Auditing and Accounting |
Dermody, Burke & Brown (DB&B) provides Audit, Reviews and Compilation services to a wide range of clients and industries. We bring more to these engagements than just accurate, timely and attentive service - our professionals take time to provide valuable suggestions and recommendations throughout the year. DB&B uses a risk-based approach in performing attestation engagements, which leverages our knowledge of each client to determine the level of work to be performed in each significant area.
Risk-based audits are a continuous process of gathering, updating, and analyzing information about the fairness of presentation of amounts and disclosures in financial statements. Therefore, the audit process is an iterative, nonlinear process, whereby the required procedures may be performed concurrently with other procedures. Risks are evaluated continuously throughout the audit. Simply put, we identify areas with higher risk, tailor our audit programs to address that risk and focus our audit procedures on those areas. This approach results in more efficient engagements.
Testimonial from NUAIR
"In a world that is forever changing one thing that has remained constant is the support of our accounting firm. Dermody, Burke & Brown provides proactive advice and guidance throughout these turbulent times that is invaluable to our organization.
NUAIR is not your typical not-for-profit and Dermody, Burke & Brown is not your typical accounting firm. They take the time to understand the complexity of our organization and offer sound solutions to help further our mission. DB&B is the consistency we need as NUAIR continues to evolve and soar to new heights."
- Emily DeMarche
Chief Financial Officer, NUAIR
Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance Inc. (NUAIR) is a New York-based nonprofit organization that provides unsurpassed expertise in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations, aeronautical research, and consulting services.
NUAIR manages operations of the New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport and is responsible for the continued advancement of New York’s Advanced Air Mobility Proving Grounds and 50-mile UAS corridor – facilitating beyond visual line of sight testing and commercial drone operations.
Kathy Burke Barry, CPA
Kathy specializes in audits, review and compilations of manufacturers and closely-held family business. She also is the Chair of the Quality Assurance Committee at Dermody, Burke & Brown. She has been with the firm since graduating from St. John Fisher College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting in 1987.
Kathy is a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). She also serves on the board of Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, Inc.
Lori Ciarla, CPA
Lori Ciarla is a principal at Dermody, Burke & Brown, CPAs, LLC. Having over 25 years experience, she specializes in audit, accounting, and advisory services for not-for-profit and governmental organizations, as well as employee benefit plans. She leads the firm’s Employee Benefit Plan Audit Practice, overseeing the audits of many annual benefit plans, including single-employer, multi-employer, defined contribution, defined benefit, and health and welfare plans.
Area of Focus
As the firm’s designated lead for the AICPA’s Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center, Lori plays a key role in ensuring audit quality and compliance within this critical sector. Lori co-leads the firm’s Affordable Housing Audit Practice, leveraging her experience in HUD auditing. She is also deeply involved with the firm’s employee recruitment program, helping to attract and retain top talent.
Education and Professional Certifications
Lori is a graduate of Le Moyne College and is a member of both the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). She received the AICPA Not-for-Profit Certificate I and is a member of the Not-for-Profit section of the AICPA. She currently serves on the Executive Committee as Treasurer and board member for Francis House. Previously she served on the board of the American Heart Association and is the former Treasurer of both the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund and Girls Incorporated.
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.