THE BUZZ - JANUARY 2019

THE BUZZ

MESSAGE FROM OUR MANAGING PARTNER

Team: In review of our year, I can proudly say that we exceeded the goals we set out to achieve. We expanded our management team, promoting five new Partners and six Senior Managers / Directors from within. We expanded our service lines as we strive to have a foothold in the areas that mean the most to those we serve. We have continued to strengthen our foundation of #1 advisors for our clients, as we build on our Pathway Program which provides the tools and resources to team members they need to excel in their role at the firm. We’ve also launched our Leadership Aspiration initiative in an effort to provide a cohort-based approach to planning for growth and sustainability.

In addition, we've received many accolades and expanded our footprint in the industries we serve. This is due largely in part to our team of staff and advisors, and our high standards for client service and expertise. It is a privilege to serve our clients and our communities in our widecapacity, and it is a privilege to work alongside so many individuals who thrive on collaboration, results and success.

I am looking forward to new opportunities in 2019, and our bright future ahead.

Joseph A. Damiano

LEADERSHIP ASPIRATIONAL STATEMENT

We will cultivate a collaborative culture by fostering knowledge transfer, defining roles and building a skillset to drive client engagement, enhance the client experience and become our client’s #1 advisor.

JASON BOROFSKY, CPA, MBA

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW PARTNERS

Michael Curry Michael Curry Michael Curry Michael Curry Michael Curry

JASON BOROFSKY, CPA, MBA STEPHEN J. EHRENBERG, CPA, MBT WILLIAM R. HAPPE JR., CPA MELISSA L. O’SHEA, CPA MEGAN SARTOR, CPA, ABV, CFF

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW NEW NICHE LEADERS

JOSHUA CHANANIE, CPA

Manufacturing & Distribution

MEGAN SARTOR, CPA, ABV, CFF

Valuation, Forensic & Valuation

MEET OUR FIRM NEWS NEW HIRES

After graduating from Montclair State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Accounting, Agata Majdanska started at Sax as an A&A Associate. She says working at Sax is like nothing she ever imagined. She appreciates that Sax provides real-life scenarios in training which she believes better equips her for the field. Overall, the things she loves most about Sax is the culture and professional development opportunities.

Agata Majdanska

Anthony Sanchez

Agata is on path to obtain her CPA and MBA, with a long-term goal of becoming a Manager here at Sax. Outside of work, Agata likes to travel the world – not just for tourist attractions, but to meet the locals and get immersed in their culture. So far, she has visited Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, France, and Poland with the end-goal of traveling all around the world.

Anthony Sanchez graduated with a Bachelor`s degree in Accounting from Ramapo College. His major career goals include passing the CPA exam and continuing to grow his career at Sax by one day becoming a Senior Manager. During his short time at the firm, Anthony appreciates that everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand and pushes one another to be the best they can be. Being a part of a team that uplifts their peers is something that is important to him and makes him feel comfortable and motivated. With his first busy season coming up, he feels confident that the trainings Sax offered has fully prepared him. Outside of work, Anthony likes to stay active by playing soccer and challenges himself by participating in competitive adult soccer tournaments.

MEET OUR FIRM NEWS NEW HIRES

Alec Marceles

Alec Marceles, Associate at Sax, graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University where he majored in Accounting and minored in Finance. He has a long list of goals he would like to accomplish throughout his career, but currently, he is focusing on passing the CPA exam and going back to school to obtain a master’s degree. Alec had the opportunity to be a Tax Intern at Sax for two busy seasons before getting hired full time in November of 2018. After interning for two years, he knew he wanted to stay with a firm that practices the type of culture that Sax does. After a long day of work, he likes to relax by listening to music, and on the weekends he enjoys going to concerts. In 2018, he went to a total of 23 concerts and is looking to beat that number in 2019.

Brandon Pasapane joins Sax as an A&A Associate and attended the University of Scranton where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and his Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

So far, Brandon’s experience at Sax has been terrific. “I love the culture and the people here are great. In addition to our internal trainings, I have learned so much in my first few months by going out to visit clients and supporting others in the office. I see a lot of room to grow here, and that motivates me going into my first busy season.”

Brandon Pasapane

Brandon is focused on getting his CPA license, and his long-term goal is to make Partner one day. On a personal note, aside from being an avid New York Yankees fan, he is a fan of thoroughbred horse racing and one day hopes to own his own race horse.

