Jul 02 June Sax Spotlight: Rukiatu Lawal and Jennifer Moroz
In this month’s Sax Spotlight, we highlight the work ethic and dedication of Partner, Jennifer Moroz, and Senior Associate, Rukiatu Lawal.
Rukiatu Lawal, CPA
This month, we are proud to shine our Sax Spotlight on Senior Associate, Rukiatu Lawal. Ruki began her career at Sax as an A&A Associate in November of 2017 and has worked her way up to a Senior Associate due to her strong work ethic and dedication to the firm. Her goal is to facilitate communication with clients to ensure their needs are being met and they are receiving the best possible service from their #1 advisor.
Read on to learn more about Ruki in our Q&A:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended Rutgers University of Newark where I double majored in Supply Chain Management and Accounting.
Any continued education or credentials?
I received my Master’s Degree in Accounting in 2016 and obtained my CPA license in 2019.
When did you start working at Sax?
I began working at Sax in November of 2017 as an A&A Associate.
What is your current title?
I was recently promoted to a Senior A&A Associate in July of 2019.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax?
One of my main responsibilities is to ensure that engagements with our clients are completed efficiently and effectively. I am constantly communicating with clients to advise them through any challenges they may be facing.
What are a few things you have learned here?
I have learned how to effectively work together as a team and strengthen my communication skills. In addition, I have learned to utilize the many resources that Sax has to offer to further enhance my knowledge and best serve our clients.
Explain some of your biggest achievements while working at Sax.
Currently, my biggest achievements include earning my CPA license and getting promoted to Senior Associate.
Do you have a vision or goal for your career?
I would like to start getting more involved within the firm’s Manufacturing & Distribution (M&D) niche and to also further improve my communication skills.
What volunteer work and/or charities do you participate in?
I have volunteered with Sax for Paterson Habitat for Humanity, building homes for Paterson families in need.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
In my spare time, I love to relax by reading and working on interior design DIY projects after a long day.
Jennifer Moroz, CPA
Please join us in shining our Sax Spotlight on Partner, Jennifer Moroz. Jenn began her career at Sax in September of 1997 and has worked her way up the firm’s leadership ladder. She became a Partner in July of 2012 and leads Sax’s Employee Benefit Plan Audit Department. She continues to build meaningful relationships with her clients as their number one advisor, and is looked at as a valuable mentor to the younger generations of advisors within the firm.
Read on to learn more about Jenn in our Q&A:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended Villanova University where I majored in Accounting.
Do you have any credentials?
I obtained my CPA license in November of 1999 after passing all four parts of my exam at one time.
When did you start working at Sax?
I began working at Sax on September 8, 1997.
What is your current title?
I became a Partner in July of 2012 and I am Head of the Employee Benefit Plan Audit Department.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?
As a Partner, I specialize in Employee Benefit Plan Audits. On a day-to-day basis, I am consulting with my clients and serving as a mentor to the staff. I also serve as a planning member of the firm’s P.O.W.E.R. Group which focuses on the empowerment of female leaders at Sax, and I am a Trustee for the Sax Charitable Foundation Board.
What are a few things you have learned at Sax?
I have had great mentors while working at Sax who have taught me the importance of being a reliable consultant to our clients and building relationships with them to better understand their individual needs. I also learned the importance of balancing work and personal responsibilities if I wanted to be successful in both areas. Sax has always provided flexibility so we can grow and reach our full potential based on our unique and individual needs, and I try to stress that to the staff and working parents so they can maintain a work/life balance as well.
Explain some of your biggest achievements while working at Sax.
My biggest achievement at Sax is working through the ranks of the company, starting off as Junior Accountant and meeting my goal of becoming a Partner.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.
One of my biggest achievements in life was having my two children and being able to maintain a healthy work/life balance so I can be there for both the firm and my family.
Do you have a vision or goal for your career?
Since my first day working at Sax, I wanted to become a Partner. Now that I have, I want to continue to build strong relationships with my clients, transfer knowledge to team members to ensure we build on our culture of being our clients’ number one advisor, and be a trusted mentor to team members to help aid in their growth and advancement.
Do you frequently speak at events to demonstrate expertise?
I present various internal training seminars we hold at Sax and I have presented at the firm’s CFO Focus seminar events for our clients on employee benefit plan related topics.
What volunteer work and/or charities do you participate in?
Since joining the firm, I have volunteered for Paterson Habitat for Humanity building homes for Paterson families in need, OASIS – A Haven for Women and Children, helping serve their holiday meals, and the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
I used to love to travel and one of my favorite trips was to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini in Greece. In high school, I played soccer, basketball and softball, but I quit the basketball team during my senior year to join the bowling team and won the Bergen County tournament and was First Team All-County Another fun fact is everyone in my family has a birthday in May.