Business Details
Certified Public Accounting Services in Syracuse, NY
Dermody Burke & Brown is a certified public accounting firm with over six decades of experience serving businesses and organizations across New York State. Our team of dedicated professionals specializes in auditing, tax services, business valuations, and customized accounting solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse industries. We prioritize building long-term relationships with clients by delivering personalized service grounded in deep technical expertise and a commitment to understanding each client's operational and strategic goals. Our professionals hold prestigious certifications including CPA, CFE, and ABV designations, ensuring clients receive guidance from recognized industry leaders.We serve a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, not-for-profits, and family-owned businesses while maintaining active involvement in community development initiatives. Our membership in Allinial Global provides access to international resources while preserving our focus on local client needs. Through continuous education and adherence to the highest professional standards, we help clients navigate complex financial landscapes with confidence.
Services
Auditing Services
Tax Planning
Business Valuations
Outsourced Accounting
Employee Benefit Plans
Family Business Advisory
Forensic Accounting
Custom Accounting Solutions
Not-for-Profit Accounting
Manufacturing Industry Services
Highlights and features
- We offer 60+ years of experience serving New York businesses with personalized accounting solutions
- Our team includes Certified Fraud Examiners and specialists in employee benefit plan audits
- We provide industry-specific expertise for manufacturing, healthcare, and not-for-profit sectors
- Our membership in Allinial Global connects clients to international resources while maintaining local service
- We combine technical excellence with proactive client education and strategic guidance
What people say
Proactive advice
Sound solutions
Technical expertise
Personalized service
Industry knowledge
Services
Auditing Services
Our auditing team provides comprehensive financial statement examinations with a risk-based approach tailored to each client's unique needs. Specializing in employee benefit plan audits, governmental audits, and not-for-profit engagements, we ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements. Our professionals maintain specialized training in accordance with Government Auditing Standards and participate in the AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center to deliver the highest quality assurance services.
Tax Planning
We offer strategic tax compliance and planning services for businesses and individuals across multiple jurisdictions. Our specialists handle complex multi-state tax returns, business succession planning, and international tax matters while maintaining year-round client communication. With expertise in trust and estate taxation, our team helps clients minimize liabilities through proactive planning and leverages our membership in global accounting networks for cross-border tax solutions.
Business Valuations
Our certified valuation professionals provide accurate business assessments for mergers, acquisitions, and litigation support. With specialists holding CVA and ABV designations, we deliver defensible valuations for shareholder agreements, estate planning, and financing purposes. Our team combines technical expertise with industry-specific knowledge to deliver actionable insights that support strategic business decisions.
Outsourced Accounting
We deliver customized outsourced accounting solutions ranging from basic bookkeeping to complete CFO services. Our cloud-based systems provide real-time financial data access while our experienced professionals handle payroll processing, financial reporting, and cash flow management. This service helps businesses reduce overhead costs while maintaining accurate financial records and gaining access to strategic financial analysis.
Employee Benefit Plans
We perform over 50 employee benefit plan audits annually, covering 401(k), 403(b), and defined benefit plans. Our specialists ensure compliance with ERISA regulations and prepare Form 5500 filings while maintaining membership in the AICPA's specialized audit center. Our team provides comprehensive analysis of plan operations and delivers actionable recommendations to improve compliance and operational efficiency.
People
Carolyn Sturick
CEO
Carolyn Sturick, CPA, CITP, has over 30 years of experience in auditing and consulting services across manufacturing, family-owned businesses, and not-for-profits. As CEO, she focuses on strategic growth and client success while maintaining personal relationships vital to firm culture. She serves on the firm's Quality Assurance Committee and previously held the COO role for over a decade.
Shannon Nelson
Administrative Leader, Audit and Accounting
Shannon Nelson, CPA, CFE, CITP, leads the audit division with over 30 years of experience serving governmental agencies and health organizations. A Certified Fraud Examiner, she specializes in internal controls and fraud prevention while holding technology certifications that enhance audit processes. She actively contributes to community organizations as treasurer for Meals on Wheels of Syracuse.
Lori Ciarla
Principal
Lori Ciarla, CPA, has over 25 years of experience in not-for-profit and governmental audits. She leads the employee benefit plan audit practice and co-leads affordable housing audits. A recognized expert in HUD auditing, she contributes to the firm's recruitment efforts and maintains leadership roles in multiple community organizations including Francis House and the American Heart Association.
Karen Hovey
Principal, Tax Department
Karen Hovey, CPA, CFE/CFF, brings over 30 years of audit, tax, and accounting expertise. Specializing in complex tax returns and fraud examination, she has worked on numerous internal control reviews. A Certified Fraud Examiner since 2002, she serves on the Audit Committee for AccessCNY and previously held leadership roles with the Upstate Chapter of the ACFE.
David Corey Jr.
Tax Department Leader
David Corey Jr., CPA, has spent over two decades in public accounting, developing the firm's agribusiness niche. He advises clients on tax compliance, business succession, and operations across manufacturing and construction industries. Active in community service, he serves on multiple foundation boards and previously held leadership roles with the United Way of Cayuga County.
Questions
What accounting services does Dermody, Burke & Brown offer?
We provide auditing, tax planning, business valuations, outsourced accounting solutions, employee benefit plan audits, and specialized services for family businesses, manufacturers, and not-for-profits across New York State.
How does the firm differentiate itself from other accounting practices?
Our combination of 60+ years' experience, industry-specific expertise, and personalized service approach creates lasting client relationships while maintaining access to global resources through Allinial Global membership.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Syracuse, Auburn, and New Hartford with clients throughout Central New York and beyond, supporting businesses in manufacturing, healthcare, and other key industries.
How do you handle complex tax situations?
Our team includes specialists in multi-state taxation, trust and estate planning, and international tax matters who provide proactive guidance to minimize liabilities while ensuring full compliance.
What experience do you have with employee benefit plan audits?
We perform over 50 annual benefit plan audits and maintain membership in the AICPA's specialized audit center, ensuring compliance with ERISA regulations and Department of Labor requirements.
Can you assist with outsourced accounting needs?
Yes, our Custom Accounting Solutions team offers scalable services from basic bookkeeping to complete CFO support using cloud-based technologies for real-time financial management.
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