Our Team
MEET THE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Melissa Tomlinson CPA, CGFM
Principal
Melissa Tomlinson is the Principal of Tomlinson Financial Group. Melissa is a flexible CPA who adapts seamlessly to constantly evolving various industries like business, technology, nonprofits, and more. She is a CGFM accountant who oversees government accounting, auditing, financial reporting, internal controls, and budgeting. She is proud to lead her team and be a mentor for them towards success.
Areas of Specialty
- Nonprofits and R&D start-ups
- Financial Processes
- Internal Controls Review
- Government Grant
- Contracts Compliance
- Cost Accounting
Education & Certification
- Bachelor of Science, Business Administration — University of Arizona
- Certified Public Accountant
- Certified Government Financial Manager
Professional Associations & Volunteering
- Finance & Ethics Committee for Pima Community College
- Finance Committee for United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona
- Treasurer for Tucson Girls Chorus
- Finance Committee for Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona
- Treasurer for International School of Tucson

Bernadette Franco
CFO Consultant
Bernadette Franco is an accomplished finance and human resources professional with extensive experience in accounting, financial management, payroll operations, budgeting, audits, grant compliance, and organizational administration. Prior to her finance and HR leadership roles, Franco built a foundation in customer relations and development through her work with the University of Arizona Office of Economic Development and University of Arizona Athletics, supporting major donor programs, fundraising initiatives, events and corporate sponsorships.
Areas of Specialty
- Complex Financial Reporting
- Tax Compliance
- Benefits Administration
- Policy Implementation
- Personnel Management
Education & Certification
- Bachelor of Science — University of Arizona
Professional Associations & Volunteering
- Active Member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and 2nd in Command.

Kate Friedrichs
CFO Consultant
Areas of Specialty
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Strategic Financial Planning
- Business Partnership & Executive Advisory
- KPI Development & Performance Management
- Process Improvement & Financial Systems
Education & Certification
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) — Hamline University
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting — Metro State University
MEET THE ASSOCIATE TEAM

Michael Wolf
Staff Accountant
Michael Wolf joined Tomlinson Financial Group after earning a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Arizona, where he also completed a bachelor’s degree in Economics. As a Staff Accountant, he supports nonprofit organizations through bookkeeping, payroll, financial reporting, budgeting, and audit preparation, helping clients navigate their financial responsibilities with confidence. He enjoys building collaborative relationships with clients and is currently working toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
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Nonprofit accounting
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Financial reporting
- Bookkeeping and payroll
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Audit preparation and year-end support
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Client advisory and accounting systems support
Education & Certification
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Master of Science in Accounting
Professional Associations & Volunteering
- Loves taking advantage of volunteer opportunities at our clients’ events.

Jessica Canovali
Staff Accountant
Jessica Canovali is a finance professional with experience as both a Chief Financial Officer and Director of Finance in nonprofit and private organizations. She has a strong background in budgeting, financial reporting, audits, cash flow management, and strategic planning. Jessica enjoys improving processes, building relationships, and helping organizations make informed financial decisions. She is known for her positive attitude, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to achieving results.
- Budgeting
- Financial Reporting
- Audits
- Cash Flow Management
- Strategic Planning
Education & Certification
- Educational Leadership and Administration – Hampton Master’s Commission

John Fusek
Staff Accountant
John Fusek is a seasoned financial professional with extensive experience providing strategic financial guidance to businesses across a variety of industries. His expertise includes financial planning and analysis, business consulting, budgeting, cash flow management, and operational strategy. John is passionate about helping organizations strengthen their financial performance, improve efficiency, and achieve long-term success. He is known for his practical approach, trusted leadership, and dedication to delivering meaningful results for his clients.
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Business Consulting
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Business Economics
- Operational Process Improvement
- Strategic Financial Planning
Education & Certification
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), Business Economics — University of Arizona, Eller College of Management
- Graduate Studies in Accounting — UNM Anderson School of Management
- CPA Exam Preparation — Central New Mexico Community College

Patrick McKenna
Senior Bookkeeper
Patrick McKenna has been working in the field of accounting since 2020, working with Non-profit, For-profit, and Individuals for tax returns as well as QuickBooks bookkeeping. I have previously worked as a paramedic for 8 years learning important interpersonal skills and how to assist each individual in the best way for their needs. I am always up for a new challenge and learning new skills to better help our clients.
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Bookkeeping
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Bank Reconciliations
Education & Certification
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Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting – University of Arizona
- Associate of Business Administration – Pima Community College

Tyler Garlej
Marketing & Social Media Manager
Tyler Garlej is the Marketing & Social Media Manager at Tomlinson Financial Group. Tyler oversees the firm’s marketing initiatives, social media presence, content creation, and brand development to help connect clients with the valuable services and expertise offered by the team. He is passionate about creating engaging content, strengthening client relationships, and ensuring the Tomlinson Financial Group brand is represented professionally across all platforms. Tyler is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated team while helping support the firm’s continued growth and success.
- Marketing Strategy & Brand Development
- Social Media Management
- Content Creation & Digital Marketing
- Photography & Visual Storytelling
- Website Content & Brand Communications
- Community Engagement & Client Relations
Education & Certification
- Bachelor of Science in Marketing (In Progress) — W. P. Carey School of Business
- Minor in Design Studies (In Progress) — Arizona State University
Professional Associations & Volunteering
- Vice President of Alumni & Company Relations — Business Ambassadors
- Alumni Board Member & Board Member — Arizona Thespians
