Extended Office Hours
We will begin our extended office hours beginning on Monday, January 30, 2012. Beginning on that day, our office will be open according to the following schedule:
7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday
7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday
Congratulations Renee!!
Renee Law has successfully completed her Masters of Science in Taxation degree at the State University of New York.
Holiday Office Hours
To celebrate the season, the office will close at noon on December 22, 2011, and reopen at 8:00 a.m. on December 27th.
We will be closed on Monday January 2nd to celebrate the New Year, with normal office hours resuming on Tuesday, January 3rd.
Best wishes to our clients and friends for a Happy Holiday and a safe and prosperous New Year.
Transition of Pro Accounting Solutions, LLC
We are pleased to announce that Marcia Kidney has acquired Pro Accounting Solutions, LLC from Whittemore, Dowen & Ricciardelli, LLP (WDR). Marcia and WDR will continue to work together, as needed, to provide you with any services your business requires.
Under the changed ownership relationship, Marcia will continue to provide QuickBooks/bookkeeping training and support as well as business consulting services to all her clients while WDR will be available for financial/tax planning and preparation services together with possible special engagements as directed by you.
Rotary Club of Glens Falls Honors Donna Farrar
Donna Farrar was presented the Rotary Club of Glens falls, New York’s Charter Day award on April 28, 2011. The Charter Day award was presented in recognition and thanks for Donna’s outstanding and dedicated service and leadership of the Club.
In 1987 Donna along with two other women became the first female members of the Glens Falls Rotary Club. Having served on the Club’s Youth Exchange Committee and Board of Directors, Donna was named the first woman President of the club for the 1995-96 club year.
Donna is active in the Pure Water for the World project, and travelled to Honduras in 2006 to help implement the water filter program there. She is on the steering committee for the club’s sixth annual Water Walk fund-raiser which is May 7th this year in Crandall Park, Glens Falls.
Please join us in congratulating Donna on her award!
Does your Medical Practice Need a Physical?
Bob Ricciardelli, JD, CPA has specialized in assisting health care professionals for over fifteen years. That experience has provided him with key insights into that unique profession, allowing him to identify what can make a medical practice maximize their success. In the February 2010 issue of Success Magazine, Bob provides an overview of some of the practices and procedures that can help a medical practice acheive that goal. The article may be found at http://www.successmagazinesltd.com/ in the Contributing Writers section.
WDR Welcomes Marcia Kidney to the Firm!
We are pleased to announce the hiring of Marcia Kidney. Marcia brings over 22 years of accounting and computer consulting experience to WDR, having established a successful accounting support and MAS90 software consulting company in 1992. In 2007, she transitioned into public accounting, having most recently been employed with a large regional accounting firm in the Albany area.
As a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Marcia’s emphasis with the firm will be to assist and train WDR clients in their use of QuickBooks. In addition to serving WDR clients, Marcia will be developing a unique QuickBooks training course that will be available not only to WDR clients, but also to non-clients of the firm.
Although originally from Connecticut, Marcia considers herself a native of the area having graduated from Queensbury High School. Her passion for both learning and teaching has led her to attend Adirondack Community College, Manchester College, and Empire State College, with her concentration being accounting and computer technology. Marcia has also achieved numerous accounting and business software certifications during her career.
WDR featured in Success Magazine, Ltd.
We are pleased to annouce that we are one of the feature articles in the February 2010 issue of Success Magazine, Ltd. Phil Whittemore, Paul Dowen, and Bob Ricciardelli were interviewed for the article. Topics discussed include the formation of WDR, our firm philosophy, and what we anticipate in the future for our firm.
John Roberts named Audit Manager
We are please to announce that John D. Roberts, CPA has been named Audit Manager for the firm. As manager, John will be responsible for all phases of audits, from planning through completion, and will be responsible for training and supervising other audit personnel. John is experienced in the audits of for-profit and not-for-profit as well as governmental entities.
Colin Combs named as Partner
We are pleased to announce that Colin D. Combs, CPA, CFE has been named a partner in the firm. Colin has has been a senior manager in the our accounting and auditing department. His practice specialization is governmental and not-for-profit audits. Colin also heads up the firm’s fraud auditing unit.
Colin joined the firm of Edwards, Williams, McManus & Ricciardelli in June of 2003 which merged with Whittemore, Dowen & Kilburn in April 2006. In 1996, Colin graduated from Adirondack Community College with an AAS degree in Accounting and in 2001 he received his BS degree from Siena College. Colin was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in August 2005. On March 17, 2008, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the world’s leading provider of anti-fraud training and education, awarded him the globally preferred Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation. Colin is also a Leadership Saratoga Alumni of the class of 2007.
Welcome Jarka Dearstyne and Jason Dessureault!
The firm is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to our team.
