Kathleen Alexander, CPA, MST, CFE

Kathleen joined Sax in 1988 and is a Partner with the firm providing accounting, tax planning and business advisory solutions to clients across a wide range of industries. Kathleen is a hands-on professional and her clients rely on her strong knowledge of account controls and best practices. She focuses on establishing good tax strategies to minimize business and personal taxes which provides increased cash flow.

Kathleen is the Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s expanding Food and Beverage Practice while also remaining heavily active in the firm’s Manufacturing and Distribution Practice. In addition, Kathleen is Director of Technical Training and Continuing Professional Education at the firm, and a Co-Chair of the Women’s Initiative Committee.

Kathleen is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, William Paterson University
• Master’s degree in Taxation, Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)

COMMUNITY

• Member, New Jersey Food Council
• Treasurer of the Board, Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey
• Member and Past Chairman of the Board, Tri-County Chamber of Commerce
• Chair of Tri-County Chamber of Commerce’s “Women to Women Celebrating Our Success” Initiative
• Member, Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce
• Member, American Institute of CPAs
• Named one of NJBIZ’s Best Fifty Women in Business in 2013
• Awarded “Top Big Apple Entrepreneur of 2016” by Manhattan Magazine
• 2015 Top 10 Public Accounting Professionals by the Academy of Public Accounting Professionals

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Stuart Berger, CPA

Stuart is a Partner at Sax and the founder of the firm’s Real Estate Practice. For more than 30 years, he has provided industry-specific tax and advisory services, with a special emphasis on helping family-owned businesses realize their full profit potential and maximize tax benefits.

Family owners and investors rely on Stuart’s real estate industry knowledge and experience to guide them to success in all other areas of their businesses as well, including acquisitions, succession planning, strategic planning and wealth preservation. Stuart’s expertise ranges from tax planning, assurance and attestation services to opportunity funds and low-income housing credit.

Stuart is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey. He currently serves on the Sax Executive Committee and Compensation Committee and is a past managing partner of the firm.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Syracuse University

COMMUNITY

• Member, New Jersey Apartment Association
• Member, Garden State Credit Associates
• Member, Metropolitan Builders and Contractors Association of New Jersey
• Member, Industrial and Office Real Estate Brokers Association of New Jersey
• Board Member, Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern New Jersey

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Marc Blumenthal, CPA

Marc was a Partner at Sax for more than 35 years before transitioning into his current role as Senior Advisor. He specializes in tax and advisory services for closely held businesses and has extensive experience working with business owners in the areas of succession planning, sales and acquisitions, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions and business organizational consulting.

Over his time at the firm, Marc has served as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, head of the Tax Department, Partner-in-Charge of Marketing and Business Development and Founder of the Financial Managers Forum (now CFO Focus) – a peer-to-peer professional development and networking group focused on the critical business issues for Chief Financial Officers and other financial managers.

Marc frequently speaks about a variety of management consulting topics to local business and community groups and has been published numerous times.

Marc is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey and an active member of numerous business, trade and professional organizations. Marc is an avid reader, golfer and enjoys spending time with his three sons and granddaughter.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree, University of Bridgeport

COMMUNITY

• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

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Thomas J. Cairoli, CPA

Thomas is a Senior Advisor at Sax and has over 30 years of diversified experience in public accounting, servicing various industries and clientele in the areas of auditing, taxation, and management consulting services. He is a member of the firm’s Manufacturing & Distribution Practice and specializes in support for U.S. operations and international manufacturers.

Thomas is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Fairleigh Dickinson University

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants

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Joshua Chananie, CPA

Joshua was promoted to Partner in 2013 and is heavily involved with the firm’s Manufacturing and Distribution Practice, concentrating on distribution and inventory management, shareholders agreements, cash flow and succession planning.

Joshua is also an active member of the firm’s Not-for-Profit Practice, specializing in auditing and advisory services to some of the firm’s largest not-for-profit clients (social services, religious organizations, and membership organizations). He specializes in governance and best practices on fiscal policy.

Joshua was instrumental in forming the firm’s highly successful Fist to Five® program which focuses on educating and advising organizations on key areas that are critical to their success. Leveraging this process, Joshua works to guide not-for-profits in becoming sustainable, and advise for-profits on best practices to becoming more socially responsible. Joshua has spoken at several not-for-profit events and authored multiple articles focusing on a variety of topics affecting the not-for-profit community.

