The Young CPAs Council serves the young CPA community by helping to identify and implement programs, services and activities to support future and young CPAs as they become established in their careers; and is dedicated to gaining and maintaining the participation of young CPA members.
Meet the members of the Young CPAs Council and find out which member never misses a Rutgers football game; who plays the euphonium; which one is a “Dancing Number Cruncher; who is a foodie; who is getting married in May and which ones are studying for the CPA exam. And don’t forget to connect with them on NJSCPA Connect.
Sarah Krom, CPA, is the Young CPAs Council Chair. She joined the NJSCPA in 2003 and was a NJSCPA College Scholarship recipient in 2004. She has been licensed since 2008. As part of the team at Sharpe, Kawam, Carmosino and Company, LLC, in Boonton, NJ, Sarah makes client service a number-one priority. “One of my career goals is to build such a strong, positive reputation for myself in the profession that I become almost a ‘celebrity’ to potential clients and other CPAs.”
She got involved as a way to give back to the profession. “Involvement in the Society offers an opportunity to build a network of peers, build confidence with networking situations and serve as a stepping stone to future leadership positions in the Society.” She is also a member of the Nonprofit Interest Group.
Outside of the office she enjoys wining and dining with friends, fitness and reading. You can reach Sarah at sarah.krom@gmail.com.
Reynold P. Cicalese III, CPA, MST (Ren for short) is a staff accountant at Alloy Silverstein located in Cherry Hill, NJ. He is responsible for serving a broad range of clients from small, self-employed businesses to large, multi-state corporations. Ren received his undergraduate degrees in accounting and finance from Rutgers University in 2009. After graduation, he began studying for the CPA exam and passed all parts by the end of 2009. In 2010, he received his masters in taxation from Philadelphia University.
Ren joined the NJSCPA after attending the Scholar’s Institute program. “After the Scholar’s Institute program, I felt that the NJSCPA was an organization that could support me throughout my career as a public accountant. The NJSCPA has offered various opportunities to expand my network and improve my professional skills. I’m glad I decided to get involved early.” In reward for his early involvement and diligent work in the profession, Ren was named one of the NJSCPA’s “30 Under 30” in 2011.
Outside of work Ren enjoys music, sports, and gathering with friends. Ren also likes to volunteer and give back to his community. He currently serves as a board member for Aqua Corps and the Nonprofit Development Center of Southern New Jersey. Contact Ren at rcicaleseiii@alloysilverstein.com.
Henrietta G. Fuchs, CPA, is an audit manager at J.H. Cohn LLP in Roseland. She’s been with the firm since November 2003 and works on audits of public and nonpublic companies. She is a member of J.H. Cohn’s Food & Beverage Industry Practice Group. One of her favorite responsibilities is helping the firm recruit by going on campus and doing in-office interviews of entry-level candidates. “I would like to be even more involved in our recruiting process; I enjoy being a part of the decision process as to whom we hire,” Henrietta says. “I love seeing the staff members that I interviewed succeed at JHC.”
Henrietta joined the Society as a student member in 2003 when she won a NJSCPA College Scholarship. She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Farleigh Dickinson University. She received her CPA license in 2008. “I am involved because of the wonderful opportunities the NJSCPA offers.” Henrietta encourages other young professionals to get involved. “Young professionals should read E-YoungCPA to get familiar with the resources the NJSCPA offers, networking opportunities and ways to get involved with the Society.”
Henrietta’s little girl, Emma Dawn, is a big focus in her life now. She also likes to cook and bake. You can reach her at Hfuchs@jhcohn.com.
Nora V. Jones, CPA, is a manager at Paolini & Scout, LLC in Medford Lakes, NJ where she specializes in tax and accounting. Most of her clients are in the tri-state area and range from small business to mid-sized not-for-profits. “A current career goal of mine is to learn as much as possible about not-for-profit accounting needs and with my knowledge, gain new clients,” says Nora.
Nora graduated from the University of Tampa with an accounting degree then moved back to NJ and accepted a position at Paolini & Scout, LLC, in Medford Lakes, NJ. While working, she received her M.B.A. from Rutgers Camden with a little help from a NJSCPA scholarship. After that, she took the Becker Review live classes, passed the CPA exam and received her license in 2009. She joined the NJSCPA in 2007 because she was told early on in her career how important it was to have a professional association with resources and a network. “Between work, school, studying for the exam and life, I did not network very much early on,” Nora confesses. “Now I realize the importance of this if I want to bring in new clients (i.e., advance in my career), become a resource for clients and keep up on the accounting industry as a whole.”
Nora volunteers with Women’s Way, a Philadelphia based nonprofit focused on women and family issues. “I never miss a televised Rutgers football game.” So don’t email her at noravjones@gmail.com when the Scarlet Knights are playing.
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Gregory P. Kohr, CPA, is a Senior at Friedman LLP in East Hanover where he works primarily in the Forensic Litigation and Valuations Services department. He also performs audit and tax work during the busy season. He joined NJSCPA while earning his B.S.A at Ramapo College of New Jersey as a way to network and meet other people in the profession. He graduated in 2007 and obtained his license in 2009.
Greg played tennis on both his high school and college teams. You’ll also find him playing golf or spending the summer months at the shore in his home town of Toms River. You can reach Greg at gkohr@friedmanllp.com.
