for home owner & condo association, and residential property management services. In addition to his CPA, he is also a LCAM (Licensed Community Association Manager) in Florida. His prior work experience was an Engineer/ Scientist in nutritional products manufacturing industry after he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Engineering at California Polytechnic University, Pomona CA. Steven biggest accomplishment as an Engineer was to design and build a small soft-gel dosage nutraceutical manufacturing facility.
After 17 years working as an engineer, Steven decided to change careers and earned a B. S. in Accounting at Florida Atlantic University and then continued with additional coursework at Florida Atlantic and University of Miami to qualify for the education requirements for the CPA. Steven wanted to further his Tax knowledge and obtained a MBT (Master of Business Taxation) at University of Southern California which is one of the best accounting and tax program in the USA. Steven grew up in California and has been a resident of Palm Beach County since 1999.When not in the office, he can be found going to Miami Dolphins games both home and away. Steven is a dedicated fan since he was a 6 year old child.
In his spare time, he can be found pursuing his hobbies with include learning to become a DJ (Disc Jockey) and muscle cars. He currently owns a 5.0 Mustang convertible.
Lara Gerson Senior Accountant
Lara joined Jacobs & Company, LLP in August 2024, bringing with her a solid foundation in accounting, audit, and tax.
Originally from Long Island, NY, Lara earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from SUNY Binghamton. With four years of professional experience, she has developed a strong expertise in QuickBooks (both Online and Desktop) and is currently working toward becoming an Enrolled Agent.
When she's not working, Lara enjoys spending time with her husband and discovering all that South Florida has to offer. A fan of challenges, she can often be found successfully solving escape rooms, diving into a good book, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Larraine Serpone Administrative Assistant
Larraine joined the team at Jacobs and Company, LLP in February 2024.
Larraine is a seasoned professional with over 10 years of experience in customer service and administration. A graduate of the University of Scranton, she holds a BA in Communication with a minor in English. Originally from New Jersey, she relocated to Florida seven years ago, where she continues to build on her strong background in client relations and organizational support.
Outside of her career, Larraine enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, and spending quality time with her family. Her diverse interests and dedication to both her personal and professional life make her a well-rounded and adaptable individual in any setting.
Samantha Parreco Staff Accountant
Samantha joined the team at Jacobs & Company, LLP in October 2022. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Governors University in May 2023. Samantha is currently working toward her credential as an Enrolled Agent (EA), with the goal of becoming a licensed tax professional authorized to represent clients before the IRS. This pursuit underscores her commitment to deepening her expertise in tax law and providing high-level, client-focused services in tax preparation, planning, and resolution.
With 7 years of experience in administrative and bookkeeping roles, Samantha brings a strong foundation in financial operations to her position.
Outside of work, Samantha enjoys reading, cheering on her children in travel hockey, and baking.
Leila
Intern
Leila is our Intern. She enjoys greeting guests at the door and she especially loves lunch time. She is very popular around the office during busy season.
We look forward to hearing from you
For more information about our professional team, please call 561.615.8585 and
our helpful staff will help you set up a complimentary Get Acquainted Meeting.