Mike Pocrnich

Mike Pocrnich is an American accounting professional with over two decades of experience in non-profit accounting, auditing, and financial analysis. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Pocrnich began his career as a Senior Auditor at CliftonLarsonAllen, where he managed non-profit audits, developed internal controls, trained junior staff, and presented financial reports to organizational leadership.

In his subsequent role as Controller at Beltz, Kes, Darling & Associates (now BerganKDV), Pocrnich led annual audits and facilitated client financial assistance. His responsibilities included overseeing financial compliance, accounts payable, and payroll, demonstrating his commitment to financial accuracy and strategic leadership.

In 2013, Pocrnich founded the Anton Group, a St. Paul-based accounting firm. Under his leadership, the firm grew to represent one in five Minnesota charter schools, generating annual revenue of $3 million by 2021. One of the firm’s largest clients was Noble Academy, a Brooklyn Park charter school that provides instruction in Hmong language and culture.

Currently, Pocrnich serves as Finance Manager at Element Financial Advisory, providing CFO and Controller services to a diverse portfolio of clients, including government and non-profit organizations. His expertise extends to financial forecasting, state and federal grant administration, and the implementation of robust internal controls. Known for his proficiency in various ERP and CRM software, including the Microsoft suite, Pocrnich emphasizes the importance of technology in enhancing financial processes.

Pocrnich advocates for strong internal controls, highlighting principles such as segregation of duties, well-documented policies and procedures, stringent access controls, ongoing monitoring, and proactive management oversight. He also provides guidance on obtaining recognized accounting certifications, including CPA, CFA, CFE, CIA, CMA, CGMA, EA, and FSAC.

In addition to his professional work, Pocrnich is committed to volunteering, having supported organizations like the Animal Humane Society and immigrant families. His approach to financial management, particularly in the non-profit sector, emphasizes flexibility, foresight, and accuracy, aiming to ensure financial stability and mission effectiveness for the organizations he serves.

St. John’s University

Collegeville, Minnesota
Bachelor of Arts
Accounting

Element Financial Advisory

Finance Manager
Minneapolis, MN

Element Financial Advisory is a leading provider of comprehensive CFO and Controller services, specializing in financial forecasting, grant administration, and internal controls for government and non-profit organizations. Based in Minneapolis, the firm is dedicated to delivering strategic financial solutions that drive operational excellence and long-term success.

Beltz, Kes, Darling & Associates (now BerganKDV)

Controller
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Beltz, Kes, Darling & Associates, now known as BerganKDV, is a prominent accounting firm specializing in audit, tax, and consulting services for a diverse range of clients. The firm is recognized for its expertise in financial management and commitment to providing tailored solutions that support client success.

Anton Group

Founder
St. Paul, Minnesota
2013 – Present

Anton Group is a St. Paul-based accounting firm founded by Mike Pocrnich in 2013, specializing in financial services for charter schools and non-profit organizations. The firm is known for its comprehensive audit, tax, and consulting solutions, representing one in five Minnesota charter schools and generating $3 million in annual revenue by 2021.

CliftonLarsonAllen

Senior Auditor
Minneapolis, Minnesota

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) is a top professional services firm providing audit, tax, and advisory services to clients across various industries. Known for its personalized approach and deep industry expertise, CLA helps organizations navigate complex financial landscapes to achieve their strategic goals.

July 30, 2024

Mike Pocrnich emphasizes the strategic importance of robust internal controls in ensuring financial integrity and operational efficiency for organizations. He outlines key principles such as segregation of duties, well-documented policies, stringent access controls, ongoing monitoring, and proactive management oversight as essential for safeguarding assets and maintaining compliance in financial reporting.

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