Content © 2009 DeJoy, Knauf & Blood, LLP
ABOUT DEJOY, KNAUF & BLOOD LLP
Reliability. Integrity. Meaningful answers to complex questions.
It’s what clients expect from their CPA firms.
At DeJoy, Knauf & Blood, we’re passionate about cultivating extraordinary relationships with our clients – relationships grounded in the highest professional standards of integrity and objectivity. Our proud commitment to vital principles energizes us to maintain our focus.
Our firm was founded in 1990 with a guiding vision: to be the best at providing our clients with well-developed, rigorously accurate, common-sense solutions and advice – in a world that’s growing increasingly complicated.
That focus on straight talk and sound solutions has earned DeJoy, Knauf & Blood a sterling reputation, not only as a top regional CPA firm, but as a contributor to the global conversation about how public accountants can be truly responsible stewards of the common good.
As our firm has grown and changed, we’re proud to say we’ve remained steadfast in delivering independent, ethical service and exceptional client attention. Our clients, as well as the users of the financial documents we generate, know they can trust our work without question.
Every seasoned professional at our firm possesses substantial experience and depth. And our unique approach to staff development ensures that each member of Team DKB gains in-depth knowledge in specific industries and practice areas, as well as broad knowledge in general practice. Our membership in AGN International, a global affiliation of leading accounting firms, provides us with state-of-the-art training resources for developing our people to their fullest potential.
Yet technical expertise is only part of what DeJoy, Knauf & Blood offers. We devote significant time to learning the complexities of our clients’ worlds, and we use that knowledge to develop a vigorous, comprehensive approach that satisfies clients’ needs, often beyond expectations. Our in-depth understanding, our genuine interest and our partners’ hands-on involvement allow us to capitalize on every opportunity to help our clients achieve their goals. Our objectivity positions us to provide clients a balanced perspective to make informed, confident decisions – whether their circumstances require accounting, tax, financial or estate planning, or other services.
Our team approach allows us to serve our clients – be they private or public companies, not-for-profit organizations, or individuals and their families – with depth, efficiency and thoroughness. Clients enjoy the support of multiple, industry-specific professionals dedicated to providing innovative, practical and customized solutions. Further, Team DKB’s embrace of technology allows us to deliver documents electronically, saving our clients both time and money. DeJoy, Knauf & Blood offers wide-ranging international capability and expertise as well. Thanks to the resource-sharing capabilities of AGN International, we offer our clients access to top-shelf professionals ideally suited to address their needs in domestic and overseas operations.
Putting our clients’ interests first has made it easy for us to sidestep industry trends toward selling financial products. At DeJoy, Knauf & Blood, we engage in no relationships that may pose conflicts of interest.
If you’re seeking a CPA firm that will devote an uncommon level of attention and technical expertise to your needs while upholding the highest ethical standards, please consider Team DKB. We welcome the opportunity to work with clients who value our reliability, our expertise, and our rigorous, principled approach to effective planning and problem-solving.
PARTNERS
David J. DeJoy, CPA
Managing Partner
Director, Business Consulting Services
and Entrepreneurial Services
Managing partner and co-founder of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood LLP, Dave provides direction in all areas of our firm’s practice. He takes primary responsibility for strategic planning; developing and communicating the firm’s mission and philosophies; ensuring internal efficiency; and hiring and developing employees and matching them with the most appropriate engagements.
In addition to his role as managing partner, Dave personally services DeJoy, Knauf & Blood’s largest audit clients. He is director of two practice areas – Business Consulting and Entrepreneurial Services – and is the firm’s information technology specialist.
An outstanding business advisor, Dave is known for his attentive, timely, tenacious service to clients, and his creative, proactive approach to helping them solve challenging issues. He has cultivated excellent technical skills, a solid tax background, and a thorough understanding of information technology and financial systems.
Dave has extensive experience serving large and small organizations in the technology and telecommunications, manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, not-for-profit, health care, and entertainment industries.
