Paul Schneible Takes On New Role In Accounting Firm

OSWEGO, NY – Paul W. Schneible, C.P.A., has been synonymous with accounting in the Oswego community for almost 35 years.

While he continues to deliver accounting service to many of the businesses and individuals in the community, he has now begun his transition plan to retirement and is taking on a new role at his accounting firm.

“Although I am not ready to retire today, I think it’s time now to begin that transition,” he said. “I plan to leave the clients I have worked with for many years in capable hands and continue to serve these clients in the next few years before officially retiring. As someone once said, once you become an expert, it’s maybe time to retire.”

Schneible attended Clarkson University with an eye on starting his own business in a field he had not yet determined.

While taking finance courses that were needed to run a business, he realized he could both learn the accounting end of management and own his own business by opening an accounting firm.

After working as a Certified Public Accountant in the Boston area and in Syracuse, he hung out a shingle for his own business in Oswego in September of 1975.

Although the business of accounting has become increasingly complex and regulated over the years, Schneible’s philosophy has remained consistent.

“This business is about relationships and building trust with local clients,” he said. “While many businesses have expanded their services outside of the local area, we have remained a business where the majority of our customers remain local. I am very proud of the longevity we have sustained in Oswego County through the years.”

That longevity has given Schneible a unique view at the successes and struggles within the community from a business perspective.

Although he could not offer specific examples of clients he has worked with in order to maintain confidentiality, he said he is proud to have been a part of the growth of many local businesses over the years.

“It’s great to walk down the street and say, I remember when that business had three people working in a small building and now it is an important employer and provider for the community,” Schneible said. “You don’t get a lot of credit in this business, accountants are not to be seen in the public limelight, but we do play an important role behind the scenes as consultants and business partners.”

Another point of pride for Schneible is the volunteer work he has done in the community over the years.

He has served on a number of boards for organizations such as the Oswego YMCA, the Ladies Home of Oswego, the Fulton-Oswego County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Oswego County, and Oswego Health.

“Being a part of the community is what it’s all about,” he said. “By becoming involved, you meet new people. It’s good for your business and it’s good for the community. I’ve always looked at community work as an investment in the community. As a businessman, you earn money from the community, and it’s only right to give some back as well.”

His work with Oswego Health over the years has been very valuable according to retired Oswego Health managing director Corte Spencer.

“Paul Schneible is a very capable and dedicated CPA,” Spencer said. “He has professionally helped many businesses, organizations and individuals in our community over the decades. I had the distinct pleasure of working with Paul on various Oswego Health projects as well as serving on other regional boards and organizations. Paul and his wife, Maureen, have a strong personal partnership, setting an example of a positive professional and personal relationship that benefits them and the greater Oswego County community. I wish them well as they graduate to the next phase of their lives and hope Paul’s accounting firm will be an ongoing legacy of his financial leadership in our community.”

Schneible and his wife, Maureen Sullivan, have two daughters, Meghan and Mollie.

While many accounting firms often end up being family businesses, Schneible’s family members have gone in different directions.

“Where this business goes into the future and the services it provides to the clients we have served for many years are very important to me,” he said.

As part of his transition, he has partnered with two local accountants, Art Pearson and Ed Burdick, both with several years of accounting experience and both residents of Oswego County.

“You really need to be a part of this community for this type of business to work and grow,” Schneible said.

Pearson and Burdick will be meeting clients and transitioning the business over the next few years, while taking on increased client work, according to Schneible.

“Paul has a solid reputation in this community,” Pearson said. “Ed and I take that reputation seriously and plan to continue to build on it into the future.”

With all of the pieces in place, Schneible believes his transition team is ready to move forward.

“What you look for in a business is consistency,” Schneible said. “Whether it’s a plate of spaghetti, someone who installs a faucet, or an accounting firm, those businesses that can consistently deliver quality service and product, usually stay in business. I’m proud to have been able to do that for the past 35 years, and am confident that what I’ve built will continue for another 35 or more.”

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