Oct 07 September Sax Spotlight: Frank Centrella and George Charne
In this month’s Sax Spotlight, we highlight the work ethic and dedication of Senior Manager, George Charne, and Tax Director, Frank Centrella.
Frank Centrella, CPA
This month, we are proud to shine our Sax Spotlight on Tax Director, Frank Centrella. Frank joined the Sax team in October of 2017 and serves as Head of the firm’s Tax Controversy Department. Daily, he serves as a resource for clients, assisting them through any challenges they may be facing. Frank also works to transfer knowledge within the firm to help mold the next generation of advisors, and hosts internal taxation trainings to aid in productivity.
READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FRANK IN OUR Q&A:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended Montclair State University where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.
Any continued education? Credentials?
In addition to passing the CPA exam, I received my Master’s Degree in Taxation from Seton Hall University.
When did you start working at Sax?
I started working at Sax in October of 2017.
What is your current title?
I am currently a Tax Director.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?
I am the Head of Sax’s Tax Controversy Department. In this capacity, I am responsible for resolving tax disputes between the tax collection agencies and taxpayers, including examinations. I also serve many clients in diverse industries throughout the firm.
What are a few things you have learned at Sax?
Sax facilitates a strong learning environment, and I have been able to leverage the expertise of others to further expand my own knowledge in a multitude of areas. I have also learned how important it is to transfer knowledge to the younger generations to help the firm now and in the future.
Explain some of your biggest achievements while working at Sax.
Some of my greatest achievements at Sax have been successfully guiding our clients out of difficult situations and helping them to better run their businesses with demonstrated results.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.
My biggest achievement in life is my 20-year marriage to my wife and being a father to my two children Matthew and Grace.
Do you have a vision or goal for your career?
My vision is to continue to help serve our clients and provide them with the necessary tools and information to help them make the decisions needed to successfully run their businesses. I also want to continue to implement a team engagement philosophy because I enjoy collaborating with all my team members, sometimes as a mentor and sometimes as a facilitator, but I am always learning and striving to improve.
Do you frequently speak at events or publish articles to demonstrate expertise?
I speak at internal taxation trainings for the firm. I have also written and published articles for the NJCPA monthly magazine and other publications over the years.
What volunteer work and/or charities do you participate in?
I am involved in my local parish and help organize our yearly weekend retreat.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
I enjoy fishing and walking with my dog any chance I get. I am an avid football and New York Jets fan. I also love listening to music and spending time with my family.
George Charne, CPA
Please join us in shining our Sax Spotlight on Senior Manager, George Charne. George joined the Sax team in November of 2017 and currently serves as a Senior Manager in the firm’s Accounting & Auditing Department, specializing in Employee Benefit Plan Audits. George is a true example of how to deliver exceptional client service with regards to communications and meeting goals. He strives to build meaningful relationships with his clients and serve as a resource to associates within the firm.
READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GEORGE IN OUR Q&A:
What college did you attend? What was your major?
I attended Brooklyn College where I received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Any continued education? Credentials?
I have obtained my CPA licenses in both New Jersey and New York.
When did you start working at Sax?
I started my career at The Hunter Group in December of 2002 and joined the Sax team after the merger in November of 2017.
What is your current title?
I am currently a Senior Manager in the firm’s Accounting and Auditing practice.
What are your day-to-day responsibilities at Sax? What do you specialize in?
I am responsible for various Audit, Review & Compilation engagements and assist in reviewing 1040’s during tax season. I specialize in Employee Benefit Plan Audits. and currently work in the firm’s Employee Benefit, Not-for-Profit and Healthcare niches.
What are a few things you have learned at Sax?
I have learned how to use a variety of different software programs since my transition into the firm and have gained a better understanding of the RSM audit methodology. These software programs ultimately help me work more efficiently, benefitting both my clients and the firm.
Explain some of your biggest achievements while working at Sax.
One of my biggest achievements is being a part of the transition team that successfully converted clients from the Hunter Group’s systems to Sax’s. Another achievement of mine was being asked to join the A&A Committee and to assist in our last external peer review. During this process, a number of engagements I ran were chosen for review to make sure that our work complied with all accounting and auditing standards. I was proud to be a part of a process that enhanced the credibility of the firm.
Explain some of your biggest achievements in life.
I recently celebrated my 30th wedding anniversary with my wife Karen. I am also a proud father of my two sons Jason and Matthew who have grown up to be successful young men. I am very proud to have been recently named the President of the NJCPA Bergen Chapter. I was also appointed the Secretary/Treasurer of the Bergen County Workforce Development Board by the Bergen County Executive.
Do you have a vision or goal for your career?
My career goal was to do the right thing for clients as their goals became my goals, and I believe I successfully achieved that.
Do you frequently speak at events or publish articles to demonstrate expertise?
I speak at monthly and quarterly executive meetings in my role as Secretary/Treasurer on the Board of the Bergen County Workforce Development Board.
What volunteer work and/or charities do you participate in?
I currently serve on the Board of the Bergen County Workforce Development Board, an organization that trains and retrains workers to become gainfully employed. I also currently serve as Immediate Past President of the NJCPA Bergen Chapter and Chair the Auditing & Accounting Committee as well as participate in the Scholarship Selection Committee.
Are there any other interesting facts about you outside of your work life?
I enjoy home improvement projects, working on cars and taking cruises with my family.
