Kelsey Thomas
Get to Know Me
Kelsey Thomas is a partner in the Transaction Advisory Services Team with nearly 20 years of experience across public accounting and advisory.
She advises private equity firms, strategic acquirers and business owners on buy- and sell-side transactions, delivering clear, decision-ready insights through financial due diligence and quality-of-earnings analysis, including EBITDA normalization, working capital analysis, negotiation support and broader financial evaluation across the deal lifecycle.
She works closely with private equity sponsors across platforms and add-on acquisitions, serving as a consistent extension of their deal teams and bringing a deep understanding of their investment strategies. Known for translating complex financial information into a clear view of risks, adjustments and value drivers, she helps clients move forward with confidence.
Kelsey leads the practice’s alignment efforts across engagements and plays a key role in shaping go-to-market strategies and pursuits. Her industry focus includes industrial and consumer products, manufacturing and distribution, professional services and sports and entertainment.
She is committed to advancing female professionals in the M&A, finance and dealmaking industries as the creator and host of the M&A Empow’her’ment video series, which highlights women leaders and fosters connection, visibility and mentorship for the next generation of leaders.
Her background spans international, national and regional public accounting firms, with a foundation in audit that underpins her ability to quickly assess the quality and reliability of financial information.
Kelsey is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York.
Industry Expertise
Service Expertise
Learn More About My Story
Learn more about my professional experience and how I spend my time outside the firm.
Education:
- BBA Accounting, James Madison University
Professional Affiliations:
- Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Member, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA)
- Woman of the Year, OPUS Connect, 2025
- Emerging Leaders Award, The M&A Advisor, 2025
- Withum Strength Award Nominee, 2025 & 2024
- Women Championing Women in Finance, Kayo Conference Series 24 in ’24, 2024
- Thirty Under Thirty, Buffalo Business First, 2014
Kelsey is an engaged member of several professional organizations and initiatives, with a talent for connecting professionals and cultivating relationships across the industry. She contributes to the profession as a speaker, thought leader on M&A market trends and perspectives and facilitator of continuing professional education (CPE) trainings.
She is on the Board of Directors and Private Equity Committee Member at Upstate Capital, where she is actively involved in regional investment and deal-making discussions.
In her local community, Kelsey is the co-founder and Treasurer of the Chautauqua County Volleyball Club, a nonprofit she established with her husband to expand access to the sport, give back to the community, and support local athletes.
Kelsey is a proud Western New Yorker who embraces the region’s culture – from cheering on the Buffalo Bills to enjoying local favorites like Bison dip and sponge candy. Outside of work, she spends time with her “boys,” her two rescue pit bulls, Buster and Franky, and is a passionate advocate for the breed. She also plays volleyball semi-competitively, staying active and pushing her skills to a higher level.