We are a small family-run accounting firm that values relationships just as much as accurate financial statements.
I am Steve Tonkin, and I have spent more than 20 years in and around the accounting profession. When I say “we,” I am referring to my wife, Cheryl, and me, and occasionally our son, Joel, who helps as well.
Early in our careers, Cheryl worked in computer programming and IT consulting in Denver, while I pursued graduate studies and later worked as a youth pastor in Chicago. At that point, I had years of education in teaching and theology, but very little business experience and not much understanding of financials.
That began to change during lunch with a friend in Chicago who had just finished his MBA and was working as director of operations for a manufacturing company. We were sitting in a small restaurant booth, talking about business, leadership, and how companies actually run. I had worked a lot of jobs growing up, but that conversation shifted how I thought. For the first time, I started thinking like someone who wanted to understand and influence a business, not just work in one.
I went back to school, completed the coursework required for the CPA exam, and passed all four sections on my first attempt. From there, I built experience across construction, printing, public accounting, and eventually Waste Management, where I worked in a large accounting organization supporting operations in Chicago and later across Colorado’s Front Range.
After more than a decade in Chicago, our family relocated to Denver. Over time, our family grew; Cheryl focused on raising our children, and I continued to develop my career in corporate accounting.
Eventually, during an economic downturn, I was laid off. That season led me to start my first business, focusing on corporate training and helping teams better understand how they work and communicate. It was a challenging and formative experience that gave me firsthand insight into what it really takes to run a business.
A former colleague encouraged me to return to accounting, pointing out how many small businesses struggled with messy or incomplete books. At the same time, Cheryl was considering returning to work. With her background in systems and technology, and after helping with a few cleanup projects together, we realized we could build something strong as a team.
Today, we work side by side serving small businesses, helping owners get clear and accurate financials so they can make better decisions. Our focus is simple: be available, communicate clearly, and deliver work our clients can trust.
We intentionally keep our firm small so we can stay hands-on and responsive. We do not outsource work overseas, and we do not rely on automated phone systems or chatbots to replace real conversations.
At the same time, we embrace the right technology. We use modern tools, including the Digits accounting platform, to improve accuracy, efficiency, and access to real-time financial information, so our clients always know where they stand. We also continue to support clients who use QuickBooks Online.
Our goal is to build long-term relationships and a firm that serves clients well for years to come. We have chosen to stay small, stay accessible, and do the work the right way. We know what it takes to build something over time, and we enjoy working with people who are doing the same.