Dannible & McKee acquires Auburn CPA firm

SYRACUSE — Syracuse–based accounting firm Dannible & McKee, LLP has acquired an Auburn firm in a deal that took effect Nov. 1.

Buffington & Hoatland CPAs, PLLC is a certified public accountant (CPA) and consulting firm that is now operating under the Dannible & McKee, LLP brand, the Syracuse firm said in its Oct. 31 announcement. 

Dannible & McKee didn’t disclose any financial terms of the deal. The acquisition is part of its “strategic plan to strengthen its position” throughout Central New York, the Syracuse firm noted. 

“Dannible & McKee’s focus on growth is driven by our commitment to deliver the highest level of quality service to our clients, while attracting and retaining bright and collaborative team members,” Christopher Didio, managing partner at Dannible & McKee, said. “With our mutual priority on client service excellence, the strong synergies between our businesses and a shared culture focused on team member success, we see tremendous opportunities in this partnership for both our clients and our people. We are excited to welcome the staff, clients and friends of Buffington & Hoatland CPAs to our firm.”

Besides its Syracuse headquarters, Dannible & McKee also operates offices in Vestal and Schenectady.

The acquisition will add seven employees, including two partners, to Dannible & McKee, and the firm will maintain its current location in Auburn. Buffington & Hoatland CPAs has been providing accounting, tax, and consulting services to individuals and businesses since 2009. 

“We are very proud of the nearly 13-year history of our firm and recognized that the next step for our team and clients was to join with a firm as highly respected by their clients and within the community as Dannible & McKee,” Elaine Buffington, managing partner of Buffington & Hoatland CPAs, said in a statement. “We look forward to offering expanded specialized services and deep industry insights for our clients and advancement opportunities for our employees.”

Buffington will continue to practice as a partner at Dannible & McKee. She has more than 35 years of experience in both private and public practice. Her areas of specialization are auditing and accounting, business consulting, and tax preparation. She has extensive experience with nonprofit organizations, as well as manufacturers, wholesale distributors, and retail businesses. 

Alice Hoatland will continue to serve as a consulting partner. Hoatland has more than 40 years of experience as a CPA in small-business consulting and taxation.