Jul 08 June Sax Spotlight: Breana Maher and Frank Pawlowski
In this month’s Sax Spotlight, we highlight the work ethic and dedication of Tax Associate, Breana Maher and Partner, Frank Pawlowski.
Breana Maher
Sax is proud to shine this month’s Sax Spotlight on Tax Associate, Breana Maher. Breana graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and joined the Sax team in August of 2018. Since becoming a part of the firm, Breana has demonstrated a strong work ethic and is open to gaining knowledge and furthering her expertise in Tax. She likes to get her hands in as many industries as possible but hopes to one day specialize in one niche.
With ambitions of receiving her CPA License and Master’s Degree in the near future, she is excited to advance her career at Sax and see where her opportunities will take her. Outside of work, Breana volunteers some of her time at her local animal shelter and enjoys spending time with her family.
Read our Q&A to learn more about Breana:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended Montclair State University where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
Do you have any continued education or credentials?
I’m currently studying for the CPA exam and hope to take the first part within the next few months. Once I pass all four parts and receive my license I would like to go back to school for my MBA.
When did you start working at Sax?
I started working at the firm in August of 2018 as a Tax Associate.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax?
As a Tax Associate, my day-to-day responsibilities consist of preparing tax returns for all the niches. As I advance in my career, I would eventually like to specialize in a specific niche, but for now I am focused on improving my skillsets and gaining as much knowledge as I can about tax.
What are a few things you have learned here?
The most important thing I have recognized since working for Sax is that everyone wants to help each other grow and succeed. The firm really does work together as a team to get our jobs done and makes sure our clients are always satisfied.
Explain some of your biggest achievements while working at Sax, or in your career.
I came from a small accounting firm before Sax, so transitioning to a much larger firm was a major achievement for me. Sax has been a gateway to more opportunities and provides me with a way to excel and improve my skillsets.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.
My biggest achievement in life so far was graduating college.
Do you have a vision or goal for your career?
For now, my goal is to focus on taking the CPA exam and receiving my license. I also want to grow within the firm and expand my expertise as much as I can.
What volunteer work and/or charities do you participate in?
I recently volunteered with Sax for Paterson Habitat for Humanity’s Corporate Build Day, where we helped build homes in Paterson for families in need. This summer, I started volunteering at my local animal shelter to help care for animals and find them forever homes.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
I come from a huge family, so I’m very big on spending time with them and we always enjoy throwing big parties. When I’m not working, I like to go to the gym and I try to travel as much as I can.
Frank Pawlowski
This month, we are happy to shine our Sax Spotlight on Partner, Frank Pawlowski. Frank started his career at The Hunter Group, which merged with Sax in November 2017. Frank has had many accomplishments throughout his life, including graduating college with a degree in Public Accounting, receiving his CPA license and becoming a Partner.
With the help of his past leaders, Frank has become a reliable and trustworthy advisor for his clients, and he hopes to pass down his knowledge to the younger generation so they can do the same. When the time comes to retire, Frank is confident that the future leaders of Sax will continue to service his clients to the best of their abilities.
Read Our Q&A to Learn More About Frank:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended Pace University where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Public Accounting.
Do you have any credentials?
After graduating college, I started studying for the CPA exam and received my license within two years. More recently, I took and passed the Securities Exam and received my Series 7 and Series 66 Licenses.
When did you start working at Sax?
I began my career at The Hunter Group which merged with Sax in November of 2017.
What is your current title?
I have been a Partner with the firm since 2001. Prior to the merger, I was Co-Managing Partner of The Hunter Group from 2011-2017.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?
My main responsibilities reside in the Construction and Real Estate niches. Within those areas, I focus on servicing our clients. As a Partner, it is my job to build trustworthy relationships with our clients and continue to be their #1 advisor.
What are a few things you have learned here?
The merger between The Hunter Group and Sax has given our employees an opportunity to advance their career forward. The core values at Sax are undeniable, and everyone here wants to see each other succeed. You don’t see that kind of compassion for improvement in other firms.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in your career.
My biggest accomplishments are graduating college and receiving my CPA, Series 7 and Series 66 licenses. Aside from my own motivation, major contributors to my success are those who have transferred their knowledge to guide me throughout my career, and I hope to do the same for the next generation of leaders at Sax.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.
A huge accomplishment in my life has been managing a healthy work/life balance. I was able to figure out how to have a successful career and be involved with my family at the same time. It isn’t always easy, but it is well worth it to be able to watch my kids grow up and now succeed in their own lives.
Do you have a vision or goal for your career?
I am in the final stretch of my career, and my goal is to continue to strive to be my clients’ #1 advisor and strengthen our relationships as long as I can. While I still have plenty of years at Sax, I want to start passing down my expertise to the next generation of leaders so they too can become the same #1 advisor that I have been to our clients.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my family. Some things I like to do on my time off is go to car shows with my two sons, cook and travel.
