Apr 27 April Sax Spotlight: Melissa Bollinger and Alan Isaacs
In this month’s Sax Spotlight, we highlight the work ethic and dedication of Senior Manager, Alan Isaacs, and Senior Associate, Melissa Bollinger.
Melissa Bollinger
This month, we are proud to shine our Sax Spotlight on Senior Associate, Melissa Bollinger. Melissa began working at the firm in November of 2017 and was recently promoted to Senior Associate in July of 2019 due to her strong work ethic. She has her hands in an array of industries, but recently has focused on the Valuation, Forensic and Litigation niche.
READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MELISSA IN OUR Q&A:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended Seton Hall University and received both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Accounting with a minor in Criminal Justice.
When did you start working at Sax?
I started working at Sax in November of 2017.
What is your current title?
This past July I was promoted to Senior Associate.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?
As a newly promoted Senior Associate, I work with clients to get information that is needed to complete jobs, and relay that information back to the service team, managers, and partners to ensure the job is done efficiently and successfully. I have my hands in several industries, and currently spend a lot of time working in the Valuation, Forensic and Litigation (VFL) niche.
What are a few things you have learned here at Sax?
The most important things I have learned since working at Sax are better time management and the importance of communication skills.
Explain some of your biggest achievements while working at Sax.
My biggest achievements working at Sax are being promoted to Senior Associate and continuing to develop strong working relationships with Partners and Managers at the firm.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.
Currently, my biggest achievement in life was completing my undergraduate and graduate programs in just over 4 years.
Do you have a vision or goal for your career?
My goals are to continue growing my career at Sax, get more familiar with the VFL niche, and earn my CPA license.
What volunteer work and/or charities do you participate in?
I volunteer annually for Paterson Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes for families in need, as well as serving holiday meals for OASIS – A Haven for Women and Children. In the past, I have volunteered as a youth soccer coach.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
I have 4 animals all named after Star Wars characters. I like to travel as much as possible with my husband, and we also enjoy just getting outside and taking our dog on hikes. Most recently, we taught her how to run with us while we bike.
Alan Isaacs, CPA
Please join us in shining our Sax Spotlight on Senior Manager, Alan Isaacs. Alan began his career at Sax in July of 1972, briefly worked in private industries from 1991 to 1993, then returned to the firm again in 1994. Throughout his career, Alan has gained an extensive amount of knowledge regarding payroll and payroll taxes and is a valuable asset to the firm‘s Accounting Services Group.
READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALAN IN OUR Q&A:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended Rutgers College where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Rutgers Graduate School of Business where I received my Master’s degree in Business Administration.
Do you have any credentials?
I obtained my CPA license in 1974.
When did you start working at Sax?
I began working for the firm on July 3, 1972 and then briefly worked in private industries from 1991 to 1993. After gaining experience in other industries, I decided to return to Sax in 1994 and I have been here ever since.
What is your current title?
I am currently a Senior Manager in the Accounting Services Group.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?
As a Senior Manager, I specialize in payroll services. On a day-to-day basis I help oversee the Accounting Services Group, handle payroll and payroll tax issues, and proofread financial statements.
What are a few things you have learned at Sax?
Some of the most important things I have learned are how to integrate computers into accounting and tax services, and how to efficiently prepare payroll and payroll taxes.
Explain some of your biggest achievements while working at Sax.
One of my biggest achievements was researching and obtaining the first word processor for financial statements and W2 & W3 processing. I also helped design and set up workflows for the ASG and GFR programs. At the time I began working at Sax, we did not have any programs like this, and I was able to help develop and implement them moving forward.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.
One of my biggest achievements in life was passing all parts of the CPA exam in one sitting. I also am proud to have raised 3 children who all attended prestigious colleges and went off to have successful careers of their own.
Do you frequently publish articles to demonstrate expertise?
I frequently write informative articles for clients on important topics regarding payroll and payroll taxes.
What volunteer work do you participate in?
I spent 30 years as an Officer/Board Member of 3 Temples and as an Officer of the Boys and Girls Club of North West New Jersey.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
My wife loves to knit, so we have traveled to 23 states and 6 countries for knitting events.