Joshua is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, going to the beach and all things football-related.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, SUNY Binghamton University

COMMUNITY

• Member, New Jersey Society of CPAs Not-for-Profit Interest Group
• Member, Fist to Five®
• Board Member, The Paterson Alliance

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Tod A. Christianson, CPA

Tod joined Sax in the 2017 acquisition of Hunter Group LLC where he spent his entire professional career. He is a member of Sax’s Employee Benefit Plans Group, specializing in 401(k) audits for closely-held businesses and a member of the firm’s Healthcare Practice.

Tod is a graduate of the BERGEN LEADS project – a county-wide visioning effort to develop new ideas for improving Bergen County.

Tod is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey. He is an avid mountain biker and racer, and as a Fair Lawn-native, he still currently resides there with his wife and their three children.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Pennsylvania State University

COMMUNITY

• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Board Member, Former President, Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce
• Graduate, BERGEN LEADS project

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W. Michael Curry, CPA, CCIFP

Michael joined Sax in 2015 as a Partner in the firm’s rapidly growing Construction Practice providing accounting, auditing, tax and advisory services that meet the unique needs and challenges of the construction industry. He now serves as the Partner-in-Charge of Sax’s New York City office. Michael has decades of experience servicing clients in most construction sectors including: construction management; general contractors including civil, interior, heavy-highway and site work contractors; subcontracting and specialty trades; and, construction equipment and leasing companies.

Michael’s expertise includes audit, review, compilation, strategic tax planning, accounting and advisory services to the firm’s construction clients. He also presents on such topics as: best practices in auditing and preparing construction financial statements, construction specific accounting, analyzing financial statements, WIP analysis, business and cash flow management, detecting construction fraud and fiscal and integrity monitoring.

Michael is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey and New York. He is also a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP). He is married with four children, and is a life-long resident of Atlantic Highlands, NJ where he donates his time as a softball and baseball coach. He is also a former member of the Atlantic Highlands Environmental Commission.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, The College of New Jersey
• Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional

COMMUNITY

• Board of Directors/Member, Construction Financial Management Association of New Jersey
  • Former President (2015-2017)
• Member, Construction Financial Management Association of New York City
• Member, New York City Surety Association & the Surety Association of New Jersey
• Member, New Jersey Subcontractors Association
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Institute for Certified Construction Industry Financial Professionals
• Member, Construction Industry CPAs/Consultants Association
• Member, Utility and Transportation Contractors Association of New Jersey
• Member, The Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey
• Member, The General Contractors Association of New York

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Joseph A. Damiano, CPA

Joseph was named Sax’s Managing Partner in 2015. He is responsible for leading Sax’s strategic growth initiatives, staff development and overall management of the firm. He has over 20 years of demonstrated expertise in accounting, auditing, tax and advisory services, and works to guide firm members and future partners toward specialized knowledge and proactive advisory. Prior to his current role as Managing Partner, Joe was the Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s rapidly growing Construction Practice, and partnered with general contractors and heavy-highway and specialty-trade construction firms to build more profitable and efficient businesses.

Joe also served as Partner-in-Charge of Marketing and Business Development. In this leadership role, he was responsible for the upwards direction of the firm and effectively expanding its reach and services. He currently sits on the firm’s Executive and Compensation Committees.

Joe is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey. A resident of Warren Township, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf and is an avid Yankees fan.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Iona College

COMMUNITY

• Member, New York City Surety Association
  • Former President
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Construction Industry CPAs/Consultants Association
• Member, Utility and Transportation Contractors Association of New Jersey
• Member, The Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, The General Contractors Association of New York
• Member, Construction Financial Management Association
• Member, Surety Association of New Jersey
• Member, American Subcontractors Association of New Jersey
• 40 under 40, NJBIZ, 2009

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Howard Ehrlich, CPA

Howard is a trusted Senior Advisor to high-net-worth individuals and a wide variety of businesses. He has more than 30 years of accounting experience working with clients in the financial services arena, real estate, healthcare and distribution. His areas of expertise include preparing and counseling clients on cash flow analysis, budgeting and forecasting; developing business plans; creating operations analysis, including organization charts and job descriptions; and guiding clients on wealth preservation and utilizing transition techniques.

