Fred Rook has devoted over three decades of his professional life to the dynamic world of accounting and financial strategy, rising through the ranks from early banking roles to becoming a respected Partner at Sasserath & Co. LLP. A Certified Public Accountant by designation and a business strategist by nature, Fred’s journey is marked by his unwavering dedication to precision, thoughtful leadership, and transformative impact on the clients and industries he has served. His motto—“Building Trust Through Numbers, Strategy, and Integrity”—encapsulates his unique ability to harmonize technical rigor with executive-level insight.
Fred’s career began after earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Magna Cum Laude honors from Boston University. It was there that he laid the intellectual foundation for a career defined by financial acumen and analytical prowess. Entering the workforce with Fleet Bank, Fred sharpened his skills in regulatory reporting and SEC compliance, experiences that gave him early exposure to the complex interplay between finance and corporate accountability.
His talent quickly caught the attention of industry leaders, and by the late 1990s, Fred had joined Ernst & Young’s Kenneth Leventhal Real Estate Group. At EY, Fred managed large-scale audit engagements for prominent financial institutions and real estate developers. He implemented firmwide strategies that increased profitability by up to 15% and was instrumental in advising clients on internal control improvements and emerging accounting regulations. These formative years at a Big Four firm not only validated Fred’s expertise but also set the tone for the strategic leadership he would later bring to every role.
Following his time at EY, Fred held key management positions at several respected regional firms, including Hays & Company and Citrin Cooperman LLP. As Director at Citrin Cooperman, he was entrusted with leading multifaceted audit and tax engagements across sectors such as entertainment, real estate, and professional services. He demonstrated a profound ability to connect numbers with narrative, helping clients understand their financials not just as compliance tools, but as strategic assets that inform decision-making and fuel growth.
Fred’s experience extends deeply into the healthcare sector, highlighted by his role as Corporate Controller for SB Administrative Services, where he managed financial operations for a large network of community-based medical practices. His responsibilities included due diligence for acquisitions, financial reporting, and physician compensation negotiations. He became a vital financial translator between clinical leadership and executive management, fostering collaboration and ensuring fiscal responsibility in a high-stakes, patient-focused environment.
At Gettry Marcus CPA, Fred served as Senior Manager with a concentration in healthcare and real estate. Here, he was recognized for orchestrating complex mergers and acquisitions of multi-specialty practices, managing HUD audits, and spearheading firmwide training initiatives. He was more than a manager; he was a mentor and builder of internal capability. His thought leadership appeared regularly in firm newsletters, where he distilled regulatory shifts and market trends into actionable insights for clients.
In 2018, Fred joined Sasserath & Co. LLP, where he now serves as a Partner. In this capacity, he leads the firm’s audit and accounting department, oversees all financial statement preparation, and has been pivotal in launching the firm’s Client Accounting Services (CAS) division. His role blends high-level advisory with hands-on execution—offering tax planning, cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and strategic financial modeling tailored to each client’s vision and needs. He is also a cornerstone of the firm’s internal training efforts, guiding younger professionals in technical excellence and ethical leadership.
Fred’s industries of influence span construction, real estate, healthcare, legal services, and SaaS. His comprehensive knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), corporate taxation, due diligence, and internal controls positions him as an essential advisor to clients navigating complex regulatory and growth landscapes. Yet what sets Fred apart is his belief that accounting is not just about compliance—it’s about empowerment. His work enables entrepreneurs and executives to understand their business better and make confident, data-informed decisions.
Outside of professional life, Fred is an avid chess player—an interest that reflects his love for strategic thinking, patience, and problem-solving. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of CPAs, maintaining a strong network within the professional community and remaining engaged in ongoing education and thought leadership.
Now, with a wealth of experience behind him, Fred is seeking to contribute his talents in a new capacity: as a board member or advisory leader. His motivation stems from a deep-seated desire to move beyond compliance and serve on the strategic side of business. He brings with him a robust toolkit of financial expertise, a mentor’s mindset, and a commitment to fostering long-term value for organizations poised for transformation.
Character:
Fred exemplifies the highest standards of integrity and dependability, earning the trust of colleagues, clients, and peers across every stage of his career. His professional conduct is rooted in a genuine commitment to excellence, fairness, and ethical leadership.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years of accounting and business advisory experience, Fred has cultivated a deep well of expertise across diverse industries. He is known for his mastery of financial regulations, tax strategy, and corporate governance, as well as his ability to simplify complex issues for actionable outcomes.
Strategic:
Fred brings a forward-looking mindset to every role, integrating data analysis with business vision to guide clients and stakeholders toward sustainable success. His ability to anticipate challenges and build dynamic, tailored solutions has made him a trusted advisor to both private companies and institutional clients.
Communication:
An accomplished lecturer and internal trainer, Fred is skilled at distilling complex financial principles into clear, relatable language. Whether mentoring junior staff or advising C-suite executives, he engages with clarity, empathy, and impact.
