About Tonneson

Our People

Name: James E. Porath, MBA

Title: Principal

Education: Dartmouth College,
Amos Tuck School of Business Administration

• Areas of Emphasis: Over 30 years of public accounting experience, with an emphasis on retirement planning, estate planning and general business financial planning and advisory services.
• Why Public Accounting: This profession gave me the opportunity to work with a broad range of industries and learn the inner workings of the average small to midsize firm. It put me in direct contact with the owners and key personnel of each client, and allowed me to use the knowledge and experience I acquired to help them solve their business and personal problems. I treat each client as though I was an owner, and my advice has always been dictated by the question "What would I do if it were me?". I originally thought that public accounting would be about numbers and accounting, but that has never been the case. I found myself negotiating buy-sell agreements, splitting up businesses between partners, advising on leases, mediating issues in divorces, and pro-actively urging clients to set up estate plans. Working with a variety of people, and dealing with ever-changing tax, business and personal problems is very rewarding for me. In hindsight, I believe that public accounting is the right profession for me because it allows me to expand and enjoy an enlarged family, as I consider all my clients as family.
• Tonneson Experience: After a start with Arthur Andersen and then owning and managing my own firm for many years, I merged my firm with Tonneson + Co. This was the best move that I could have made. The firm has continually set and maintained high standards. The staff are all well-trained, enthusiastic and a joy to work with. When a job is finished, it is done right with no corners cut. The firm is very progressive and has invested heavily in new technology, equipment and premises. It provides an exceptional work environment and supports the staff with all the tools they need to do their jobs and grow in their professional development. It is also very involved in the community and a variety of charitable activities.
• Outside of Work: I enjoy sailing, skiing, playing golf, hiking, fishing and woodworking. Spending time with my wife, children and grandchildren at our second home in Jackson, New Hampshire is very special to me.