Henrique Miguel is a Staff Accountant II at ParentBeard LLC in Clark, NJ. In the future, he’d like to specialize in working with a specific industry. For now, He works on audits throughout the metro are for clients in multiple industries including health care, and public, commercial and financial services. He is looking forward to completing the CPA exam and becoming a CPA by the end of 2011. In addition to volunteering for the Society’s Pay It Forward program, Henrique has biked, run, painted, cleaned and camped out for various charitable organizations and low-income communities. He can be reached at henriqueacc@gmail.com.
Melinda Pinto started as a staff accountant in the Assurance Practice at Ernst & Young in Iselin in September 2010. She joined the NJSCPA in 2008 as a student member when she received a NJSCPA scholarship. She graduated with her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University in May 2010. She is currently studying and sitting for the CPA exam as a CPA Candidate member. “I became a member of the NJSCPA because I wanted to be a part of an organization that believed in my future and what I can accomplish,” says Melinda. “The process of transitioning from a college atmosphere to a career was a lot more manageable because I was a member of the NJSCPA.” Melinda took advantage of opportunities to network with people of all ages from various firms and industries at Scholars Institute, Career Night and Young CPAs events. “It is a great organization and a great tool for one’s career.”
Melinda keeps busy with other volunteer activities as the Program Coordinator for Invitations and Registrations on the American Women’s Society of CPAs. An avid runner, Melinda ran the Long-Branch Half Marathon last May, plans on running the New York City Half Marathon next year and is training for a full marathon. You can reach Melinda at m_pinto@student.fdu.edu.
Amanda R. Rack is a tax accountant at Marcum LLP in Roseland. She prepares mostly individual and corporate tax returns and several partnership and trust returns. Amanda also assists in commercial litigation, matrimonial and forensic accounting cases.
Amanda could be considered a celebrity. She is part of Hofstra University’s advertising campaign “It Started at Hofstra – I Found My Edge at Hofstra.” “I am featured in an AOL article, “How They Got Their First Job: A Dancing Number Cruncher.” She received her B.B.A. in Accounting and B.A. in Dance from Hofstra University in 2009 and joined the NJSCPA soon after graduation to be a part of a recognized professional society, to network and to meet other accountants. Her current career goals? “On top of passing my CPA exam and being certified in both NJ and NY, I would also like to attend graduate school to obtain my M.B.A.,” says Amanda.
When not in the office, you can find Amanda at the gym working out or taking a dance class. If not at the gym, she is either attending or watching a sporting event. “I am a proud born and raised Jersey Girl and I love cheering on Rutgers and Giants football.” Contact Amanda at Amanda.Rack@marcumllp.com.
Julia L. Van Saun, CPA, started as an intern at WithumSmith+Brown, PC in Morristown in 2008 and is now a Semi-Senior Accountant. Intense and focused study for the CPA exam paid off when Julia passed all parts of the exam within six months. She was licensed in August 2010. At Withum, her primary focus is on audits of commercial clients, nonprofits and benefit plans.
“My long-term career goal is to stay in public accounting and eventually work my way up to the partner level,” says Julia. For now she’s active both at Withum and with NJSCPA. As part of Withum’s community outreach program, she forms teams and participates in numerous 5ks and charitable activities, including the Withum Week of Caring initiative for the Morristown office.
Julia joined the NJSCPA as a student member and scholarship recipient. Once she was licensed, she became more involved in order to expand her network. “Young professionals should begin establishing their network early as it will help them advance in their careers. Being active with the NJSCPA is a great way to meet others and form relationships that will continue to grow as their careers grow.” Julia is married to Steve Van Saun, a civil engineer for Greenman Pedersen Inc., an engineering firm in Lebanon, NJ.
Jennifer L. Wuensch, CPA, is an audit supervisor at EisnerAmper LLP in Hackensack. She has six years of public accounting experience and is responsible for audits of both public and private companies in various industries including manufacturing and distribution, software and technology, food and real estate. Jennifer also is responsible for audits of employee benefit plans and is a member of the firm’s Pension Services Group.
Jennifer joined NJSCPA as a student member in 2003 while earning her Bachelors degree in accounting from Fairfield University. “I am involved in the Society as a professional resource: to network with peers, and stay updated and involved in the accounting profession,” says Jennifer. She received her CPA license in New York in 2008.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the beach, cooking and playing tennis. She can be reached at jennifer.wuensch@eisneramper.com.
Stephanie Zisa is a Senior Accountant at Siemens Capital Corporation in Iselin where she specializes in benefit accounting and reporting. She joined the NJSCPA as a college student and enjoys attending Young CPAs events and providing input to the Young CPAs Council. “I have always been a social butterfly,” Zisa says. “I find it intriguing to meet new people at social networking events.” Volunteering is an important part of her life and finds the best reward is to mentor others in the accounting profession.
Stephanie is enrolled in an MBA program at Keller Business School of Management and is preparing to take the CPA exam. She likes to keep busy and active by running, golfing, being with friends and family or simply enjoying a quiet night in her off-moments when she can put the books down to have "me" time. You can reach Stephanie at Stephanie.Zisa@Siemens.com.