MEET OUR FIRM NEWS NEW HIRES

Candace Deosingh

Candace Deosingh joins Sax as an A&A Associate and attended Rutgers University where she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting in 2016. Candace explained that she so far enjoys working for Sax very much. “I love the diversity and the environment. I am thrilled by the endless possibilities of learning and am truly excited to grow professionally at Sax.” Candace’s short-term goal is to obtain her CPA license which she is currently working towards. In the long-term she aspires to learn, grow, and move up the ladder to a leader at the firm. On a personal note, Candace loves to cook and bake.

Elizabeth Giovine graduated May of 2018 from Seton Hall University where she studied Accounting and Finance. She really enjoys working at Sax, and she mentions that the company has been so warm and inviting. Elizabeth learns new tax tricks and continues to grow every day.

Her focus for the future is to concentrate on getting her CPA license as soon as she can so she can pursue other ventures such as climbing the ladder here at Sax. On her days off, she enjoys taking trips to the beach, going shopping, and spending time with family and friends.

Elizabeth Giovine

MEET OUR FIRM NEWS NEW HIRES

Ella Valdes

Jefferson Zotamba

Ella Valdes joins Sax as an A&A Associate and attended Caldwell University where she majored in Accounting and minored in Mathematics.

Ella says she felt welcomed into the Sax family from day one. “I know I have a lot to learn as a beginner, and I know I will learn quickly with the extraordinary minds at Sax. Everyone truly acts as a team and that is what I find so very unique, inspiring and the ideal model for any workplace.” Her career goals include passing her CPA exam which she is currently working towards, and she aspires to reach Senior Manager and Partner level in the future. On a personal note, Ella loves to cook and bake and even won First Prize in a baking contest at her local town picnic. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at her family’s small country cabin in Pennsylvania and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, biking and kayaking.

Jefferson Zotamba is a recent college graduate from William Paterson University of New Jersey, where he majored in Accounting and minored in Economics and Geography. He is currently working towards obtaining his CPA license which is one of his major career goals, along with moving up the ladder at Sax and getting exposure in as many industries as possible.

Since becoming a part of the team, Jefferson has been eager to learn and find his place in the Accounting world. He started at Sax as an Administrative Intern when he was a senior in college and was hired after graduation as an A&A Associate.

Being at Sax for over a year, he has had the chance to get to know the employees around the firm and he really embraces the core values to create an energetic and efficient culture. Outside of his professional life, Jefferson is a part of the Chapter Advisor for Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity at WPU where he volunteers to help grow and advise the younger generations of the chapter. On the weekends he enjoys visiting museums, watching sporting events and shooting photography.

MEET OUR FIRM NEWS NEW HIRES

Michael Doyle

Natasha Appiah

Michael Doyle attended Rutgers University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Sociology. After graduating, he had a change of heart and decided to explore the world of Accounting and went back to school at William Paterson University where he achieved his bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Michael’s first career goal is to obtain his CPA license. He is currently in the process of studying and has already passed two out of the four CPA exams, with hopes that he will pass the last two soon. Michael was a Tax Intern at Sax for one busy season and feels the team members have really helped prepare him for his work as an Associate. He is excited for his future at Sax and is looking forward to advancing in his career here. Outside of work, Michael enjoys staying active by lifting weights at the gym and playing sports with his friends.

Natasha Appiah graduated from Montclair State University with her Masters in Accounting. From the moment she started, Natasha says she has learned a great deal of useful accounting skills and more wisdom than she ever imagined. She loves Sax`s commitment to continued education, the mentorship, and how they handle the development of all their employees. After obtaining her CPA, Natasha`s goal is to climb all the way up the Sax corporate ladder, not stopping until she reaches her goal of becoming partner. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and getting submerged in the culture of the places she visits.

THE FOUNDER'S AWARD

Sax held our second annual Founder’s Award Ceremony on January 24 to celebrate the work of our local nonprofits, and to award one organization with our gift of $15,000 for their best efforts inspiring those around them.

We are proud to announce this year’s Founder’s Award winner – Oasis - A Haven for Women and Children – who was selected out of 150 nonprofit applicants by a team of independent judges.

Our Founder's Award is quickly becoming a beloved event in the not-forprofit community, and we look forward to celebrating the work of our local not-for-profits again next year!

