MiCHAEL R. DEC, CPA, CGMA
- I earned my Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Le Moyne College in 2007. Prior to co-founding Dec & Benson with Cathy, I worked in both the audit and tax departments of three well-established regional CPA firms. In 2010, I launched my own tax practice, which expanded into a full-time accounting, tax, and consulting firm in January 2013.
- In addition to building my tax practice, I served as controller for several large and mid-sized organizations while maintaining a part-time accounting and tax client base from 2010 to 2013. Unlike many accountants who specialize in either audit, tax, or private industry, I deliberately pursued experience across all three disciplines. This comprehensive background enables me to provide clients with a well-rounded perspective—helping them interpret financial statements, understand the expectations of external stakeholders, maintain compliance at both federal and state levels, and strategically minimize tax liability.
- During my years in private industry, I played a key role in launching multiple new ventures through strategic budgeting, tax planning, and financial projections. As CFO, I helped Synapse Partners, LLC and its affiliates grow into one of the largest property and casualty insurance wholesalers in the United States.
- Today, I oversee a tax practice serving approximately 800 clients. I advise start-ups, small businesses, and mid-to-large organizations in areas including business formation, monthly accounting, tax strategy, financial analysis, and long-term tax and exit strategy planning.
- My industry specializations include commercial and residential real estate, automotive, medical practices, cryptocurrency, and collectibles. I also personally manage my own rental real estate rental portfolio, providing practical, hands-on insight into property ownership and investment strategy.
- A lifelong resident of Central New York, I value community and family. My wife and I are proud to have a son and daughter who are beginning their careers in the business. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors on the lake with my family and collecting video games. My credentials include:
- Bachelors Science Accounting Cum Laude
- Le Moyne College 2007
- Certified Public Accountant New York State 2010
- Chartered Global Management Accountant 2012
CATHERINE M BENSON
Catherine has been preparing tax returns since 1984. She is an expert in small business accounting and taxation.
She is the former managing partner of Vollmer and Benson. Under the leadership and guidance of Catherine she was able to grow the firm to over 500 clients before her partner passed away unexpectedly. Despite the challenges she was able to transition herself to a sole proprietorship and move the clients to our current office location in Oneida.
She has recently formally retired and now in lives in Florida with her husband Ken and two dogs.