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.

In 2020, Kathleen was named an Ovation Award winner by the NJCPA in the category of IMPACT for exemplary efforts and stellar achievements advancing New Jersey’s accounting profession.

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 an Ovation Award winner by the NJCPA in the category of IMPACT, 2020
• Named one of NJBIZ’s Best Fifty Women in Business, 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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Jason Borofsky, CPA, MBA

Jason Borofsky was named Partner in 2019 and is a new addition to the next generation of leaders at the firm. Primarily focused on the Real Estate industry, Jason has provided industry-specific accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services to property owners, developers, and investors for 13 years.

Jason is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, The College of New Jersey
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Montclair State University
• Inductee, Alpha Epsilon Lambda, Graduate Honor Society at Montclair State University

COMMUNITY

• Member, Urban Land Institute of Northern New Jersey
• Member, NAIOP New Jersey Chapter
• Member, The New Jersey Apartment Association
• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants

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Joshua Chananie, CPA

Joshua is a Partner with Sax and Leader of the firm’s Manufacturing and Distribution Practice, concentrating on advising clients on the key areas critical to their success.

With more than 15 years of experience, Josh specializes in distribution and inventory management, shareholders agreements, profitability, succession planning, financial strategy, operational efficiencies, risk management and tax challenges.

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 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, Supply Chain Experts 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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Stephen J. Ehrenberg, CPA, MBT

Stephen Ehrenberg was named Partner in 2019 and brings over 20 years of experience to his role. With a focus in the Construction, Manufacturing, Distribution, Transaction Advisory and eCommerce industries, Stephen specializes in advising clients with complex tax related matters such as structuring merger & acquisition transactions, providing recommendations in the areas of domestic & international tax strategies, along with helping individuals, corporations and partnerships make sound tax decisions.

Stephen is also a member of the firm’s Pandemic Task Force focused on all loan options and forgiveness strategies. As a member of the task force, Stephen provides his expertise on interpreting the new legislation to maximize the benefits for clients.

Prior to joining Sax LLP, Stephen was a tax partner at BDO USA LLP. Additionally, Stephen has public accounting experience both at the Big 4 and regional firm level.

Stephen is a Certified Public Accountant in California.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s Degree in Literature, Sciences & Arts, University of Michigan
• Master’s Degree in Business Taxation, University of Southern California

COMMUNITY

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

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Adam Feldman, CPA

Adam is a Partner with Sax LLP and a member of the firm’s Construction, Manufacturing & Distribution and Financial Services Practices with a focus on advising clients in the key areas essential to their success. Adam also assists with Employee Benefit Plan Audits and oversees audit and compliance procedures for many of the firm’s largest engagements. With almost a decade of experience, Adam specializes in industry-specific audit, review and compilation services.

Within the firm, Adam is charged with managing client relationships and engagements, creating and facilitating various training programs to ensure team members are on top of the evolving industries, and leading and developing younger team members at various staff levels.

EDUCATION

• B.A., Rutgers, University
• MBA, Rutgers University

COMMUNITY

• Member, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA)
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• Member, Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA)

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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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Candy Gordon-Geanoules, CPA

Candy Gordon-Geanoules is a partner with Sax LLP and a member of the firm’s Real Estate Practice. With more than 25 years of diversified public accounting experience, she provides assurance, advisory and tax services to privately held businesses in commercial and residential real estate, hospitality, health care, and professional services sectors, as well as high net worth individuals throughout the United States.

Candy is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey and based out of Sax’s Clifton, New Jersey office. Outside of the firm, she speaks to local high schools and colleges on the accounting profession and volunteers her time on the scholarship committee with the NJCPA and with Dean Michael Clarizio Cancer Foundation. She serves on the board of the Builders Association of Northern NJ and was a recipient of their 2019 Rising Star Award. Candy was also included in Mid-Atlantic Real Estate Journal’s Women in Business spotlight. Candy is married with 5 children and one grandson.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science, William Paterson University

COMMUNITY

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• B.I.G.

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Lawrence M. Gradzki, CPA, JD, LLM

Larry is a Partner at Sax, Director of Business Tax Services and Co-Leader of the firm’s Trusts & Estates 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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Erik A. Hanson, CPA

Erik Hanson is a Senior Advisor at Sax and has in-depth experience in the public accounting sector. He concentrates mainly on tax/financial planning for individuals and families including trusts, family businesses, and not-for-profit organizations. He also serves as a fiduciary for a number of trusts and estates.

Erik has served in a voluntary capacity on Boards as well as finance, audit and investment committees of various charitable organizations, including private foundations.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Gettysburg College

Erik is a Certified Public Accountant in New York. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve for 20 years and retired with the rank of Commander.

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William R. Happe Jr., CPA

Bill Happe was named Partner in 2019 and is a new addition to the next generation of leaders at the firm. Primarily focused on the Construction and Manufacturing & Distribution industries, Bill specializes in industry-specific review, audit and compilation services. Bill also assists with Employee Benefit Plan Audits and oversees audit and compliance procedures for many of the firm’s largest engagements.

