IssuesWatch Live: Professional Issues Update (E2312684)

Nicole M. DeRosa is a tax partner with Wiss in Florham Park, NJ and has more than 15 years of public accounting experience, specializing in taxation for closely held businesses and individuals. In addition to working with clients in an array of industries, she was also an adjunct professor at Raritan Valley Community College, where she taught Tax Accounting for Individuals for four years.

Ms. DeRosa is a member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants and is active on the Content Advisory Board and Federal Taxation Interest Group; she is currently a member of the Board of Trustees. In 2019, she was awarded the “Women to Watch” Ovation Award, which applauds the growth and success of female members for their leadership, potential, contributions, and commitment to fostering the success of their colleagues. In 2022, she was awarded the “Impact” Ovation Award, which recognizes those who exhibit exemplary efforts and stellar achievement in advancing the interests and needs of New Jersey’s accounting profession through active engagement, leadership, and advocacy. Ms. DeRosa was also named to the 2022 edition of the NJ BIZ Power 50 List for the third year in a row; this list accounts for the most influential men and women in the accounting profession that helps to keep the states’ business on track. In Nicole’s spare time, she enjoys staying active at the gym, volunteering at the local animal shelter, and is active in various charitable organizations, such as St. Jude.

Ms. DeRosa is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, with degrees in accountancy and a Master of Science in Accountancy.

Theresa is the chief operating officer of the NJCPA. She oversees the management of all programs that support the organization's strategic plan, mission and objectives. Theresa provides overall staff supervision as they work to achieve the organization's goals and objectives. She also manages all aspects of budgeting and resource requirements. Theresa has been with the organization for more than 15 years. Prior to her role as COO, Theresa worked with NJCPA chapters, committees and interest groups as director of member engagement.

Aiysha (AJ) is the CEO and executive director of the New Jersey Society of CPAs. She previously was the executive director of BKR International’s Americas Region where she was responsible for overseeing the implementation of all strategic efforts for BKR accounting and business advisory member firms in the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. She has more than 20 years of wide-ranging global experience working for nonprofits and professional and trade associations. AJ has proven success in building and supporting high-trust organizational cultures, growing revenue and programs, and building strategic partnerships. She was elected to the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors in 2023. She is a member of BKR’s Center of Excellence Advisory Board. She is also on the boards of the Community Foundation of New Jersey and the Executive Women of New Jersey. In addition, she is a board member of the Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth, a nonprofit child welfare organization in Canaan, New York. She has been an active member of the University of Chicago’s Alumni Board from 2021-2023. She was named No. 1 on NJBIZ’s Accounting Power 50 list in 2023 and one of its 2023 People to Watch in Finance. She was also named one of ROI-NJ’s ROI Influencers: People of Color 2023.

Ed is a partner at WithumSmith+Brown and is the 2023/24 President of the NJCPA. He has more than 20 years of accounting, auditing and consulting experience for both public and private companies in the technology, life sciences, manufacturing, distribution, construction, government and service industries. Ed is a former inspection specialist with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). He has obtained certificates in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and is also certified in financial forensics. He is the Team Leader of Withum's International Accounting & Auditing Services Group, which includes IFRS implementation, convergence and reporting. He currently serves on the American Institute of CPAs' (AICPA) Technical Standards Subcommittee and formerly served as an Independence and Ethics Joint Trial board member. He is also a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA) and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. He was one of the honorees of the 2008 “Forty Under 40” list by NJBIZ.

Marita was appointed the acting director of the New Jersey Division of Taxation, effective Sept. 25, 2023. She had been a deputy director since 2017 and started at the Treasury Department in 1987 as a technical assistant. She steps into her new role as the tax division takes on lawmakers’ overhaul of New Jersey’s corporate tax system and creation of StayNJ, a property tax relief program for senior citizens. Her goals include improving the customer experience, facilitating tax education with the public and engaging with employees.