Howard is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree, Rutgers University

COMMUNITY

• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

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Henry Fuentes, MBA, CPA/ABV, CFE

Hank is a Senior Advisor and Director of Litigation Support Services and Business Valuation at Sax. He joined the firm in 1996 and has more than 40 years of experience in the accounting field, including significant business valuation experience in a variety of industries and engagements. His litigation support knowledge expands to commercial damages, fraud and embezzlement, accountants’ legal liability and forensic accounting among others. He is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV).

Some of his notable speaking engagements have included the National Law Foundation, NJSCPA and ICLE, as well as several in-house seminars for prestigious accounting and law firms. He is the recipient of the New Jersey Society of CPA’s outstanding educator award.

Hank is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Seton Hall University
• Master’s degree in Finance, Seton Hall University

COMMUNITY

• Tenured Graduate and Undergraduate Accounting Professor, Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Former Associate Dean, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s College of Business
• Former Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants Accounting and Auditing Standards Committee

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Christopher Gaffney, CPA, MST

Christopher is a Tax Partner at Sax and member of the firm’s Manufacturing and Distribution Practice. He has more than 20 years of public accounting and tax experience, providing tax consulting, transaction structuring, and tax compliance and planning services to public and privately held companies. His expertise includes structuring taxable and tax-free transactions for large and mid-size companies, analyzing the tax costs and benefits of stock versus asset transactions, researching and consulting on tax issues, reviewing tax provisions and uncertain tax position assessments, and providing tax planning and compliance for multi-state and consolidated corporations and multi-state partnerships.

Christopher is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey. An active member of his parish, Christopher enjoys reading, camping and traveling.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Master’s degree in Taxation, Fairleigh Dickinson University

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants

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Lawrence M. Gradzki, CPA, JD, LLM

Larry is a Partner at Sax, Director of Business Tax Services and Co-Chair of the firm’s Estate and Trust Practice. He also concentrates his efforts on tax planning for closely held businesses and high-net-worth individuals. A member of Sax since 1983, he was a tax associate and tax manager before being named Partner in 1992. His areas of expertise include structuring sophisticated tax transactions for clients, including tax deferred exchanges, corporate reorganizations, and sales and acquisitions of businesses.

His depth of expertise is also leveraged within Sax, where he develops the professional staff through a multitude of training and continuing education programs. He frequently speaks at firm events on topics related to taxation, estate planning, and corporation structuring.

Larry is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey. An avid golfer, Larry resides in Morris Township, N.J.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Fairleigh Dickinson University
• LLM (Taxation), University of Bridgeport School of Law
• Juris Doctor, Seton Hall University School of Law

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Member, State Tax Committee
• Member, Mount Saint Mary Academy Advancement Council
• Member, Estate Planning Council of Bergen County
• Past Chairman of the Board, North Jersey Regional Chamber of Commerce

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Kevin J. Hansen, CPA

Kevin has over 30 years of public accounting experience and joined Sax when it combined with the Hunter Group out of Fair Lawn, NJ in 2017. There, Kevin was a Co-Managing Partner of the firm and is now Partner-in-Charge of that office. Kevin has extensive experience with real estate, retail, medical services, legal services, and wholesale distribution industries. He is a member of the firm’s Real Estate Industry Services Group and focuses on real property management and advisory services for closely-held businesses. Kevin specializes in planning, coordinating and supervising accounting and auditing services for business clients, as well as tax services for corporations, partnerships and individuals.

Kevin is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Life/Health Insurance Producer’s License in New Jersey
• Series 7 and 66 Securities Registrations

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, New Jersey Commercial Real Estate Alliance

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Ralph Heiman, CPA

Ralph has extensive experience in accounting, tax and business advisory services focusing on the healthcare industry and other professional service organizations. Ralph advises his clients in the matters of organizational structure, financing, succession planning, and operational efficiencies.

Designated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as a Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), Ralph helps clients achieve their goals through customized retirement planning, estate planning and risk management strategies. He was instrumental in developing Sax’s Wealth Management Division, which helps individuals accumulate, manage and transfer wealth.

