Geoffrey Mesko
Partner, Armanino Advisory LLC
- Philadelphia
- 267-765-0205
Work can get overwhelming. Doing the right thing simplifies it.
Work can get overwhelming. Doing the right thing simplifies it.
Bio
As a licensed CPA who gained on-the-job experience working at his own family’s glass company, Geoff is familiar with the accounting needs of a privately held business. Since the beginning of his career in 2003, Geoff has provided accounting, tax compliance and business consulting services to a broad base of clients. Today, he focuses on strategic tax planning and business advisory for privately held enterprises, including pass-through entities, individuals and estate planning vehicles.
In addition to this expertise, Geoff is well-versed in the process and representation before the IRS’s Global High-Wealth audit group and other tax authorities. He offers a great deal of experience providing tax solutions for the real estate industry and has managed an engagement for a publicly traded REIT.
Outside of family businesses and real estate, Geoff also works closely with professional athletes and entertainers, handling their complex tax and financial planning matters. He assists clients with their foreign transactions and has worked with multinational corporations as well as multistate institutions.
Experience
With the current shortage of talent, some of our clients face a lack of resources that impede growth. Businesses must be open to new business models and ways to fill those gaps.
While I think the future remains robust and bright for our clients, I’ve noticed a growing need to outsource accounting departments. By helping clients embrace automation, invest in technology and develop their human capital, we empower them to continue their missions.
Coming from a multigenerational family business that’s been around for almost 100 years, the toughest decision I’ve ever made was to create my own professional path. It’s not always easy to look inward and choose a different track for yourself, but I’m very happy with the decision I made. Public accounting has allowed me to tap into my firsthand knowledge of family business structures while I help others overcome challenges and continue their legacies.
One of my favorite clients is a closely held family enterprise with four different lines of business and all the daily challenges that this entails. This includes reporting to stakeholders, succession, estate planning, management, company taxes and personal returns for all those who are involved in the business. With all these layers and complexities comes a very special level of trust. It’s a privilege to have this hands-on, creative input because it feels like I’m part of their organization.
I strive to consistently add value to our projects and turn clients’ problems into opportunities. After solving one issue, I look for ways to get an even better outcome for the client. As a leader, I encourage my team to optimize solutions and address more than just the question at hand. There’s no set playbook for my staff. Instead, I prefer to create an open architecture workflow with a dynamic approach and a collaborative environment.
My dad. I was always fascinated by his ability to just talk to others, no matter where we went. It’s how he built organic relationships and connected with the people he met. Even if it was just a 20-minute conversation, he always learned something or made an impact on that other person.
What keeps me engaged and happy with work is that every day is different. Each day is a new opportunity to solve a challenge, create change in the community, and help the next generation add value to the lives of our clients.