Jarka Dearstyne joins the firm as an account manager. Dearstyne, who holds an MBA from Union Graduate College, will be responsible for tax planning and preparation for high net worth individuals, business owners and trusts as well as financial and estate planning for individuals, including investment management and advisory services. In addition to her role in financial services, Dearstyne will take part in the WDR business consulting services department and help develop and manage new individual and business clients. Dearstyne, who previously worked as an executive financial planner at The Ayco Company, has more than six years of financial planning experience. Her strong background in financial planning includes investments, estate planning, retirement planning and wealth transfer. Dearstyne, a Rexford native, received a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Union College in 2001 and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Union Graduate College. Dearstyne holds both her NASD Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.
"It's a tremendous opportunity to be part of such an experienced and dedicated team, especially during a time of growth in the firm's development," said Jarka Dearstyne, account manager at WDR.
According to Dale Mullin, CPA, her supervisor at WDR, "Jarka's strong financial background will bring sophisticated financial planning to the firm and enable WDR to expand into new areas of business."
Jason Dessureault will provide assistance with tax preparation and audit services in his new role as staff accountant. Dessureault, who holds his Masters in Professional Accountancy from the State University of New York at Albany, has extensive internship experience in the private and government sector of accounting including two full-time internships with the New York State Office of the Comptroller and the Elizabethtown Community Hospital. Dessureault earned his bachelors degree in accounting at SUNY Plattsburgh and plans to pursue his certification in public accounting, while working full-time at WDR.
"I am honored to join the expert team at WDR," said Dessureault. "I am eager to learn and contribute to the high integrity work provided by the firm."
Introducing Wendy Gifford
We are pleased to announce the addition of Wendy L. Gifford to our team as staff accountant. Wendy is working toward her designation as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York, and will be responsible for providing accounting, tax and auditing services to WDR clients.
"We are fortunate to hire top talent in the current market," said managing partner, Paul Dowen. "Wendy's passion for the business and exceptional work ethic is a living example of the true wisdom WDR brings to clients. With Wendy's focus on value and service, WDR is better prepared to meet the needs of our clients through these tough economic times."
Wendy has four years of accounting experience, including comprehensive capabilities in both public and private client engagements. Prior to working for WDR, Gifford was a Staff Accountant for a local accounting firm, where she prepared individual and business tax returns as well as performed audits for school districts and municipalities. Wendy also brings a background in finance and purchasing from her prior working experience in the private sector.
"I am always fascinated how numbers help tell complex stories and give insight into a business or person," said Wendy L. Gifford. "With my background, education and love for numbers, I join an amazing team at WDR that offers me the opportunity to build relationships with exceptional clients and remain active in the local community. WDR is a great fit for me."
Congratulations to John Roberts on Becoming our Newest CPA!
We are pleased to announce that John D. Roberts has passed the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination, and has officially earned his designation as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) from the State of New York.
"We are thrilled to reintroduce John as a CPA to our clients," said Managing Partner Paul Dowen of WDR. "Our clients deserve only the best and brightest in a firm. Our service and expertise continues to grow everyday so we are providing just that."
According to the New York State Society of CPAs, all CPAs are accountants, but all accountants are not CPAs. CPAs are distinguished from other accountants by stringent state and licensing requirements, including education, examination, and experience. They must adhere to a strict code of professional ethics that the public recognizes and respects highly. CPAs are among the most extensively trained and experienced tax advisors.
John is a senior accountant at WDR. He has been practicing public accounting for three years with prior experience in private accounting. Certification in the field of public accounting gives Roberts the tools and knowledge to provide auditing and accounting services to a vast number of WDR clients.
Robert's dedication to his clients coupled with his work ethic has helped him get to where he is today. "Having the CPA credential is a symbol of trust and professionalism in the business world," said Roberts. "I am proud of my accomplishment and look forward to putting my knowledge to use helping businesses in the region achieve success."
ARCC 2008 Professional Business of the Year Award:
Whittemore, Dowen & Ricciardelli LLP
Commitment to the Region:
The firm is supportive of local community organizations by providing much time each year for partners and staff to volunteer, fund raise and serve on boards of directors for Crandall Public Library, Rotary, Lions Club, World Awareness Children's Museum, Kiwanis and U.S.A. Dance.
Staying Power:
WDR formed in April 2006 as the result of the merger of two long-standing CPA firms: Edwards, Williams, McManus & Ricciardelli, PC (established 1968); and Whittemore, Dowen & Kilburn, LLP (founded 1994).
Their approach to diversity involves hiring and promoting staff from various backgrounds. They are one of the few, and first, CPA firms in the area to welcome a woman partner in 1979. WDR currently boasts 30 staff, including five partners and 19 CPAs, and 2,000 clients. Future plans call for expanding into Saratoga.
Work Place Innovation:
Staff enjoys flexible work schedules due to their web-based technology. The firm provides all continuing education costs within the accounting profession.
WDR believe strongly in the environment and technology. They recycle and use paperless computer programs for both audits and taxes, plus additional services wherever possible.
Chamber Involvement:
A staff person recently graduated from the Leadership Adirondack Program, and partner Phil Whittemore served on the ARCC Board of Directors and as Treasurer for many years.
