Client Testimonials

Elinor (Litwack) is Yachad’s long-time accountant. Last month she worked at breakneck speed to see that we had all the information needed to apply for emergency public funding. She did this while managing her four children and all her other clients.

Growing from an organization with an annual budget of under 1 million to an over 4 million annual budget in less than 5 years has been an occasionally challenging trajectory to navigate and there was no better auditing team to have by our side than Walt Derengowski and GRF. I would highly recommend GRF to other nonprofit organizations and plan to contract with them for auditing services again at the conclusion of our current fiscal year.

The team at GRF has been an invaluable resource as I’ve launched, grown and succeeded with my business. David Graling is a consummate professional who is quick to respond to questions with thoughtful and insightful answers. And when he doesn’t know, someone else at GRF does — and they’re ready to help. Accounting isn’t something I want to worry about; with GRF helping to prepare our taxes and advise on how to handle issues with the IRS, out-of-state entities, and the intricacies of tax law, I know we’re in good hands.”

We’ve partnered with GRF for several years. Our GRF team does not just play “gotcha” regarding internal controls and financial statements presentations. They are true thought partners who work with our accounting team to help us become a best-in-class department. I appreciate that Alejandra Jensen, and Ricardo Trujillo are not just technically competent auditors, but are also very relatable and personable professionals. All of it matters when trying to pair up with the firm that fits best!

We have worked with GRF for over a decade.  Not only are they a valuable resource during the year as questions come up, but they also do a great job of institutionalizing knowledge from engagement to engagement, so we don’t get asked the same questions each year.  We’ve had a seamless transition with them to remote audits and appreciate their focus on customer service and practical solutions.

The Himalayan Cataract Project engaged GRF and Walt Derengowski as our auditors and tax preparers at a time when HCP was growing significantly.  We sought out a firm that would not only provide a strong review of our business and accounting practices but one we could rely on to help us improve.  Walt and his team were consummate professionals and continue to be exceptional resources as we expand globally with more robust systems.  We would not hesitate to recommend Walt and GRF to other non-profit organizations like ours.

AUVSI has had a relationship with the firm of Gelman, Rosenberg and Freedman (now GRF CPAs & Advisors), and specifically Jim Larson, for (several) years. GRF was selected to perform auditing services after reviewing proposals from several other accounting firms. We have never regretted that decision. Jim’s technical expertise, responsiveness and sound judgment have proven invaluable to AUVSI staff, the Board of Trustees and the entire Association. He has guided our organization through periods of phenomenal growth with outstanding advice and a consistently high level of service.

When I joined as COO, WomenHeart was experiencing some issues with their accounting firm.  I immediately knew who to turn to because prior to that, I had the pleasure of working with Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman (now GRF CPAs & Advisors) when I was Executive Director of another mid-size nonprofit.  WomenHeart has now been a client of GRF for (several) years and we could not be any happier with the financial support that we are receiving.  Incredible service, understanding of our needs and straight-forward guidance is what GRF offers us on an ongoing basis.  Whether it’s the audit, a board presentation or a simple question, the assistance received is invaluable.  We benefit from their vast understanding and wealth of information received from working with hundreds of nonprofits every time we engage with GRF.

Walt Derengowski and his team are very professional, thorough, proficient, and knowledgeable.  They take time to explain matters that may be unclear and they were very flexible in scheduling. Also noteworthy is the fact that they very quickly grasped the nature of the work that we do.  We’re a nonprofit membership organization, however, in many ways we are unique. Walt’s team demonstrated an ability to grasp our unique qualities and tailor their approach to the audit accordingly. I absolutely would recommend them and definitely intend to continue using GRF!

Jenn McCahill and her team at Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman (now GRF CPAs & Advisors) represent true professionals. She ensures the audit engagement is completed within budget and on time, presents timely financial statements, and is always available to answer our questions. I trust her expertise and often turn to her for advice. Her great sense of humor actually makes the audit “fun” and I actually look forward to seeing her friendly face year after year! (Not many people can honestly say that one). Luckily my audit and compliance committee agreed to keep Gelman (GRF) as our audit firm because of the amazing service we continually receive.

“Trevor Williams has been a key asset for IHEP throughout the audit process. He is clearly dedicated to his work, as he often goes above and beyond, making sure to take the time to truly understand our organization in order to provide excellent guidance from planning to field work. Trevor has the ability to take complicated auditing standards and relay their impact in a way that allows us to understand and react to them in the appropriate fashion. IHEP certainly looks forward to the continuation of this partnership.”

The accounting firm of Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman (now GRF CPAs & Advisors) has consistently provided the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) with superior services.  The team, led by partner Terri McKnight, is knowledgeable about the nuances of the nonprofit industry, as well as attentive and thorough in their responses to any questions and concerns.  The continuity of staff during audit engagements contributes to an effective and timely process, and ensures that the best internal controls, policies and procedures are firmly in place. CBF would recommend Gelman, Rosenberg and Freedman (GRF) to anyone in need of a high-quality accounting firm.”

Gelman, Rosenberg and Freedman (now GRF CPAs & Advisors) have performed the audit for Strathmore Hall Foundation, Inc. for the past three years, and each time our audits have been run smoothly, timely, and efficiently. Terri McKnight and her team are always friendly, thoughtful communicators and have been a pleasure to work with. We greatly appreciate the added value of constructive feedback and practical advice that they provide, especially as they take into account the size of our organization and all the different factors that make Strathmore unique. We have a tight audit timeline and a long list of requirements, and every time Terri’s team rises to the occasion and exceeds expectations. We would highly recommend Gelman and Terri to other nonprofits in need of auditing services.

Under the professional leadership of partner Andreas Alexandrou, the GRF team brings a high level of technical expertise concerning the nonprofit industry and translates this knowledge to Doorways and its mission. Andreas encourages an interactive audit process, is consistently available to discuss financial and operational issues and is happy to get down to the transaction level to ensure the financial statements reflect the utmost of integrity in telling the mission of Doorways. The audit process is productive and generates useful feedback that improves the financial practices and controls of Doorways. Andreas also ensures that the financial statements and 990 are delivered within our date parameters and within the predetermined budget.

Terri McKnight is solid gold. Her audit approach has taken APA’s engagement to the next level. The audit is managed with such effectiveness and ease that I am able to play a less active role and concentrate on my other responsibilities.”

Jenn McCahill and her team at Gelman, Rosenberg, & Freedman are experts in the nonprofit accounting field. Jenn in particular is an invaluable resource; her knowledge of the nonprofit world is an essential resource for us. She responds quickly and with great thoughtfulness to questions, offering concise and valuable recommendations. Jenn’s teams are always well prepared for their audit engagements. They are efficient and knowledgeable. I would recommend Jenn and the Gelman team without hesitation to anyone seeking an auditor.

The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) selected Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman (now GRF CPAs & Advisors) in 1996 because we knew that the firm is well-versed in the business of nonprofits that work internationally. Since the beginning, we have worked exclusively with Bob Albrecht.  Bob clearly understands our mission and believes in it. As ICFJ has grown, Bob’s financial expertise and leadership have been invaluable in our work with many sub-grantees and other organizations that we deal with throughout the world. His responsiveness is exemplary, and if he does not have an answer at hand, Bob always is able to refer us to a colleague who can help us quickly and efficiently.