Dawn Catapano

You deserve a tax professional who doesn’t disappear after April 15th—someone who provides hands-on guidance throughout the year and truly understands the challenges facing small businesses.

With over 25 years of public accounting experience focused on small business consulting, Dawn brings deep industry knowledge and a genuinely personal approach to tax compliance and business advisory services. As Tax Manager at HBK’s Melville office since the November 2023 merger, she has built her career on year-round client communication and hands-on assistance that goes far beyond traditional tax preparation.

Dawn understands the daily challenges facing small business owners across diverse industries:

• Professional service firms, particularly law firms, that need sophisticated partnership and S Corporation structuring
• Restaurant and hospitality businesses navigating complex revenue recognition and seasonal cash flow challenges
• Retail and wholesale operations managing inventory accounting and multi-location tax compliance
• Manufacturing companies dealing with cost accounting complexities and equipment depreciation strategies
• Day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting issues that can’t wait until year-end

Her specialized expertise spans the full spectrum of small business needs:

From intricate S Corporation and partnership taxation to individual tax compliance and planning, Dawn has guided countless small businesses through critical financial decisions. Her particular strength with professional service industries, especially law firms, means she understands the unique challenges facing knowledge-based businesses where human capital drives profitability.

Here’s how Dawn approaches every client relationship:

1. Year-Round Partnership: She believes in consistent client communication throughout the year, not just during tax season
2. Hands-On Guidance: Her approach includes practical assistance with daily bookkeeping and accounting issues that impact your bottom line
3. Personal Care Philosophy: She brings a genuinely personal approach to client service, treating each business like it matters to her personally
4. Training and Development Focus: Her role in tax department training and procedure development ensures clients benefit from best practices and current knowledge

Dawn’s leadership extends beyond individual client service:

As a designated monitor for tax department training and procedure development, she plays a crucial role in maintaining quality standards and sharing knowledge across the firm. Her mentorship of new hires and existing staff demonstrates her commitment to developing the next generation of tax professionals who share her client-first philosophy.

Her educational foundation and professional commitment ensure cutting-edge service:

With her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Long Island University and CPA certification since 2000, combined with 40+ hours of annual continuing education specializing in tax, Dawn maintains expertise in the latest tax laws and planning strategies. Her membership in the American Institute of CPAs keeps her connected to industry best practices and emerging trends.

Beyond professional excellence, Dawn brings authentic community commitment to every relationship. As Treasurer for Shannon’s Fight, a local nonprofit, she demonstrates her financial expertise while supporting important community causes. Her volunteer bookkeeping work for Paws & Hooves animal rescue organization shows her willingness to contribute her professional skills to causes she cares about.

Dawn’s personal interests reflect her nurturing, detail-oriented nature: As a devoted NY Rangers hockey fan, houseplant enthusiast, and tropical aquarium hobbyist, she understands the patience and attention to detail required for long-term success. Her love for animals—evidenced by her rescue volunteer work—shows the caring approach she brings to all her relationships.

Her Long Island roots run deep: A 30+ year Long Island resident who grew up in Queens, Dawn understands the local business landscape and the values that drive regional commerce. Married with one child, she balances professional excellence with family commitment, bringing that same dedication to work-life integration that many small business owners strive to achieve.

For small business owners seeking more than just tax compliance, Dawn offers the rare combination of technical expertise, industry-specific knowledge, and genuine personal investment that transforms routine accounting services into strategic business partnership.