Not-For-Profit Organizations |
Not-for-Profit - Accounting, Tax, Audit & Consulting
At Dermody, Burke & Brown (DB&B), our work with not-for-profit clients isn't a sideline - it is a significant portion of our practice. In 60+ years, DB&B's highly experienced team has worked with more than 200 not-for-profit organizations. Therefore, we are very well-versed in the day-to-day issues that most not-for-profit organizations face and can offer proactive solutions. Should an unusual issue arise, DB&B's standing in the Allinial Global Not-for-Profit Committee allows our team to tap into the wealth of knowledge of other top not-for-profit accounting practices around the world.
DB&B has a deep base of knowledge and industry experience, allowing us to provide organizations with proactive solutions. We routinely give our clients new ideas and suggestions for improving their operational efficiency and effectiveness. For every audit engagement, our team provides a "Letter of Observations and Recommendations" that: (1) highlights relevant trends and "best practices" in the client's niche; (2) offers pertinent observations regarding the client's practices; and (3) makes suggestions for improvement. We also regularly assist our not-for-profit clients with board presentations, including an in-depth review of the audit and a summary of our findings and other observations and recommendations.
We strive to keep our clients apprised of best practices, industry trends and developments, and changes in standards and regulations through our niche-specific seminars, "Thought Leadership" emails and our Nonprofit Insights newsletters. To ensure that it is a two-way conversation, our Members/Principals reach out to our clients often so that we can understand the specific challenges they face and how DB&B can help.
Shannon Nelson, CPA, CFE, CITP
Shannon B. Nelson is a member of Dermody, Burke & Brown and is the administrative leader of the Audit and Accounting division. With over 30 years of experience, she provides comprehensive auditing and consulting services to a variety of clients, including governmental agencies, health and human services organizations.
Specializing in fraud prevention and detection, Shannon holds the designation of Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and is committed to helping organizations safeguard their assets. She provides experience in the review of internal controls and is a trusted advisor for clients seeking to enhance their operations and ensure compliance. Shannon has also been a guest speaker on topics such as internal controls, fraud prevention, and financial literacy at various events.
Education & Professional Certifications
Shannon is a graduate of St. John Fisher College and is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA), and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Additionally, she holds credentials as a Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) by the AICPA, further expanding her ability to integrate technology solutions into audit and accounting practices.
In addition to her professional commitments, Shannon currently serves as a board member and treasurer for Meals on Wheels of Syracuse.
Thomas Palmer, CPA
Tom has been with the Dermody, Burke & Brown for over twenty years. His experience in public accounting includes various external and internal audit engagements for not-for-profit organizations and for profit entities. As a member of the Governmental niche and Not-for-Profit niche, Tom has served as a lead auditor for a variety of organizations, including those receiving funds from the NYS Education Department, Health and Human Services, OASAS, HUD, and the United Way.
He meets each of the continuing professional education (CPE) requirements imposed by the “Yellow Book” issued by the Government Accountability Office. Tom is a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Institute of Internal Auditors. He is a member of the United Way of CNY Emerging Leaders group and a graduate of the State University of New York at Geneseo.
Travis Smith, CPA, MBA
Travis Smith is an audit principal with Dermody, Burke & Brown, CPAs, LLC, with over 18 years of experience in auditing and accounting. Specializing in a diverse range of sectors, Travis leads audit engagements for not-for-profit organizations, foundations, and health and human service providers. His expertise extends to both technical and client service matters, and he is an active member of the firm’s Assurance Committee, where he focuses on enhancing service quality, addressing technical issues, and ensuring client satisfaction.
Education & Professional Certifications
Travis holds a bachelor’s and master’s Degree from the State University of New York at Oswego and is a member of both New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). He is also a member of the AICPA’s the Not-for-Profit (NFP) Section. Travis serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors and Finance Committee of Helio Health, Inc.
Carolyn Sturick, CPA, CITP, CEO
Carolyn S. Sturick, is theChief Executive Officer of Dermody, Burke & Brown, CPAs, LLC. As CEO, Carolyn focuses on setting the company’s future course through strategic growth, ensuring continued client success, and maintaining the personal relationships vital to a successful firm. With over 30 years of experience in the areas of consulting, auditing, and accounting services across various sectors, including manufacturing, family-owned businesses, and not-for-profits, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal relationships and a strong firm culture.
In addition to her leadership as CEO, Carolyn has extensive technical expertise and is a key member of the firm's Quality Assurance Committee. She also served as Chief Operating Officer for over a decade.
Education & Professional Certifications
Carolyn also has served as Treasurer of a local not-for-profit organization, East Syracuse Minoa Education Foundation, and has many years of involvement in the Festival of Races. Carolyn is a graduate of SUNY Oswego. Carolyn is a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is also credentialed by the AICPA as a Certified Information Technology Professional.