Dave worked as senior audit manager at an international accounting firm before leaving in 1990 to co found DeJoy, Knauf & Blood.
He is a 1982 graduate of LeMoyne College in Syracuse, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
Dave is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He is a member of the board of directors of Highland Hospital of Rochester and the Accountants Global Network.
Mark S. Blood, CPA
Partner
Director, Business Tax and Advisory Services
A founding partner of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood, LLP, Mark offers his clients a rare combination: He is an excellent tax technician and an astute businessperson. He complements a thorough tax knowledge with superb communication skills and common sense to bring superior value to his clients.
As director of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood’s Business Tax & Advisory Services practice, Mark specializes in the tax planning and compliance needs of corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships. He has provided tax planning and compliance, consultation and business advisory services to clients in the manufacturing, distribution, health care, physician and professional services, retail, real estate, construction, hospitality, financial services and not-for-profit industries.
Mark has experience as a tax manager and head of the small business practice with the Rochester office of an international accounting firm. Previously, he worked at a local accounting firm in Utica, New York. Mark is a 1985 graduate of Utica College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
Mark is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Rochester Downtown Rotary Club. A volunteer for community causes, Mark serves as chairmen of the board for Visiting Nurse Service of Rochester & Monroe County Inc.
Timothy P. Thaney, CPA/PFS
Partner
Assurance Services
A partner with DeJoy, Knauf & Blood LLP, Tim Thaney directs the firm’s Not-for-Profit Audit Practice as well as our Employee Benefit Plan Audit Practice. Tim delivers financial assurance, wealth management, and comprehensive tax and advisory services to our firm’s business, not-for-profit and individual clients.
With a diverse background in business and a solid knowledge of taxation, Tim is a uniquely versatile professional. Before joining Team DKB, he worked for more than 15 years with an international commercial bank and brokerage firm. He also spent three years with the audit division of an international accounting firm. Tim’s keen sensitivity to the circumstances and needs of clients in various industries mirrors our firm’s commitment to deeply understanding clients’ challenges.
Tim is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. He holds AICPA’s Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation. Further, as DeJoy, Knauf & Blood’s representative with two AICPA Quality Centers, Tim takes responsibility for the integrity of all of the firm’s audits of employee benefit plans and not-for-profit organizations.
Tim is a 1980 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics/Accounting. Active in the local community, he has served on the boards of Memorial Art Gallery, Catholic Family Center and Oak Hill Country Club.
Dennis C. Stein, CPA
Partner
Director, Personal Tax and Wealth Management Services
A partner with DeJoy, Knauf & Blood LLP, Dennis draws on his technical expertise and analytical skills to creatively and proactively identify opportunities and develop tax-efficient financial strategies for our clients.
As head of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood’s Personal Tax & Financial Advisory Services practice, Dennis specializes in the tax planning and compliance needs of professional service organizations, corporate executives and the owners of privately held businesses. He has extensive experience in qualified retirement plan consultation, compensation and benefits planning, and estate and gift tax planning. He has served clients in a variety of industries including professional services, health care, real estate and manufacturing.
Dennis began his career with DeJoy, Knauf & Blood in 1994 after eight years of experience with an international accounting firm. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. "Providing high-quality personal tax and advisory services requires a passion for solving problems, and for getting to know clients deeply in order to learn what problems they most need solved."
Dennis is a member of the Personal Financial Planning Section of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Active in the community, Dennis serves on the board of the Webster High School Athletics Committee and coaches youth soccer.
PRINCIPALS
Susan P. Desino, CPA, MBA
Principal
Assurance Services
A principal at DeJoy, Knauf & Blood LLP, Susan is exceptional at delivering assurance and advisory services to our business clients, with particular emphasis on meeting the audit and accounting needs of larger firms.
Her complementary experience in public accounting and private industry has enabled Susan to draw upon the highest level of technical and business expertise. She has a well-rounded background in the manufacturing, service, not-for-profit, and technology industries, and has served international companies extensively. Before joining DeJoy, Knauf & Blood in 2001, Susan spent nine years in private industry, responsible for all financial reporting for a large segment of an international conglomerate. Prior to that, she was a senior audit manager with an international accounting firm.
