David E. Plunkett is a seasoned accountant and based in Massachusetts, with deep roots in the communities of Newburyport, West Newbury, and surrounding towns.

Raised in Lynn, the son of a mechanic and a nurse, David learnt early the value of hard work and attention to detail. He played football and hockey, boxed in the Silver Mittens and Golden Gloves, and later coached baseball and served as a Boy Scouts scoutmaster for seven years, helping several boys achieve Eagle Scout rank.

After earning a Liberal Arts degree from North Shore Community College, a BS in Accounting from Merrimack College, and an MBA in International Business from Suffolk University, David began his career at West Lynn Creamery as Assistant Accounting Manager. He went on to serve as Controller at MSM Management and Bruker, eventually holding senior finance positions including Treasurer, Vice President of Finance, and CFO.

Today, David runs Miasserian & Plunkett LLC and MPS Tax Services Inc., where he works alongside his partner Jamie Stevens, Dana Stevens and stepson Zander. Known for a practical, hands-on approach, he values clarity, trust, and long-term relationships with clients.

Beyond the office, David owns a small farm with horses, donkeys, sheep, dogs, and a cat. He has dedicated years to fundraising for breast cancer research, inspired by his late wife’s 11-year battle, and volunteers with the Salvation Army. In 2025, he remarried, expanding his family to include two stepchildren.

David’s story is one of resilience, community service, and a lifelong commitment to his profession and the people it serves.

Interview with David E. Plunkett

Ledgers and Life Lessons: A Conversation with David E. Plunkett

Q: David, let’s start at the beginning. What first drew you to accounting?

Growing up in Lynn, I learnt the value of precision from my parents. My father was a mechanic, my mother a nurse. Both worked with detail and responsibility. At school, I found I had the same inclination. I liked working things out, balancing them. Numbers made sense. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was reliable – and I liked that.

Q: You’ve had quite a varied career before running your own practice. Can you walk us through it?

Sure. My first big step was West Lynn Creamery as Assistant Accounting Manager. That’s where I learnt how the numbers connect to the everyday running of a business. From there, I moved to MSM Management and then to Bruker as Controller. Over the years, I climbed to Treasurer, VP of Finance, and CFO roles. Each step taught me more about leadership and strategy. Eventually, I decided I wanted to build something for myself – and that’s how Miasserian & Plunkett LLC and MPS Tax Services came to be.

Q: What’s your approach to working with clients today?

I keep it straightforward. People don’t need jargon; they need clarity. I try to listen more than I talk. A lot of our clients are long-term because they trust us to give them an honest, clear picture.

Q: You’ve got family working with you now. How has that changed things?

My stepson Zander works with me, and it’s been a good fit. He’s learning the ropes, and we can share the load. It’s also a way to pass on what I’ve learnt, not just in accounting but in running a business responsibly.

Q: Outside of work, you’ve had some major life changes and commitments. How have these shaped your outlook?

Losing my first wife after her long battle with breast cancer was life-changing. It made me more determined to use my time well and to help where I can. I’ve done a lot of fundraising for breast cancer research, and I also volunteer with the Salvation Army. Those things keep you grounded.

Q: You also run a farm. How did that come about?

It started as a bit of a dream – to have space, animals, and a different pace away from the desk. Now we’ve got three horses, two donkeys, three sheep, three dogs, and a cat. It’s a lot of work, but in a different way.

Q: Your early years included sport and community involvement. Do you see links between those experiences and your career?

Definitely. Playing football and hockey taught me teamwork; boxing taught me discipline. Coaching baseball and leading the Boy Scouts taught me patience and mentoring. Those skills translate directly into business. You can’t succeed alone – and you need to bring others along with you.

Q: What changes have you seen in your industry over the years?

Technology has transformed how we work – from bookkeeping software to online tax filings. But one thing hasn’t changed: people still want to deal with someone they trust. That part will always be the same.

Q: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself focusing?

I plan to keep growing the practice steadily. Not chasing size for its own sake, but building strong client relationships and mentoring the next generation – including my own family.

Q: Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to someone starting out in accounting today, what would it be?

Learn the basics properly and don’t cut corners. Technology is great, but understanding the fundamentals will set you apart. And remember, you’re dealing with people’s livelihoods – treat that with respect.

Read more:
David E. Plunkett on Numbers, Leadership, and Life Lessons