Gives Back In an effort to drive our culture of giving, Sax offers team members a paid-time-off day to use for volunteering for charity.

Sax's Volunteer PTO Code: 9812- Community Service

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!

Here is a photo of some of our team members who volunteered their time at Oasis - a Haven for Women and Children, serving meals to those less fortunate around the holidays.

Debbi Nappi Peggy Tilles Rachelle Brown Deloris Maple Sophia Thomas Jenn Moroz Megan Sartor Virginia Dennerlein Sara Dennerlein

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES If you have a volunteer opportunity you would like to open up to firm, or are interested in registering for a firm sponsored charity event, please email Jessica Peralta at jperalta@saxllp.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS | REMINDERS

Senior Associate, Elena Klarberg was featured in NJCPA Magazine with her son, Zachary Klarberg, in a spotlight article and video on how they both chose to be CPAs at the same time.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE READ ARTICLE HERE

THE INNOVATION COMMITTEE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR IDEAS.

To submit an idea, download and complete THIS form and email it to innovation@saxllp.com. It can also be found on the Team Site on SharePoint.

No idea is a bad idea!

Thank you,

The Innovation Committee

K: Drive and Properly Storing Documents As we complete our work during this busy season, please be diligent in storing electronic documents in their correct location, whether GFR or Caseware.

The K: drive location is only intended as a temporary file storage location. Over the years, the K: drive has become a long term storage location and we never revisit many of the files to remove them.

Over the summer we will begin a process to decommission the K: drive. This busy season, let’s get the current year documents into the applications they belong, GFR or Caseware.

Dress for the Day We are excited to provide you with the privilege to “Dress for the Day� in an effort to make the working environment in our offices more comfortable. However, with new change comes a learning curve, and it is important to reiterate some of the important guidelines of our new policy so we can keep it in place: Casual dress may be worn only when you are in the office and do not have client meetings or events.

Business attire should be worn when working at client sites or other professional settings. Always keep in mind how you are representing the firm.

Whether you are dressing casually for the office or dressing professionally for a client engagement, you must be neat and professional looking at all times.

At no time are articles of clothing such as sneakers, casual sandals, sweatshirts, or sweatpants allowed.

Please read the full guidelines here.

The New Sax App!

Program / Plan Reminders Employee Recognition Program Nominate someone who goes above and beyond their job responsibilities for a Great Card to recognize their hard work and dedication to Sax. Send Sharon an email with the individual’s name and why you think they deserve a Great Card.

Buisness Development Incentive Plan Team members below Partner level who bring in new clients will be compensated at a rate of 10% of gross fees collected for the first 2 years in which the firm services the client and the individual continues to be employed. Reference the Employee Handbook for more info.

TEAM MEMBER NEWS

Congratulations to Jessica Gutierrez on her beautiful baby boy!

Jordany was born at 6 lbs 8.9 ounces and 20 inches long.

Congratulations to Josephine Parra who was married on January 11 in Punta Cana!

Our Executive Committee spent time in Denver at RSM's Leading High Performance Conference where they worked to build the firm's approach to planning for growth and sustainability.

TEAM MEMBER NEWS

Candy Gordon-Geanoules joined the Advisory Board with Wayne School District. Her role is to help Accounting and Marketing Departments with their curriculum to better prepare the students for college and the workplace.

Debbie Nappi spoke on the panel of the 5th Annual NJ Healthcare & Medical Properties Conference.

Congratulations to Stuart Berger on his receipt of the 2018 BANNJ Associate Hall of Fame Award!

TEAM MEMBER NEWS

Team member, Elena Klarberg, volunteered for NJAA’s Annual Holiday Children’s Party alongside our client, Jack Linefsky from Value Companies. Thank you Elena for representing Sax at this great cause!

A number of team members attended the CREtech Venture Conference in NYC which Sax sponsored. It was a great event to support!

HUMAN RESOURCES

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest members of our Sax family.

Kety Hernandez Fred Delacruz

Senior Tax Manager | Clifton | 1.22.19 Computer & Information Systems Manager | Clifton | 1.30.19

The following employees are no longer with the firm.

We wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Nancy Novak June Singh

Senior Tax Manager | Effective 1.3.19 Tax Intern | Effective 1.15.19

Jerry Mendoza

IT | Effective 1.24.19

Jonathan Jones

IT | Effective 1.25.19

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

NEW CLIENT WINS

Fette Ford

ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Bob Hopper

GNAP

Chris Gaffney

Wenner Bread

Chris Gaffney

AAC Medical Services

Debbie Nappi

Mikal LLC

Debbie Nappi

Pizzfest

Elliott Koplitz

PAF Foundation Corp.

Elliott Koplitz

Eastman Cook Anka Painting Company Inferent Capital Spano Partners Churchill & Hubbard Ventures

Ermal Luzaj & Bill Happe Ermal Luzaj Ermal Luzaj & Bill Happe Ermal Luzaj & Jason Borofsky George Livanos

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

NEW CLIENT WINS

ENGAGEMENT TEAM

Kazmark/Schiff Real Estate Partners

Jason Borofsky

Varidirect

Jeff Roude

Lexin Group

Jeff Roude

Nead Electric

Joe Damiano

Union County Plate Glass

Joe Damiano & Megan Sartori

Dunlop Exteriors Access

Joe Damiano & Missy O'Shea

Fisher Development

Michael Mongelli & Joe Shannon

Woodside Development

Michael Mongelli

HG Dime LLC

Michael Mongelli

Corazon LLC

Sue Reed & Chris Gaffney

Belcanto Asset Growth Fund

Josh Chananie

United Way of Essex Outsourced CFO & HR

Josh Chananie

FLOATING HOLIDAY VOLUNTEER DAY

Calling all women builders who want to learn basic building skills from the experts at Lowe’s. These free workshops include: safe use of power tools, framing, electrical, plumbing, flooring, drywall and spackle, caulking and trim.

Bring your friends, co-workers and neighbors to learn some new skills, meet some new friends, and learn more about volunteering for the 2019 Paterson Habitat Women Build home this spring.

All classes are held on Tuesday nights at 7 pm.

Classes begin on February 5 and end on March 12.

Each class runs for approximately 1.5 hours.

Online sign-up is required and limited to first come first served.

Workshops are sponsored by Lowe’s of Paterson.

Please find more information here.

For questions, please contact Gina Damiano at gina@patersonhabitat.

PRESS ROOM

Our New Partners were highlighted in ROI-NJ. Read more here.

Our New Partners were highlighted in CIANJ. Read more here.

Sharon Bleibtreu's article was featured in New Jersey Society of CPAs Focus Blog on how managers can effectively manage people.

Read more here.

Sax was highlighted by Real Estate NJ as a Ten Best Accounting Firms involved in commercial real estate in New Jersey.

Read more here.

EVENTS CALENDAR

SAX TECHNOLOGY ADVISORS EVENT

THURSDAY FEB 7 | STONY HILL INN | 8:00-11:00 AM Mitigating the Risk & Damage of a Cyber Incident Join us as we explore the current technology sector with an expert panel and discuss the lifecycle of a cyber event, including how compromises occur, what the potential damage could be, and the legal ramifications in the event of a cyber incident.

CONSTRUCTION EVENT

WEDNESDAY FEB 13 | AVENUE A | 6:00 PM COI Appreciation Dinner In appreciation of our COI's past and present support and collaboration, we invite them to a special evening of dinner, drinks and networking at the Avenue A Club – a distinctive and historic venue in the Ironbound District of Newark.

FIRM EVENT

WEDNESDAY FEB 20 | SAX CLIFTON OFFICE | 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM CFO Focus: Next Generation Leadership Never before has there been four generations of employees all working together in the same workplace. Each generation brings a unique perspective of work and challenges to an orderly workflow. We will explore topics such as leading a multigenerational workforce, generalizations/stereotypes, and the key attributes of leadership.

EVENTS CALENDAR

SAX WEALTH ADVISORS EVENT

THURSDAY FEB 21 | CHERRY VALLEY CC | 12:00-2:00 PM II TULIPANO | 6:00-8:00 PM Client Appreciation Lunch & Dinner In appreciation of our clients, SaxWA and Dimensional Fund Advisors will hold exclusive events that will include a discussion on emotional investing, the foundations of behavioral psychology, and will provide explanations for why behavioral finance and market efficiency can be compatible notions.

WELLNESS EVENT

FRIDAY FEB 22 | CLIFTON | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Take the time to reduce your stress.

Sax will have two massage therapists in the office. Sign up sheets are in the 3rd floor kitchen for 15 minute increments.