Susan holds an MBA in finance and corporate accounting from the University of Rochester’s
William E. Simon Graduate School of Business, and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from St. John Fisher College. Susan is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. She is actively involved with several community organizations.
Mike Cooke
Partner
Business Tax and
Advisory Services
A partner with DeJoy, Knauf & Blood LLP, Mike combines his broad range of experience with insightful analysis of clients’ circumstances to deliver outstanding strategic tax planning and comprehensive tax compliance services. He skillfully integrates these services for Team DKB business clients, their owners and key employees.
Mike is a leader in the firm’s real estate industry group, which includes real estate transaction structuring and planning. Mike also leads Team DKB’s tax department technical proficiency initiative, assists in developing tax department policy and procedure, and helps drive the firm’s mentoring program.
Throughout his 10-year career with DeJoy, Knauf & Blood, Mike has provided clients with business and personal tax planning and compliance services, multistate tax reporting, NYS Empire Zone credit analysis and reporting, tax accounting method consulting, strategic tax analysis, business entity selection and tax structuring, and business consulting and succession planning. He draws on a broad base of expertise to serve clients in manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, technology, professional services and health care. Mike also has experience with financial and investment institutions and resort facilities.
A 1996 graduate of the State University of New York at Brockport, Mike holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He remains actively involved as a member of the SUNY College at Brockport Accounting Advisory Council as well as with alumni and recruiting initiatives.
Mike is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Managers
Amy Brisson, CPA
Senior Manager
Entrepreneurial Services
Amy provides assurance and advisory services to the business and individual clients of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood LLP. She specializes in offering comprehensive entrepreneurial services to the owners of small companies.
She is experienced in essentially every practice area of our firm: business and personal tax planning and compliance, assurance and advisory services, business consulting, and personal financial and estate planning. Drawing on her background serving a broad range of engagements, Amy skillfully recognizes business opportunities and formulates planning strategies. She also provides our business clients with budgeting and financial forecasting services.
Amy has served clients in a variety of industries including manufacturing, distribution, health care, construction, retail, resorts and restaurants.
She joined DeJoy, Knauf & Blood in 1999 after serving as senior accountant at a regional real estate investment company. She graduated in 1996 from the State University of New York at Geneseo with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting.
Amy is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.
James G. Saylor, CPA
Manager
Business & Personal Tax & Advisory Services
Jim offers comprehensive tax and advisory services to the diverse business and individual clients of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood LLP.
He draws on expertise in manufacturing, real estate, retail, auto dealerships, health care and physician groups to deliver income tax planning and research, preparation of federal and multistate tax returns, retirement and estate planning, and consultation regarding employee benefit plans and other business matters. He also has performed extensive business and personal tax compliance, consulting and reporting work for individuals and entities with sophisticated foreign investments and operations.
Throughout his career at Team DKB, Jim has devoted himself to understanding clients’ individual and business needs while contributing to the firm’s long-term strategic goals. He skillfully leads various tax training and teaming initiatives and helps drive DeJoy, Knauf & Blood’s diverse and robust internship program.
He is a member of the American Society of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in 2003 from the John Wiley Jones School of Business at the State University of New York at Geneseo. He remains active in Geneseo alumni and recruiting efforts.
Jeff McBurney
Information Technology Manager
Jeff has over 17 years of experience in the Information Technology field. His expertise spans over project/IT management, end-users support and network infrastructure management and redesign.
Jeff has worked internationally in Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Ireland for various joint international corporate technology projects. These projects included network infrastructure migration and redesign into United States and Europe based networks and network assessments of current IT operations.
Jeff has worked in many diverse corporate operating environments helping the companies find the proper Information Technology solution that both met the customers needs and financial budget.
Jeff holds many technology certifications in his field and is always furthering his knowledge base by technology training each year.
