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Sara has extensive experience serving governmental entities in the areas of internal and external auditing, single audits, taxation, information returns, and financial reporting. As the leader of our governmental services group, Sara is responsible for reviewing all governmental financial statements and assists with the management and delivery of services by facilitating risk assessment and client expectations for our larger governmental clients. She maintains and exceeds the continuing professional education requirements of Government Auditing Standards. In addition to the services she provides to local governments, Sara performs audits and related financial services for commercial businesses and nonprofit organizations.
Sara completed her maximum-allowed fourth year as chairperson of the Board of Directors of the SPCA Serving Erie County at the end of 2018. During her term, the organization built a 52,000-square foot building as a result of a $15 million-plus capital campaign and hired a new Executive Director/CEO. Sara continues to serve on numerous committees, including finance, governance, and strategic planning.
State University of New York at Geneseo, Bachelor of Science, Accounting
Harvard Business School Executive Education, 2016, Governing for Nonprofit Excellence
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, Public Schools Accounting Committee
Government Finance Officers' Association, Advisory Committee, WNY Chapter
New York State Association of Counties
Western New York Association of School Business Officials
Institute of Internal Auditors
Buffalo Business First, 40 Under 40 Honoree, 2015
Buffalo Business First, 40 Under 40 Judge
Passed Series 7 and 66 securities exams – Financial Advisor*
Erie County SPCA, Board Member, Past Board President
Buffalo Erie Marathon Association, Board Member
Cradle Beach Camp, Inc., Board Member
Sara is an avid animal lover and enjoys spending time at the SPCA and with her beloved dog, Darby. She is also a frequent volunteer at South Line Fire Company. When Sara is not busy helping others, human and animal alike, she enjoys traveling all over the world.
*Sara Dayton is a financial advisor/registered representative offering securities through Avantax Investment Services SM, Member FINRA, SIPC and investment advisory services through Avantax Advisory Services SM.
A strong internal control system can protect your organization from a variety of risks, including recordkeeping errors and employee theft. Here are three basic controls that you should take a look at annually.
On January 14, 2021, New York State Department of Labor (DOL) Commissioner, Roberta Reardon, issued an order retroactive to March 9, 2020 and effective through the end of the pandemic.
One year ago, we reminded readers that they had one more year to comply with the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s updated lease accounting rules (ASC Topic 842). However, that deadline was extended, meaning many nonprofits may have shifted their attention to other concerns, particularly as COVID-19 rose to the top of everyone’s list of priorities.
