ABOUT US

2020 Best of the Best Firms Inside Public Accounting

Wheeler Wolfenden and Dwares, CPAs is an accounting and business consulting firm dedicated to providing the highest quality services to our clients. Our team of experts is small enough to get to know you but large enough to meet your needs. And our membership with CPAmerica, Inc., an association of independently owned and managed CPA and consulting firms, extends our capacity to serve clients locally, nationally and around the globe.

Founded in May 1998 by John Wheeler and David Wolfenden as Wheeler & Wolfenden, P.A., the firm acquired Leonard S. Dwares & Company in January 1999, forming the firm it is today. In January 2006, we moved our headquarters from 824 North Market Street in Wilmington, where the firm started, to our Pike Creek location. We opened our Lewes office in November 2008 to better serve our ever-expanding group of clients in Sussex County.

Over the years, Wheeler Wolfenden and Dwares, CPAs has made a name for itself among clients as the go-to source for accounting, tax and advisory services. Our firm is second to none when it comes to providing services to clients within niche industries, such as nonprofit, construction, hospitality, and professional practices, and our size affords us the ability to effectively serve these clients.

Our team is nimble and flexible when it comes to dealing with time-sensitive issues, and can change gears instantly to accommodate. Every day, we strive to meet and exceed client expectations.

As a firm, our ties to the local community run deep. Most members of our team are graduates of local colleges and universities, particularly the University of Delaware. We even selected our firm’s colors to celebrate our Blue Hen pride. We feel strongly about giving back to the community we call home. Our leadership team members are active on the boards of many business and nonprofit organizations, and enjoy participating in several local events and activities each year.

Now that you know about us, we’d like to know more about you. Contact us and let us know how we can help you meet your business and financial goals.

MEET THE TEAM

MEMBER OF:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
AICPA Tax Section
Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants
National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts
Wilmington Tax Group

DAVID M. WOLFENDEN, CPA, CVA, MS

Managing Director, Firm Co-founder

As co-founder of Wheeler Wolfenden and Dwares, CPAs, Dave helped set the foundation for the firm to grow into what it is today. In his current role as Managing Director, Dave splits his time between the firm’s offices in Wilmington and Lewes, Delaware. In addition to being the firm’s leader, Dave co-chairs both the Accounting & Auditing and Tax departments.

With so many years in the profession, Dave’s skills and expertise cover the full range of the firm’s capabilities, including accounting, auditing, tax services for closely-held businesses and high net worth individuals, business valuation, succession planning, CFO/finance staff recruiting, and more. Dave’s clients include construction contractors, manufacturers, investment partnerships, nonprofit organizations, professional service firms, pension plans, real estate developers, funeral homes, hospitality companies and individuals.

Dave’s extensive knowledge and skillset have allowed him to maintain long-term relationships with business and individual clients.

“I enjoy building long-term relationships with our clients. Using my business savvy and technical expertise to find solutions to the most challenging issues is rewarding. It is gratifying to know I’m helping our clients achieve their business goals.”

He is actively engaged in the business and nonprofit communities. Dave serves on the Board of Community Bank of Delaware, Inc., and chairs its Audit Committee. He gives his time and talent as a member of the Board of Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County. Dave is past president of The Committee of 100, and past treasurer of New Castle County Chamber of Commerce and Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts (now known as The Delaware Contemporary). In addition, Dave has served on Peer Review panels for the AICPA, which has provided the opportunity to examine and make recommendations for other accounting firms nationwide.

Dave received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, both in Accounting, from the University of Delaware. He has earned the Certified Valuation Analyst designation.

To unwind in his spare time, David enjoys playing guitar, golfing, traveling and cooking.

MEMBER OF:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
AICPA Tax Section
AICPA Forensic and Valuation Services Section
Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants
Wilmington Tax Group
LPGA Amateur Golf Association Delaware Chapter

KATHLEEN CORCORAN, CPA

Director

Kathy joined Wheeler Wolfenden and Dwares, CPAs in 2001, after graduating from University of Delaware with a bachelor of science degree in Accounting. Her tax expertise and enthusiasm for working with clients has led her to advance through the ranks at the firm. She co-chairs the firm’s Tax department.

Kathy specializes in tax, accounting and auditing, forensic accounting and litigation support. Her clients include high net worth individuals, businesses and professional services firms. Kathy’s strong professional knowledge and ability to communicate complex tax matters in an easy-to-understand way have helped her build long-standing client relationships.

“I love getting to know my clients, to see what they care about and what makes them tick. Once you get to know someone, you can better serve them. I always make an effort to help clients feel at ease by explaining tax issues in terms a non-financial person can understand.”

She serves on the board of directors of The Committee of 100 and as treasurer of the LPGA Amateur Golf Association Delaware Chapter. In addition, Kathy schedules and manages the Olympics qualifying event for the Senior Olympics basketball program, and has coached the varsity girls basketball team at a local high school.

Kathy was recognized in 2016 by Delaware Business Times as one of the “40 Under 40” Achievers and Innovators. She has excelled in sports all of her life, and played Division I basketball for University of Delaware. In 2012, Kathy was inducted into the Central Bucks West High School Hall of Fame for her leadership on the basketball, tennis and track teams.

MEMBER OF:

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Delaware Society of Certified Public Accountants
Wilmington Tax Group
Wilmington Rotary Club

B. CHRISTOPHER DANEY, CPA, MBA, MST

Principal

Chris joined Wheeler Wolfenden and Dwares, CPAs in 2005, but his public accounting experience spans more than 35 years.

Chris’s practice is focused on serving high net worth individuals, corporations, LLCs, estate and trusts, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations. He provides accounting, auditing, tax planning and audit representation, and business planning services. In addition, Chris advises international clients on domestic tax matters, individual tax identification numbers (ITINs), and compliance with foreign banking and investment reporting. Chris works with clients in a wide array of industries and is particularly well-known in the thoroughbred breeding and racing community across the United States.

“Developing long-term client relationships is dependent upon them trusting me and having confidence in my opinion.”

He is an active member of the Wilmington and Kennett Square communities, and serves as president of Kennett Run Charities. As an avid runner, Chris competes in numerous half-marathons, 10K and 5K races each year. In addition, Chris is treasurer of the Cancer Support Community Delaware, budget committee chairperson of the Del-Mar-Va Council of the Boy Scouts of America, assistant scoutmaster for Troop 29 of the Del-Mar-Va Council, and a race starter for the National Steeplechase Association. He is past treasurer of the Pennsylvania Hunt Cup Committee.

Chris received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. He earned two degrees from Widener University—Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Taxation.

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