Within the firm, Bill is responsible for managing client relationships, supervising staff members and leading internal development initiatives and training programs to ensure the professional growth and industry expertise of team members at various staff levels.

Bill is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

EDUCATION

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

COMMUNITY

• Member, The Surety Association of New Jersey
• Member, The Construction Financial Management Association – NJ Chapter
• Member, The New Jersey Subcontractors Association
• Member, NAIOP New Jersey

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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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Jeffrey Holt, CPA

Jeffrey Holt is a Partner in Sax’s Audit and Accounting Department and has more than 23 years of experience in public accounting. He concentrates on audits, reviews and compilations for closely held businesses in a multitude of industries, in addition to audits for not-for-profit organizations and employee benefit plans.

Jeff is Head of Quality Control at Sax. In this capacity, Jeff monitors the firm’s compliance with professional standards for conducting high-quality audits with competence, integrity, objectivity and independence. Jeff coordinates internal firm inspections and Sax’s external peer review, in addition to developing the training curriculum and conducting seminars on accounting and auditing topics for the firm’s professionals.

Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Jeff began his career with a regional accounting firm on the West Coast and taught Accounting at a major university before moving to the New York area. Prior to joining Sax in September of 2020, Jeff was a Partner in the Private Business Services Group at a Top 10 accounting firm.

EDUCATION

• BA, UCLA
• MBA, California State University, Dominguez Hills
• MA in English, Southern New Hampshire University

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

Jeff is a Certified Public Accountant in New York and California. He has conducted numerous trainings on emerging accounting pronouncements, in addition to revenue recognition and lease rules and regulations.

In his spare time, Jeff enjoys reading classical and modern literature and rooting for the LA Dodgers.

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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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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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Thomas Kopnicky, CPA

Thomas Kopnicky is a Senior Advisor at Sax and has over 40 years of experience developing a keen awareness and understanding of the concepts and alternatives that lead to good business and tax solutions. His areas of expertise include individual tax planning and preparation of tax returns; corporate, partnership and not-for-profit accounting, tax planning and compliance matters, including foreign owned entities; estate and trust tax planning and preparation of fiduciary tax returns and accountings; audits of closely held manufacturing companies, law firms, not-for-profit organizations and service companies; financial statement analysis and review of closely held entities; and representation for client tax matters with the IRS, states and local tax agencies.

Tom serves as an officer and manager of closely-held businesses as well as trustee of trusts and executor of estates. His hobbies and interests include investments and golf.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Fairfield University

Tom is a Certified Public Accountant in New York and Connecticut.

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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 a Partner at Sax and Head of the firm’s Construction Practice, 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, and 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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Joy E. Matak, JD, LLM

Joy Matak, JD, LLM is a Partner at Sax and Co-Leader of the firm’s Trust and Estate Practice. She has more than 20 years of diversified experience as a wealth transfer strategist with an extensive background in recommending and implementing advantageous tax strategies for multi-generational wealth families, owners of closely-held businesses, and high-net-worth individuals including complex trust and estate planning.

Joy provides clients with wealth transfer strategy planning to accomplish estate and business succession goals. She also performs tax compliance including gift tax, estate tax, and income tax returns for trusts and estates as well as consulting services related to generation skipping including transfer tax planning, asset protection, life insurance structuring, and post-mortem planning.

Joy presents at numerous events on topics relevant to wealth transfer strategists including engagements for the ABA Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section; Wealth Management Magazine; the Estate Planning Council of Northern New Jersey; and the Society of Financial Service Professionals. Joy has authored and co-authored articles for the Tax Management Estates, Gifts and Trusts (BNA) Journal; Leimberg Information Services, Inc. (LISI); and Estate Planning Review The CCH Journal, among others, on a variety of topics including wealth transfer strategies, income taxation of trusts and estates, and business succession planning. Joy recently co-authored a book on the new tax reform law entitled Estate Planning: Estate, Tax and Other Planning after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

EDUCATION

• B.S., Mathematics, cum laude, Seton Hall University
• JD, cum laude, Vermont Law School
• Master of Laws, Taxation, with distinction, Georgetown University Law Center

COMMUNITY

• Member, New Jersey State Bar Association
• Member, Estate Planning Council of Northern New Jersey

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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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Randal M. Natoli, CPA

Randy Natoli has over 35 years of public accounting experience and joined Sax when it combined with James D. Miller & Co. out of New York City in 2019. Randy now serves as Partner-in-Charge of Sax’s NYC office located at 350 Fifth Avenue. Randy primarily focuses his time in the area of taxation, concentrating on individual, fiduciary and corporate income tax compliance and planning.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, University of Virginia

COMMUNITY

• The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Former Board Member, Long Island Metropolitan Lacrosse Foundation

Randy is a Certified Public Accountant in New York.