Sandra Tucker
Human Resources Manager
Sandi joined DeJoy, Knauf & Blood, LLP in September 2007 as our Human Resource Manager and brings with her more than 20 years experience serving human capital needs with an international public accounting firm. She provides diverse and specialized expertise in the areas of performance and career management, compensation planning, HR consulting, entry level and experienced recruitment and sourcing, retention, deployment, teaming, connectivity and best place to work initiatives.
She is an active member in the community volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, SPCA and is an active member of the Rochester affiliate chapter of the National Human Resources Association.
Susan Sullivan, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
Susan joined DeJoy, Knauf & Blood, LLP in May, 2005 as Director of Finance and Administration. Sue is a certified public accountant having worked five years at a large local CPA firm where she focused in the areas of audit and assurance services.
Prior to joining Team DKB, Sue worked another 14 years in the Rochester area in positions of management with two organizations, one a not-for-profit and the other a for-profit business. In addition to her accounting qualifications, her strengths lie in business organization and operations. Sue earned her Bachelor of Business administration degree from the State University of New York at Brockport.
She is actively involved in her church serving as a member of the worship team, playing keyboard and volunteering in children’s ministries.
Pam offers comprehensive tax compliance, fiduciary and trust services to the personal and corporate executive clients of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood LLP. She has diverse experience in financial services and public accounting, with particular expertise in tax planning and compliance, and trust administration.
Before joining DeJoy, Knauf & Blood, Pam served as vice president in both trust administration and tax accounting for a global financial firm. Throughout her career of nearly 20 years, Pam has focused on the tax compliance and planning needs of her fiduciary, gift, trust and individual clients.
She is a member of the American Society of Certified Public Accountants. Pam holds an MBA in finance, corporate accounting, and organizations and markets from the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Rochester. She earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Rochester, with a major in economics and business administration. Pam also has completed numerous trust and tax training programs.
Pamela J. Duffy, CPA
Manager
Personal Tax & Advisory Services
Mollene B. Benison, CPA
Senior Manager
Assurance Services
Mollene delivers high-quality assurance services to business clients of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood LLP, with a particular emphasis on meeting clients’ audit and accounting needs. She is also a specialist in Team DKB’s Employee Benefit Plan Audit Practice.
Her 10 years with an international public accounting firm have given Mollene diverse industry experience with public and private clients in manufacturing, not-for-profit, telecom, technology, distribution, financial services, health care and higher education.
She is a member of the American Society of Certified Public Accountants, the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the National Association of Black Accountants.
A 1997 graduate of the John Wiley Jones School of Business at the State University of New York at Geneseo, Mollene holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. She currently serves on the SUNY Geneseo Business X2 Advisory Council. Mollene remains closely involved in alumni and recruiting efforts at Geneseo. There and in the larger community, she leads initiatives in diversity and inclusion, networking for women, internal networking, teaming and mentoring.
Lisa K. Tagliarino
Manager of Financial Assurance Services
Lisa offers comprehensive financial assurance services to the not-for-profit clients of DeJoy, Knauf & Blood LLP. She has diverse experience in management and public accounting, particularly in Sarbanes Oxley compliance.
Before joining TeamDKB, she worked for a major global bank, first as director of its Sarbanes Oxley Compliance division and later as manager of marketing expense and control. Previously, she worked for eight years in public accounting, as a manager at a regional accounting firm and earlier at two Big 4 firms.
Lisa has provided financial statement audits, project consulting and internal control attestation, primarily for tax-exempt and health-care clients. She has created and implemented internal control structures for SOX compliance, and has identified and executed process improvement opportunities. Lisa has provided accounting and auditing training seminars to staff.
She also is seasoned in marketing budgeting and forecasting; analyzing market, regulatory and economic conditions; and creating, executing and analyzing customer surveys.
Lisa earned a Certified Public Accountant designation from New York State. She holds a BS in business administration with a concentration in accounting from Rochester Institute of Technology's College of Business.
