About Ernie Almonte
Throughout his life, Ernie Almonte has been a strong voice of leadership in Rhode Island. Ernie is a lifelong Rhode Islander, and has a proven track record of trusted leadership, financial expertise, hard work, and holding our elected leaders accountable.
The Proud Product of Rhode Island’s Public Education System
Ernie grew up in Johnston, RI and spent his summers working hard on the Ocean State’s well-known Stamp Farm and at the Almacs Supermarket. He was a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician with the Johnston Fire Department and reserve police officer with the Smithfield Police Department in the mid-70s. After graduating as a proud product of Rhode Island’s public school system, he attended Bryant University where he earned a degree in business administration with a major in accounting, as well as a master’s degree in taxation. He has since received an honorary doctorate degree from his alma mater.
Additionally, Ernie graduated from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government Senior Executives in State and Local Government and Innovations in Governance. He currently serves as an adjunct professor in the Brown University Graduate program teaching Advanced Management and Organizational Strategies. Ernie is also the proud parent of five sons, all of whom attended schools in Rhode Island, and dedicated husband to Rhode Island native Kathy (Nangle) Almonte.
An Accomplished Public- and Private-Sector Financial Expert
In 1994, Ernie became Rhode Island’s Auditor General. In this role he was responsible for auditing the $7 billion comprehensive report for the state, an annual $3 billion federal audit, as well as oversight of municipal, fraud, and quasi-public agency audits. Throughout his tenure as the state’s Auditor General from 1994-2010 the office implemented a new policy mandating that all audit reports would be posted to our public website to ensure transparency and accountability. The numerous findings and recommendations can be viewed at the R.I. Auditor General’s website.
Ernie became the first public servant to be elected as national chairman for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). In this role, he served as the national leader for the 377,000 members of the organization. He now serves as the chairman for the group’s AICPA National Financial Literacy Commission.
Ernie has served for the past three years as the Chairman of the U.S. Department of Defense Audit Committee – a role in which he proudly serves as an appointee of the U.S. Secretary of Defense. He also served as an appointee of the Comptroller General of the United States to the Government Auditing Standards Committee, is past president of the Rhode Island Society of CPAs, and a past president of the National Association of State Auditors. Ernie is a past chairman of the Rhode Island Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. He attended the 54th National Security Forum at the Air War College after being selected as a participant by the Secretary of Air Force.
“Accounting Today” named Ernie in 2008 and 2005 as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the Accounting Profession.
Recognized as someone who exercises leadership
Ernie is the recipient of the Department of the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal; RIPEC “Robert M. Goodrich Distinguished Public Award”; the Giovanni da Verrazzano Man of the Year – For Outstanding Service to the Rhode Island Community; the Rhode Island Society of CPAs’ – Centennial Outstanding CPA in Government, and numerous other awards in his career.
Bringing an Entrepreneurial Spirit to the Ocean State
In 2011, Ernie decided to strike out on his own in the private sector. He founded and serves as the Chief Visionary Officer for Almonte Group LLC., which is a full service accounting and consulting firm providing tax, audit, anti-fraud, expert witness testimony, forensic accounting and consulting services. Ernie is also the President of Government Services and Chairman of the board for Virtual DBS in North Kingstown, R.I.
Ernie Almonte is dedicated to running for Treasurer of the State of Rhode because he believes Rhode Island is at a crossroads. As the next Treasurer of the state of Rhode Island, Ernie will create an infrastructure of opportunity for our citizens and also help our children and grandchildren on their pathway to success. He will apply his financial and business acumen along with his extensive government experience to leverage all the wonderful qualities of our state to create an environment of growth and optimism.
Ernie will exercise leadership by providing character, competence, and compassion.