He served as the Managing Partner of Sax for 26 years and continues in his current role as a Senior Advisor.

Ralph is a Certified Public Accountant and is recognized by the AICPA as a Personal Financial Planning Specialist.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Rutgers University
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Rutgers University Graduate School

COMMUNITY

• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

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Kenneth A. Hofsommer, CPA, MST

Kenneth is a Partner at Sax and has expertise in both tax and audit disciplines. He joined Sax in the 2017 acquisition of Hunter Group LLC where he led their Tax Department. He is now an active member of Sax’s Manufacturing & Distribution Practice and works with closely-held businesses in the food manufacturing, distribution and warehousing industries, as well as in the real estate and professional services marketplace.

In addition to tax planning, Ken is skilled at assisting clients with high level projects including 1031 exchanges, representation during IRS and State tax examinations, cost segregation and R&D studies.

Ken is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in Taxation, Seton Hall University

COMMUNITY

• Member, Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey
• Member, Morris County Chamber of Commerce

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Robert Hopper, CPA

Bob joined Sax in 1989 and has served as Partner for the last 20 years. As Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Manufacturing and Distribution Practice, he provides accounting, tax and consulting services to a wide variety of clients in the manufacturing and distributing industry, among others.

Bob specializes in helping business owners grow their businesses and increase efficiencies. He has assisted small and medium-sized companies identify critical issues in order to enhance their business and succeed. Bob serves as a member of Sax’s Executive Committee.

Bob is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Rutgers University

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Garden State Credit Associates
• Member, New Jersey State Society Bankers Co-Operation Committee
  • Former Chairman

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Shivani Jain, CPA, MST

Shivani was promoted to Partner in 2016 and is Head of the firm’s Tax Practice, specializing in tax planning and compliance for multi-state businesses and high-net-worth individuals. 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.

Shivani also provides industry-specific tax services to manufacturers, wholesale suppliers and distributors as an integral member of the firm’s Manufacturing & Distribution Practice, while also overseeing client assignments and project scheduling.

Within the firm, Shivani is instrumental in employee development through programs, CPE training, standardizing tax procedures and effectively communicating tax law updates to staff and clients.

Shivani is a Certified Public Accountant in Colorado. She personally enjoys traveling, and plans on visiting one country a year with her family.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, University of Mumbai
• Master’s degree in Taxation, Fairleigh Dickinson University

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
• Member, American Business Association
• Beta Gamma Sigma, International Honor Society
• Inductee, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Silberman College of Business “50 Under 50”

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Steven Kaplan, CPA

Steven was a Partner at Sax for more than 30 years before transitioning to Senior Advisor. He has more than 40 years as a tax practitioner and is the head of the firm’s Family Tax Services Group, comprised of individual tax, estate and trust tax, transfer taxes, private foundation and estate tax planning. Steve specializes in the development and implementation of sophisticated estate and income tax planning techniques. He oversees and is regularly involved in numerous corporate, individual, fiduciary and estate planning tax matters of varying complexity on behalf of clients.

Steve is both a Certified Public Accountant and an Attorney.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Brooklyn College
• Master of Laws degree in Taxation, New York University
• Juris Doctor, Brooklyn Law School

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Elliott H. Koplitz, CPA

Elliott is a Partner at Sax and member of the firm’s Manufacturing and Distribution Practice and an advisor to closely-held businesses and high-net-worth individuals. Elliott specializes in addressing the unique needs of manufacturing, wholesale distribution, food and beverage, real estate and recreational industry clients, and serves as de facto Chief Financial Officer for a number of companies.

Elliott is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey. He enjoys travel, boating and spending time on the beach and in the mountains.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Fairleigh Dickinson University

COMMUNITY

• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Former Board of Trustees, Youth Consultation Services (YCS)

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George Livanos, CPA, MST

George is a Partner in the Tax Department of Sax, specializing in corporate, partnership and individual income taxation. He joined Sax in 2003 and has more than 25 years of experience, working closely with both publicly and privately held businesses to ensure that they are compliant with the latest tax laws, advising clients on the impact of proposed business transactions, and the potential effects of proposed tax legislation.

George is also the Tax Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Real Estate Practice, where he provides tax consulting services to real estate developers, owners and operators. George also serves clients in the financial services area, including broker-dealers and hedge funds.

