Students Learn Accounting is More Than Just Numbers

Twenty-five students from Essex County College’s Division of Business learned first-hand how the accounting profession is more than simply understanding numbers at an NJCPA pipeline initiative event in October at the offices of SAX LLP in Parsippany.

SAX Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Business Development Leon Grassi presented on the state of the accounting industry with representatives from their tax, audit and wealth management teams. Mathew J. Giordano, CPA, MST, a partner at SAX, was on hand to discuss with students the work culture at the firm and how his specialty in tax made it easier for him to reach the partner level. In particular, he informed students about state and local tax (SALT) consequences.

Adrian Ramirez, a student at Essex County College, vice president of its Accounting Club and a student member of the NJCPA, said, “This was a fascinating opportunity provided to us by the NJCPA. What I learned from this event was truly inspiring.” He added, “I believe understanding the intricacies of tax can reap great rewards as they are complicated subjects to learn.”

Giordano also explained how some situations often require a lawyer present to talk about the legal ramifications of business activities. “This is an interesting thing as they have to balance serving their clients while maintaining the integrity of their accounts,” said Ramirez.

Joseph T. Saverino, CPA, MBA, another partner at SAX, explained how he grew up around the construction industry and now works directly with clients in that field. As Ramirez explained, “Joe’s background in construction from his early life is able to help him tremendously as an accountant. Joe explained to us that being an accountant is sometimes more than numbers. Sometimes it’s about understanding your client, your clients’ needs and why they choose you to be their accountant.” He added that he learned how important it is to “add value to the people you are an accountant for.”

Matt Bernocchi, CFP®, a partner and wealth advisor at SAX, was another presenter. To Ramirez, “There are many high-net-worth individuals who need their money managed, and Matt is there to get the job done. He explained to us how index funds always go up in the long run and how individual stock pickers rarely see the bigger picture.” In addition, Bernocchi shared some wisdom with students, saying, if the initial reason for purchasing a stock is no longer valid, sell it immediately. “This advice has helped me on my personal stock picks recently,” added Ramirez. “This was an insightful experience as this allowed us even more insight into the accounting world and the current state of it,” he said.

To Cory Turnbull, a student at Essex County College, the NJCPA event reinforced his interest in the field of accounting. “I had an excellent experience during my visit to the SAX office facilitated by the NJCPA. Before the visit, I was uncertain about pursuing accounting as my major, but the insightful discussions and welcoming atmosphere at SAX have strengthened my desire to build a career in accounting.”

According to Turnbull, “It was inspiring to see professionals who truly enjoy their work and the organization they represent. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to visit and learn more about the field of accounting and the culture at SAX. This was one of the several valuable experiences facilitated by the NJCPA for me this semester, and it was both motivating and invaluable!”