“Building Financial Strength Through Strategic Construction Insight”
Stephen C. Bongiorno is a seasoned financial executive with over 45 years of leadership experience in accounting and financial management, primarily within the construction industry. A visionary leader and strategic thinker, Stephen has dedicated his career to optimizing financial systems, streamlining organizational processes, and guiding businesses through periods of growth and transition. With deep expertise in financial reporting, insurance, bonding, and construction-specific job costing, he has become a sought-after consultant for construction and publishing companies seeking transformative operational improvements.
Stephen’s journey began with a solid academic foundation, earning a B.S. in Accounting from Villanova University, followed by an MBA in Finance and Investment from Adelphi University. This educational pedigree laid the groundwork for his distinctive ability to merge financial discipline with practical industry insight—a capability that would define his career. From the outset, Stephen demonstrated an exceptional ability to simplify complex financial processes and introduce systematic approaches to improve accuracy, efficiency, and profitability.
His most extensive tenure was at Ruttura & Sons Construction Co., where he served as Chief Financial Officer for 17 years. Over this period, Stephen oversaw financial operations across a multi-entity portfolio, including a concrete and site-work contractor, an equipment rental business, a recycling company, and real estate holdings. He managed a team of eight professionals and directed a wide scope of responsibilities, from union payroll and collections to insurance and bonding programs, banking relationships, and ESOP administration. Notably, he successfully led the complex dissolution and buyback of the company’s employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), a rare and delicate accomplishment that underscored his leadership and negotiation capabilities.
Post-2021, Stephen expanded his impact as an accounting consultant, working with firms such as Spectrum Kitchens, LLC, and Degiaimo Group Construction and Real Estate. At Spectrum Kitchens, he restructured internal accounting processes, streamlined job costing practices, and developed methodologies for accurately allocating labor to specific projects. His work helped the company significantly improve its financial reporting structure and operational efficiency. At Degiaimo Group, he directed the conversion to Sage Accounting Software, applying his knowledge of construction software to support leadership in implementing scalable financial systems tailored to the business’s growth trajectory.
Stephen’s capacity for financial transformation is complemented by his technical acumen. He is highly proficient in industry-specific software systems including Sage, Timberline, and Viewpoint, and has leveraged Excel to develop custom solutions for data querying and financial analysis. His ability to bridge technical tools with strategic financial planning makes him an indispensable resource for businesses navigating change or expansion.
Beyond his corporate roles, Stephen has contributed to industry knowledge through presentations and roundtable discussions. He has spoken to groups of concrete contractors, offering insights into best practices for financial management within construction environments. While not holding formal board seats in all cases, his advisory presence and mentorship have had a tangible impact, particularly during his past board role with the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). His contributions helped guide peers and up-and-coming professionals toward better fiscal responsibility and strategic foresight.
In 2023, Stephen relocated from Long Island to Upstate New York to be closer to family. This change ushered in a new chapter—one focused on advisory and board service. Driven by a desire to stay intellectually and professionally active, he is now seeking board opportunities where he can apply his decades of expertise to help organizations strengthen their financial frameworks, implement efficient systems, and build resilient operational strategies. His experience spans companies of all sizes, and he welcomes opportunities regardless of headcount or revenue stage.
Stephen’s personal values are reflected in his lifestyle—he enjoys golf, cycling, and being outdoors, pursuits that echo his belief in discipline, focus, and balance. These passions mirror his professional ethos: keep moving forward, stay strategic, and make every step purposeful. His mission, as he defines it, is “to use my experience and expertise of the workings of the construction industry to assist other companies in streamlining that process and bettering their operation.”
With a rich career anchored in financial integrity, operational excellence, and industry-specific insights, Stephen Bongiorno stands as an ideal candidate for advisory and board-level roles—particularly for companies in construction, real estate, and publishing looking to reinforce their financial operations and long-term strategies.
Character:
Stephen demonstrates unwavering integrity and a quiet confidence rooted in decades of real-world experience. His leadership is defined by consistency, dependability, and an innate desire to see others succeed through guidance and support.
Knowledge:
With over 45 years of industry-specific expertise, Stephen possesses deep knowledge of accounting systems, job costing, and financial operations in construction. His academic background and hands-on leadership in CFO and consulting roles reinforce his reputation as a financial strategist.
Strategic:
Stephen is skilled in designing and implementing financial systems that align with company growth and market needs. He led transformative software transitions and organizational restructures that significantly enhanced company performance and data visibility.
Communication:
Stephen excels in translating complex financial data into actionable insights for leadership teams and stakeholders. His public speaking engagements and board contributions showcase his ability to connect, educate, and influence others within and beyond the finance function.