George is a Certified Public Accountant in both New Jersey and New York.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Master’s degree in Taxation, Fairleigh Dickinson University

COMMUNITY

• Member, Education Committee of the New Jersey Chapter of NAIOP
• Treasurer, New Jersey Solar Energy Coalition
• Treasurer, SUNPAC
• Member, New York and New Jersey State Societies of Certified Public Accountants

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Ermal Luzaj, CPA, MBA

Ermal is the Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s rapidly growing Construction Practice, and is charged with its overall management and expansion.  He works closely with emerging market, specialty, general, heavy/highway contractors and real estate developers, providing them with innovative solutions to reach their desired goals.  His areas of expertise include:

• Assurance, Consulting and Tax Services
• Bonding Capacity and Bank Line Consulting
• Cash Flow and Profitability Improvement
• Mergers & Acquisitions – Due Diligence Services
• Union & Insurance Disputes

Ermal is a member of Sax’s Executive Committee and Partner-in-Charge of Marketing and Business Development.  In both leadership roles, Ermal is responsible for the upwards direction of the firm and the expansion of service offerings and overall presence in the tri-state area.

Ermal has been published in widely-circulated business publications and frequently speaks at firm and industry-sponsored events on various industry related topics.

Ermal is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.  He currently resides in Far Hills, NJ.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Montclair State University
• Master’s degree in Finance, Montclair State University

COMMUNITY

• Member, Surety Association of New Jersey
  • Past President from 2010-2012
• Member, New York City Surety Association
• Member, Construction Industry of CPAs/Consultants Association
• Member, Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA)
• Member, Utility and Transportation Contractors Association (UTCA)
• Member, American Subcontractors Association of New Jersey, Inc.
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Association for Corporate Growth
• Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity

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Leonard Manis, CPA

Leonard joined Sax in the 2017 acquisition of Hunter Group LLC where he began his professional career. Len specializes in accounting and auditing services for closely-held businesses. His experience and responsibilities cover a diversified list of clientele in the areas of accounting, taxation, and business consulting.

Len is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Rutgers College
• Master’s degree in Taxation, Lubin School of Business, Pace University
• Life/Health Insurance Producer’s License in New Jersey
• Series 7 and 66 Securities Registrations

COMMUNITY

• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • Accounting and Auditing Interest Group
• Past President, Bergen County Chapter
• Past Chairman, Young CPA Committee
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Past President, Greater New Jersey Estate Planning Council
• Member, Bergen Community College Accounting Advisory Committee
• Member, Greater New Jersey Estate Planning Council
• Member, Paramus Rotary
• Member, Garden State Credit Associates
• Member, Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey’s Financial Decision Makers Roundtable Steering Committee

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Michael A. Mongelli, CPA

Michael has been a Partner at Sax since 1979. His practice concentrates in the accounting and tax aspects of real estate transactions and ownership. Michael is the leader of the firm’s Real Estate Practice. He provides services and advises organizations in the real estate industry including developers, lessors, and other property owners. Michael’s practice encompasses over 30 years of experience in the accounting and tax aspects of real estate in the residential, commercial, retail, industrial, hospitality, and co-op and condominium sectors. His industry experience is diverse and in addition to real estate, includes nursing homes, assisted living, professional services, and consulting firms.

Michael is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey and New York. When not working, Michael enjoys spending time with his family at the Jersey shore. He resides in Montville, N.J. with his wife Lori and two children Simone and Daniel.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, William Paterson University

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties NJ Chapter
• Member, New Jersey Apartment Association
• Member, New Jersey Builders Association and the North Jersey Builders and Remodelers Association
• Former Board Member, Montville Educational Foundation

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Jennifer L. Moroz, CPA

Jennifer was promoted to Partner in 2012 and is Head of the firm’s Employee Benefit Plan Audit Practice. She specializes in navigating clients through the highly complex intricacies of employee benefit plans in a consistently changing environment.

Jennifer is also active in the firm’s Manufacturing and Distribution Practice, and provides technical industry expertise and comprehensive services to improve productivity and maximize profits such as cash flow, inventory analysis, order processing and succession planning.

