GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES & SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Governments and businesses are very different. The purpose of government is "to enhance or maintain the well-being of citizens by providing services in accordance with public policy goals" while the purpose of business is "generating a financial return on investment for shareholders" according to a recent white paper of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). Governments also serve a broader group of stakeholders and must comply with budgeted public policy priorities. Governments raise revenues through involuntary taxes and exist longer than most businesses. These major differences create a unique set of requirements for governmental accounting, drawing from corporate and nonprofit accounting, as well as other accounting standards.

DB&B has more than 50 years experience providing auditing, internal control, fraud examination and consulting services to counties, cities, towns, villages and school districts across the state. Our dedicated staff of eight CPAs averages more than 10 years with the firm. Our staff is very well-versed in issues that governmental clients face each day. And should an unusual issue arise, DB&B's affiliation with PKF International allows our team to tap into the wealth of knowledge of other top accounting practices around the world. We specialize in helping our clients look at their current processes and procedures objectively, identifying ways to improve both efficiency and effectiveness, and initiating and managing change. All our engagements are tailored to each client's specific goals and needs.

While DB&B is very knowledgeable and experienced in working with all types of governmental entities, our primary focus has been public school accounting. Our staff members are often asked to speak at functions such as meetings of CNY Association of School Business Officials and the CNY Association of School Boards.

To us, our clients are far more than clients: they are our partners. Therefore, we strive to keep them apprised of best practices, industry trends and developments, and changes in standards and regulations through our niche-specific seminars and mailings. For example, DB&B's school district clients have benefited from mailings on the Comptroller's Five-point Plan and seminars on internal audits and audit committees. And to ensure that it is a two-way conversation, our partners reach out to our clients often, so that we can understand the specific challenges they face and how DB&B can be of most help.

For more information on DB&B's Governmental & School Districts Services, email info@dbbllc.com or call Brian DuMond at 315.471.9171.