30 Under 30: Then and Now
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June 8, 2021
Ten years ago, we named a group of young NJCPA members to our inaugural “30 Under 30” list in recognition of their leadership, success and drive. We recently checked in with them to see what they’ve been up to since 2011. In this second in a series of updates, here are six members who continue to inspire us today. See the first five updates in the spring 2021 issue of New Jersey CPA, and look for more updates in upcoming issues.
JERILYN ANGOTTI, CPA
Controller at Studio Hillier
Jerilyn’s career path represents the epitome of drive — from once interning at Studio Hillier to returning as controller, responsible for the operations of the architecture practice and real estate development as well as the property management functions of all Hillier companies. Giving back has provided valuable lessons for her; she currently serves as president of her homeowner’s association and treasurer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Mercer.
CHRIS COWAN, CPA, CCIFP
Senior manager at CohnReznick LLP
At an early age, Chris was recognized for outstanding contributions to the accounting profession — having been awarded NJBIZ’s “40 Under 40” award and the NJCPA’s Impact award. He credits the relationships he has made with clients, colleagues, mentors and professors as a main contributor to hiscareer growth and says the NJCPA has been a great source of educational content and networking opportunities.
DONNA FLERES, CPA
Senior manager at EisnerAmper LLP
Donna leads by example — both inside and outside her firm. Over the past 10 years, she has been active in NJCPA interest groups and student volunteer work as well as the Cares Committee, Staff Audit Committee, Women of EisnerAmper Steering Committee and the New Jersey real estate group at EisnerAmper, eventually becoming firm-wide real estate web liaison. Looking back, she would have taken more advantage of the changing pace of technology.
NOORUS KHAN, CPA
Member of the firm at Smolin
Leadership comes naturally to Noorus, who over the past 10 years graduated from Smolin’s Emerging Leaders Academy, became a partner and helped lead a financial turnaround at her local chamber of commerce. She has also held various leadership roles at the NJCPA, including president of the Essex Chapter, and is currently serving as a Trustee. She reminds those just starting out to not be afraid to speak up and have a service- oriented mindset.
MICHAEL LEVY, CIA, CRMA, MBA, CISA, CISSP
Director of finance and internal audit at Student Transportation of America
Always an innovator, Michael built an internal audit function at his organization, focusing on assurance, advisory and process improvement. He was selected to be a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors’ North American Board of Directors and recently coauthored a textbook on internal auditing. Looking back, he would advise others to spend more time outside of their comfort zone and learn more programming.
JOSEPH A. McGRATH JR., CPA
Audit and assurance partner at Deloitte & Touch LLP
In his 16 years at Deloitte, Joe has made a mark for himself in the accounting profession. Being promoted to audit and assurance partner was a career-defining accomplishment — one he had set his sights on when he was named one of NJCPA’s “30 Under 30” award winners. He has realized that finding a great mentor and being a great mentor can make all the difference in one’s career.