Aug 27 August Sax Spotlight: Virginia Dennerlein and Debbie Nappi
In this month’s Sax Spotlight, we highlight the work ethic and dedication of Firm Administrator, Virginia Dennerlein and Director of A&A, Debbie Nappi.
Virginia Dennerlein
Please join us in shining our monthly Sax Spotlight on Firm Administrator, Virginia Dennerlein. Shifting from her self-owned bookkeeping business and prior professional service firm experience, Virginia makes a great addition to the Sax team. From making sure the firm is running smoothly to finding quick solutions for difficult problems, Virginia’s responsibilities keep Sax going and growing.
Some of Virginia’s achievements at the firm include implementing the Sax App, which makes sharing and downloading documents easier for clients and Sax team members, helping coordinate Sax’s office moves, implementing the “Go Green” initiative and overseeing the integration of recent acquisitions. Outside of her work at Sax, Virginia loves spending as much time as she can with her family and two-year-old German Shepherd.
Read our Q&A to learn more about Virginia:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in French.
Do you have any credentials?
After completing a course at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey and passing the exam given by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), I received my SHRM-CP certification in December of 2015.
When did you start working at Sax?
I started working at Sax on March 5, 2018 as the Firm Administrator.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?
My day-to-day responsibilities include making sure everything in the firm is running smoothly, overseeing our support staff, and finding quick and efficient resolutions when encountered with a problem. Currently, I’m getting everything organized for the upcoming move of our flagship office, and helping facilitate our recent merger with NYC based accounting firm, James D. Miller & Co.
What are a few things you have learned here?
I’ve learned a lot here at Sax but the main thing that stands out to me is having a better understanding of the processes and moving parts during the tax season.
Explain some of your biggest achievements while working at Sax.
One of my biggest achievements while working at Sax would be the coordination and implementation of the Sax App, which makes sharing and downloading documents easier for clients and Sax team members. I was very happy with getting through my first tax season relatively unscathed despite joining the firm in the throes of it. I was also very pleased with how smooth the move of the Fair Lawn office and integration of The Hunter Group merger went right on the heels of the 2018 spring tax season.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.
My biggest achievement in life are my four kids. I was lucky to be able to spend a lot of time with them as they grew up. Now I just have to figure out how to afford college!
Do you have a vision or goal for your career?
My vision for the future would be to continue to work hard at Sax and help the firm continue to grow and expand.
What volunteer work and/or charities do you participate in?
I used to volunteer at my local church and taught Sunday school. I volunteered at Oasis – a Safe Haven for Women and Children last December and look forward to working with them again, as well as getting more involved with the events the firm has that support St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital in Paterson, NJ.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
Not really. I love just hanging around the house with my family, especially now that the kids are starting their college lives. I enjoy finding new ways to stay fit like walking my dog and playing pickle ball when my knees are up to it.
Debbie Nappi
This month, we are proud to shine our Sax Spotlight on Director of A&A, Debbie Nappi, who has been a part of the Sax team since she graduated college. Throughout her years at Sax, she has shown tremendous dedication to the firm and continues to strive to be her clients’ #1 advisor. Between overseeing the accounting services group and being part of the growth team for Sax’s Healthcare Practice, Debbie manages to find time to speak at numerous conferences and publishes articles throughout the year.
Some of Debbie’s biggest achievements include receiving her Master’s Degree in Taxation and raising her three children. Her vision for the future is to continue to grow as a professional and mentor the upcoming generation of Sax leaders. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and visiting the Jersey Shore with her friends on the weekends.
Read our Q&A to learn more about Debbie:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended Montclair State College where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a minor in Psychology.
Any continued education or credentials?
I received my CPA license two years after graduating college. I also received a Master’s Degree in Taxation from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ prior to returning to work full time after raising my children.
When did you start working at Sax?
I joined the Sax team in July of 1988.
What is your current title?
I am currently a Director of Accounting and Auditing.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?
My day-to-day responsibilities include client engagement in accounting and tax and overseeing the accounting services group. I am also a part of the growth team for our Healthcare Practice, so most of my clients are in the healthcare industry. Most recently, I have been getting more involved with the firm’s Family Office clients.
What are a few things you have learned here?
Something important that Sax has shown me is how the firm provides many opportunities to take your career to where you are motivated. If you work hard and are committed to advancing your career, Sax will give you the tools and opportunities you need and want.
Explain some of your biggest achievements while working at Sax.
One of my biggest achievements while working here would be receiving my Master’s Degree. I was facing some personal challenges at the time and couldn’t have done it without the support of Sax and my fellow team members.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.
Being the mother of my three children, Christina, Robert and Andrew, is my biggest life achievement. It’s great to be their role model and empower them to be the best versions of themselves despite the obstacles we encounter.
Do you have a vision or goal for your career?
I want to continue to be my clients’ #1 advisor and help them accomplish their goals. My vision for the future is to continue to grow as a professional, expand my client base, and to mentor the next generation of Sax team members.
Do you frequently speak at events or publish articles to demonstrate expertise?
I am a frequent contributor to the NJCPA Magazine along with the quarterly newsletter for CREA United. I also speak at the annual Medical Properties Conference in addition to other healthcare opportunities.
What volunteer work and/or charities do you participate in?
I am a board member for the Gloria Foundation which is an organization that brings awareness to domestic violence. I have also been involved with Partners for Woman and Justice which provides free legal assistance to victims of domestic violence.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
I mostly enjoy sending time with my family and friends over dinner and wine. I spend most of my summer weekends down the shore with long time friends.