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Melissa L. O’Shea, CPA

Missy O’Shea was named Partner in 2019 and is a new addition to the next generation of leaders at the firm. She is a key member of the firm’s Construction Practice and assists clients with accounting, auditing and financial services that are unique to the industry. Her areas of expertise include attest engagements, bonding capacity and bank line consulting, accounting software consulting, cash flow and profitability improvement in addition to other advisory services.

Within the firm, Missy is charged with the internal training of younger members of the firm’s Construction niche group and is responsible for educating them on the specific rules, regulations and challenges facing the industry. Missy also ensures efficient client service and overall staff development as business advisors that aligns with the firm’s high standards.

Missy is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey and was named a Top 30 under 30 by the New Jersey Society of CPAs.

EDUCATION

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

COMMUNITY

• President, The Surety Association of New Jersey
• New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants

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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 is a Partner at Sax with over 30 years of in-depth auditing, accounting and advisory experience, serving a multitude of industries. His wealth of experience has led him to lead the firm’s Transaction Advisory Practice, Accounting & Auditing Department, and Sax’s Not-for-Profit Practice.

Todd understands the world of Private Equity, and the importance of a strong support team when it comes to pre and post acquisitions. He assists PE companies by thoroughly analyzing and validating financial, operational and strategic measures that capture opportunities and minimize loss and liabilities through the transaction process. He counsels clients on deal structuring to ensure the successful integration of business operations, cultures and strategies align to maximize the value of their investment.

As Head of the firm’s Not-for-Profit Practice, Todd has a true passion for advising nonprofit organizations on the key areas critical to their success. Todd provides the highest quality compliance services that not-for-profit’s need, but also focuses on providing added value in the form of advisory services to help nonprofit organizations actualize their overall potential.

As Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Accounting & Auditing Department, which oversees the policies and procedures our firm follows for any attestation engagement, Todd is focused on building strong client relationships based on the delivery of accurate, timely and meaningful financial information. Todd is also actively involved in the training and education of clients and staff on the new accounting and auditing standards put forth by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Auditing Standards Board (ASB).

Todd is also Head of the firm’s Innovation Committee, and he is leaned on to support the growth and innovation of Sax and to create new opportunities to sustain a healthy firm culture, attract and retain exceptional talent, and to stand out among competition now and in the future.

Todd is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.

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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Kathleen M. Rutch, CPA

Kathleen Rutch has over 30 years of public accounting experience and joined Sax when it combined with James D. Miller & Co. out of New York City in 2019. There, Kathy served as Partner in addition to the in-house network administrator, overseeing all the computer programs and processing. Kathy’s primary area of expertise is in tax compliance and planning for individuals, trusts, estates and not-for-profit entities. She also provides tax and basic personal financial planning and prepares fiduciary accountings.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Public Accounting, Pace University

COMMUNITY

• The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants

Kathy is a Certified Public Accountant in New York and New Jersey. She is also a Notary Public in New Jersey.

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Megan Sartor, CPA, ABV, CFF

Megan Sartor was named Partner in 2019 and is a new addition to the next generation of leaders at Sax. With almost a decade of experience in the areas of business valuation, forensic accounting and litigation support, Megan now leads the firm’s Valuation, Forensic, and Litigation Department as Partner-in-Charge. Her work in litigation support includes matrimonial matters, shareholder disputes, and forensic investigations, among others.

Megan is accredited by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in the area of business valuation (ABV). She is certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) by the AICPA and has been trained in the area of Collaborative Law, an alternative dispute resolution model to resolve conflict during a divorce. She has also completed 40 hours of mediation training in family law cases.

Megan is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey.  In 2020 she was named an Ovation Award winner by the NJCPA in the WOMAN TO WATCH category, which applauds her growth and success in the industry and recognizes her leadership, contributions and commitment to fostering the success of her colleagues.  She has also received the “Women of Note” from the NJSCPA and was recognized as a “40 Under Forty” professional from the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Master of Science degree in Accounting, Fairleigh Dickinson University

COMMUNITY

• Member, The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Board of Trustees, The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Board of Directors, The Collaborative Divorce Association of North Jersey

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Joseph Shannon, CPA/ABV, CVA, CFE

Joseph is a Partner with Sax and Head of the firm’s Real Estate Practice.  He has over 30 years of experience in public accounting and provides industry-specific advisory and tax planning services to developers, real estate fund managers, lessors and other property owners.

Joe is also a member of the firm’s Valuation, Forensic, and Litigation team and specializes in estate planning, corporate and estate valuations, buy-sell agreements, 1031 exchanges and affordable housing.  He has played a critical role in more than 100 business valuations in areas including real estate, construction, manufacturing and distribution, healthcare, limited partnerships and family limited partnerships.

Joe is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey and is a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).  Outside of work, Joe enjoys golfing and spending time with his two sons.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Accounting, Bryant College

COMMUNITY

• Member, American Institute of Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA)
• Member, National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA)
• Former Board Member, Wayne Boys and Girls Club

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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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