Thomas Bonadio, CPA

Title
Managing Partner

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Personal Quote

“I think the top three challenges faced by our clients are tax minimization, profitability improvements, and succession planning. What makes TBG different? We’re always ready to do more and to go that extra step.”

Background & Experience

A native of Rochester, Tom founded The Bonadio Group in 1978 with one partner and a part-time employee. Under his leadership it has grown to be the largest independent provider of accounting, business advisory and financial services in Upstate New York. Tom has consistently been at the forefront of change in the public accounting arena, combining an uncanny flair to see opportunities where others only see problems, with a willingness to take risk and the ability to manage people and reach objectives. He led the charge to make The Bonadio Group among the first public accounting firms in NYS to expand services beyond audit and accounting.

Tom also serves as Engagement Partner for a number of the firm’s largest privately held-clients. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing the delivery of accounting, audit and tax compliance services, and is directly involved with his client’s strategic and business planning needs. Tom is adept at helping his clients with succession and estate planning. He has a particular expertise in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, including development of innovative financing strategies.

Under Tom’s guidance, the firm has also instituted and continues to carefully craft personal development initiatives that are at the forefront of professional services firms. These initiatives include a commitment to continuing professional education, a pay schedule that attracts top professionals; bonus and 401(k) programs; a flextime program and even a casual dress policy. He was a key force behind the firm’s “Promise” campaign, a combination of mission statement and corporate philosophy that bridges the space between employee and customer satisfaction. Tom plays a key training and mentoring role in the Bonadio Leadership University, a year-long series of workshops, seminars and skills building events for employees interested in becoming a firm leader.

Tom’s favorite aspects of his job are helping clients reach their financial goals and creating opportunity for employees. Ask him what the highlight of his career has been and he will tell you “every year has highlights”. You can see why today, and for the future, Tom's commitment to innovation will continue to fuel the company’s growth and its ability to serve their clients.

Education

• B.B.A. - Accounting, St. John Fisher College

Licensed

• New York

Industry & Service Expertise

• Construction, privately held businesses, professional services, real estate
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Succession and estate planning

Professional and Community Service Involvement

• St John Fisher College
• Honorary Board Member, Past Chairman
• Alumni Activities Committee
• Conceptus, Inc., (Nasdaq), board member, Head of Audit Committee
• DigiQuick, dba Clix, board member
• Eagle International, board member
• United Way, Team Captain
• Small Business CEO Roundtable

Firm Teams & Committees

• Commercial Division Team
• Compensation Committee
• Executive Committee

Credits and Achievements

• CPA ALLSTAR, CPA Magazine
• Outstanding Alumni, St. John Fisher College
• Point of Light Foundation Award, presented by President George Bush
• CEO of the Year, Rochester Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America
• Boys and Girls Club, Outstanding Citizen’s Award
• Three-time Nominee, Small business Person of the Year, Rochester Business Alliance
• Honorary Doctorate of Law, St. John Fisher College

On the Personal Side

The first thing you may notice about Tom may be his very distinctive laugh! Tom will put you at ease immediately with his delightful sense of humor; a wonderful trait to possess when you are the founder, managing partner and CEO of a 230+ person accounting firm.

Tom and his wife Heather live in Rochester with Rocky and Annabelle, their two Westies. They have two adult children, Renee and Danielle and two beautiful grandchildren, Celeste and Spencer.

He enjoys golfing and spending time with his family.