Aug 30 August SAX SPOTLIGHT: Shivani Jain and Stephen Tellian
In this month’s Sax Spotlight, we highlight the work ethic and dedication of Partner, Shivani Jain, CPA, MST, and Manager, Stephen Tellian.
Shivani Jain, CPA, MST
This month, we are proud to shine our Sax Spotlight on Partner, Shivani Jain. Shivani joined the Sax team in January of 2004 and serves as Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Tax Department. Shivani also leads the firm’s Cryptocurrency Practice and is an important member of the firm’s Cannabis Practices. Many of the firm’s largest clients rely on Shivani’s superior technical competencies, including those with multi-state operations and revenues from $10 million to $1 billion. She frequently authors articles and speaks on panels, podcasts and webinars on current developments and issues related to tax.
Learn more about Shivani in our Q&A:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended the University of Mumbai (India) where I majored in Accounting.
Any continued education? Credentials?
I received my Masters in Taxation from Fairleigh Dickinson University. I am also a Chartered Accountant from India and a Certified Public Accountant.
When did you start working at Sax?
I started my career at Sax in January of 2004.
What is your current title? Recent promotions?
I am the Partner-in-Charge of Sax’s Tax Department. I also lead the firm’s rapidly growing Cryptocurrency Practice.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?
My main responsibilities at Sax include managing the tax department. This includes not only delivering effective tax planning and compliance for multi-state businesses and high-net-worth individuals, but also ensuring our clients receive unparalleled results and service. Just as important is my role in ensuring the growth and development of our tax team members and making sure the firm is kept apprised of tax law changes. I am also tasked with staying at the forefront of emerging tax areas, such as Cryptocurrency and Cannabis
What are a few things you have learned here?
One of the main things I have learned at Sax is to always be ready to embrace the new opportunities that are provided by the firm. Some of these opportunities may be out of your comfort zone or may seem impossible to achieve at first but the support of the team and guidance of mentors at the firm will make the journey rewarding and goals achievable.
Explain some of your biggest achievements while working at Sax, or in your career.
Becoming the Partner-in-Charge of the Tax Department of a Top 100 accounting, tax and advisory firm was a huge accomplishment professionally. Personally, my biggest achievement while working at Sax was becoming the first partner in the history of the firm to work on a customized work arrangement. By doing so, I have been able to create a work/life balance that benefits me both personally and professionally. I also feel like I paved the way for many other team members to do the same.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.
My biggest achievement in my personal life has been raising my two daughters.
Do you have a vision or goal for your career?
The goal for my career is to continue to build a strong tax department that can support the growth of the firm and keep up with the constant changes in our business environment.
Do you frequently speak at events or publish articles to demonstrate expertise?
I frequently write articles, email blasts, and speak on current developments on tax law changes. Most recently, I contributed to an article for CNBC discussing the emergence of crypto credit cards and the taxes associated with them. You can check that out here.
What volunteer work and/or charities (if any) do you participate in?
I work with an organization called Sewa USA and head up their North Jersey Sponsor a Child (SAC) program. About 30,000 children in India lost the main breadwinner of the family or in some cases both parents to COVID-19. The SAC program raises funds for the education of these children.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
As a family we love to travel and explore different countries and their culture. So far, we have visited Japan, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, Italy, France, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos, Aruba, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Stephen Tellian
Please join us in shining our Sax Spotlight on Manager, Stephen Tellian. Stephen joined the Sax family after the merger with the Hunter Group in 2017. He works mainly within the firm’s Construction Practice, but has also assisted in engagements within the firm’s Employee Benefit Plan Audits Department, Manufacturing & Distribution Practice, and on investment banking engagements for Sax’s newest division, Sax Capital Advisors.
Learn more about Stephen in our Q&A:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended the University of Scranton where I majored in Accounting.
Any continued education? Credentials?
I am currently pursuing my MBA online at the University of New Hampshire and only have a few classes left.
When did you start working at Sax?
After I graduated college, I started my career with Deloitte in NYC, then came to the Hunter Group in 2017 and was part of the merger with Sax in 2017.
What is your current title? Recent promotions?
I am currently an A&A Manager.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?
My day-to-day responsibilities consist of in-charging all types of A&A engagements and projects, assisting in training and developing the younger staff and supporting the engagement teams and Partners in all aspects of servicing clients. I am a member of Sax’s Construction Practice and take time to help with tax return prep, both corporate and personal.
What are a few things you have learned here?
During my time at Sax, I have been able to learn about the many different industries that the firm serves as I have helped on engagements in various niches such as Construction, Employee Benefit Plans, Manufacturing & Distribution and Investment Banking. More specifically, I have learned the ins and outs of the Construction Industry which I had never worked in prior to my start with Sax. Lastly, I have learned that the firm has great resources – including internal trainings and mentors in all areas that help me to understand the intricacies of our service offerings.
Explain some of your biggest achievements while working at Sax, or in your career.
My biggest achievement at Sax so far was being promoted to Manager and being able to truly run Construction engagements from start to finish.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.
Biggest life achievements so far are graduating college and continuing to develop my accounting career.
Do you have a vision or goal for your career?
Right now, my priority is to focus on passing my CPA exam.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
I have 2 puppies, Skye and Summer, who both just turned 1 years old. I play in softball leagues in NJ and travel around the country playing softball tournaments in places like Las Vegas, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee. I am also a big Mets fan and purchased season tickets for the first time this season.