Jennifer was instrumental in developing the firm’s employee training program, in which she continues to take an active role. Jennifer oversees all training for the Employee Benefit Plan Audit team and ensures members are informed of regulatory updates and tax law changes. In addition, when new associates are hired, Jennifer is involved in their first month of initial training and helps them acclimate to the firm and their new roles.

Jennifer is a Certified Public Accountant in New York. A resident of Pearl River, N.Y., she enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Villanova University

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, AICPA Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center
• Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity
• Volunteer, American Cancer Society

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Frank Pawlowski, CPA

Frank is a Partner with the firm, and joined Sax after the 2017 acquisition of Hunter Group LLC where he led as Co-Managing Director. Frank is a member of the firm’s Construction and Real Estate Practices, but serves a wide-range of industries specializing in accounting, auditing and advisory needs for closely-held and family-owned businesses.

Frank is a Certified Public Accountant in New York and New Jersey. Outside of work, Frank enjoys spending time with his family and indulging his interest in cars by driving his classic automobile.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Public Accounting, Pace University

COMMUNITY

• Former President, Haledon Rotary Club

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Maria C. Plucinsky, CPA

Maria joined Sax in the 2017 acquisition of Hunter Group CPA LLC where she served as Accounting and Audit Partner and Director of their Nonprofit Services Group, with a focus on closely-held businesses and managing the firm’s not-for-profit accounting and tax practice.

With more than 30 years in public accounting, Maria’s corporate experience includes wholesale food distributors and import/export brokers, in addition to equipment rental, real estate, property management, construction and show companies.

In the Not-for-Profit space, Maria has more than 25 years of experience specializing in both single audit and Yellow Book audit engagements. Her experience includes auditing contracts from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) including REAC filings, the NJ Department of Health & Senior Services, the NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the New Jersey Department of Human Services, which includes the Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS), the Division of Mental Health Services (DMHS), the Division of Developmentally Disabled (DDD), and the Division of Family Development (DFD), including Abbott Preschool funding. Maria is also responsible for all related federal and state tax exempt filings.

Maria is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.  She enjoys cooking and spending summer weekends at the Jersey Shore in addition to being an avid NY Mets fan.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree, William Paterson University

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, State Society’s Not-for-Profit Interest Group
• Member, Valley National Bank’s Professionals Group Advisory Council
• Member, New Jersey Business Network

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Todd W. Polyniak, CPA

Todd joined Sax in 2000 and has more than 30 years of in-depth auditing and accounting experience. As the director of the firm’s Not-for-Profit Practice, he provides the leadership, passion and vision to empower a dedicated team of professionals within the firm who are highly proficient in providing audit, tax and consulting services to a wide array of not-for-profit organizations. Besides providing the highest quality compliance services that not-for-profit’s need, Todd also has a passion to bring value to every relationship in order to help these organizations to actualize their overall potential.

Todd also is the innovator of Fist to Five which is focused on providing cutting edge consulting services to the not-for-profit community. In connection with this, Todd has hosted Fist to Five Events both in New Jersey and New York, which has been highly successful in bringing together experts who have presented creative, informational and thought provoking topics to an audience of not-for-profits leaders, trustees, service providers and other stakeholders.

Todd has presented over 70 educational programs to professionals and to the public. He has lectured on various accounting and auditing matters for organizations such as Fairleigh Dickinson University, Montclair State University, the Center for Non-Profits, the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants’ Continuing Education Program, the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services, and New Jersey Department of Education. In addition, Todd is actively involved in the training and education of clients and staff on the new auditing standards put forth by the Auditing Standards Board (ASB).

Todd is a Certified Public Accountant in both New Jersey and New York.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Rutgers University (Rutgers Scholar)

COMMUNITY

• Founder, Fist to Five
• Member, Finance and Audit Committee, East Orange General Hospital
• Former Treasurer, Mental Health Association of Essex County

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Susan E. Reed, CPA, CFP®

Susan Reed is a Partner with Sax and is Head of the firm’s Healthcare Practice. She has extensive accounting and tax experience focusing on the healthcare industry. She prides herself on her ability to solve even the most complex issues through innovative and tailored solutions for clients that include large regional medical groups, hematology-oncology practices, ambulatory surgery centers, dental practices and medical laboratories.

Susan’s primary focuses are acting as an operational consultant for medical and dental practices with a concentration in hematology-oncology, assisting medical groups with mergers and acquisitions, and guiding group practices through the formation of super groups. Susan’s advisory practice focuses on, but is not limited to: physician practice assessment, physician compensation, practice succession valuation, taxation, group practice evaluation, strategic business planning and new practice set up.

Susan is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey, and a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional. She is also a frequent speaker and author for many industry associations on relevant healthcare issues.

On a personal note, Susan enjoys boating and kayaking.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Montclair State University

COMMUNITY

• Board Member, St. Joseph’s Wayne Hospital Foundation
• Member, Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA)
• Member, Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
• Member, Sax P.O.W.E.R (Professional Organization of Women Empowerment and Results)
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• “New Jersey’s Best Women in Business,” NJBIZ, 2009

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Jeffrey P. Roude, CPA

Jeffrey is a Partner at Sax with over 30 years of experience in public accounting and is Head of the firm’s Real Estate Practice for the New York market. Jeff has extensive experience in audit and accounting services for family-owned and closely-held residential and commercial properties, in addition to common interest realty engagements for cooperative housing corporations and condominium associations. Jeff has also advised clients in the hospitality and hotel industry, manufacturers and distributors, not-for-profit organizations, private foundations and government entities.

Jeff is a Certified Public Accountant in New York and Connecticut. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys traveling, golfing and spending time with his family.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science degree, State University of New York at Binghamton

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Trustee and Vice Chair of Finance and Administration, Hudson River Museum
• Registered appointment under the New York State Unified Court System, Part 36
• New York State Supreme Court and Surrogate Court accountings for guardianship
• Pro bono accounting services for nonprofit organizations
• Volunteer, Chappaqua Youth Soccer Club
• Volunteer, New Castle Youth Basketball Associations

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Joseph Shannon, CPA/ABV, CVA, CFE

Joseph is a Partner with Sax with over 25 years of experience in public accounting, serving a variety of business and tax clients in various industries. He also focuses on the complex areas of business valuation and litigation support, and has played a critical role in more than 100 business valuations in areas including manufacturing and distribution, healthcare, professional services, retail sales, real estate, limited partnerships, family limited partnerships and construction.

His expertise helps clients resolve conflicts in matrimonial matters, fraud and embezzlement, shareholder disputes and forensic accounting. He is accredited by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts in Business Valuation.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor degree in Business Administration/Accounting, Bryant College

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Albert Traverso, CPA

Al is a Partner in the Manufacturing and Distribution and Not-for-Profit Practices at Sax. His technical expertise and industry-specific experience help the firm’s manufacturing and distribution clients navigate audits and compliance issues, inventory management, internal controls, cash flow analyses, risk management and tax challenges.

With more than 20 years’ experience in accounting, tax, and consulting services, Al is able to advise clients on financial strategy, improved operational efficiencies, and the development and implementation of succession plans. Al also works with the firm’s not-for-profit clients, managing the accounting needs of health and welfare organizations and schools.

In addition, Al is one of the firm’s leaders in the area of computerized audit techniques. He instructs Sax staff members on Active Data software, a data extraction software program that analyzes trends and client postings to streamline the entire audit process.

Al is a published author and speaker on manufacturing and distribution topics. His past speaking engagements include the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP), the NJ Small Business Administration, and the Passaic County EDA.

Al is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, William Paterson University

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Marqus White, CPA

Marqus is a Partner within Sax’s Tax Department and is the Tax Leader of the firm’s Not-for-Profit Practice. With more than 20 years of experience, he provides expert tax compliance, planning and advisory services to not-for-profit organizations, closely-held businesses and individuals. He frequently addresses not-for-profit boards on regulatory issues, audit findings and tax compliance recommendations.

Marqus oversees the firm’s tax filing procedures and tax software implementation. He leads the development of policies and practices in the tax department that govern the firm’s use of technology and other resources, and is responsible for tax-related training and education programs for staff and clients alike.

Marqus is a Certified Public Accountant in both New Jersey and New York. A resident of West Orange, NJ, he is very active in his Church, and enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and two sons.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Seton Hall University

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Volunteer, NAIOP NJ Community Action Committee

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