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By: Lisa Guido, CFE, CPA, WIL Research Company, Inc. and Olivia Campaniolo, CPA, Wiss & Company, LLP
This summer, the NJSCPA announced their "30 Under 30". The list was comprised of 30 young professionals in the New Jersey
accounting field who stand out among all others. The winners were picked from dozens of nominations, and were chosen based on their participation in community service, professional involvement, and NJSCPA participation. Two of these "30 Under 30" winners are
also AWSCPA NJ affiliate past board members, and we wanted to find out from them what it feels like first hand to be chosen, what sets them apart in the accounting field, and what advice they would give to those entering the field.
Sarah Krom, CPA
Sarah served on the AWSCPA NJ Affiliate Board as the Newsletter coordinator. During Sarah's time on the Board,
she successfully ran the Newsletter by producing every quarterly publication and transitioning the newsletter to the electronic version you see now. Her contributions to the Board helped the AWSCPA continue to grow.
Q: How did you hear that you were selected for this honor?
A: I was emailed by the NJSCPA and also contacted by the three people who nominated me, as they were contacted
before I was.
Q: How did you become interested in accounting?
A: I was choosing a major in college and I wanted to pick International Business, but I did not want to take
a language, so I decided that accounting was the foundation of all business, so I opted for that.
Q: What is your advice to the young women (or women in the accounting profession) for getting your name recognized?
A: Don't be afraid to try something that is offered to you. If you've never given a speech, but are asked to
give a seminar, say "Yes". Push yourself out of your comfort zone as early in your career as possible. People will notice your drive at a young age.
Q: What are your future plans - 5 years, 10 years?
A: I think in 10 years I will still be in the accounting profession. I am working toward the goal of managing
partner. I would also like to continue involvement in mentoring young women, writing, and speaking engagements.
Q: Who is your mentor/ Role of your mentor/ Importance of having a mentor?
A: I don't know where I would be without my mentor. He has been such a support for me for everything professional
and work life issues. You absolutely must have a mentor, no one should navigate alone. In many cases, I feel that more than one mentor is important as we all have different strengths.
Julissa Cruz
Julissa served on the AWSCPA NJ Affiliate Board as the Website Coordinator and the Career Center Co-Director.
During Julissa's time on the Board, she not only fulfilled her positions' responsibilities, but also contributed to the events and programs throughout the years.
Q: How did you hear that you were selected for this honor?
A: I knew that my firm, Untracht Early LLC, had nominated me for NJSCPA's 30 Under 30, but when I was notified
by our Marketing Coordinator that I had made the list, I was thrilled. We found out in mid-March once the NJSCPA had made their decision.
Q: How did you become interested in accounting?
A: As a child I was always fascinated with numbers and computers. I intended to pursue a college degree majoring
in Computer Science with a minor in Math, but I could not see myself as a math teacher or programmer. I also knew that I did not want to abandon my computer science roots. During my 4th semester at Saint Peter's College, I enrolled in Principles of Accounting
I and from there my interest in accounting grew. I soon realized that a career in accounting would allow me to apply my computer knowledge and my love for numbers.
Q: What is your advice to the young women (or women in the accounting profession) for getting your name recognized?
A: My advice to all young women is to always be proactive - in your career and within the community. Try to
always do more than is expected from you. I have a passion for community service and helping others not as fortunate, and that passion ultimately led to me receiving this recognition. There are many community outreach programs, and even some geared toward
accounting such as Junior Achievement's financial literacy programs. I encourage young women to get involved with their communities as much as they can while remaining focused on their tasks at work.
Q: What are your future plans - 5 years, 10 years?
A: I am working toward getting certified in 2012. Beyond 2012, I plan to work toward earning a supervisor/manager
role within Untracht Early. I also plan to continue my participation in community service programs, both through Untracht Early and within my own community.
Q: Who is your mentor/ Role of your mentor/ Importance of having a mentor -
A: I believe in the value of a good mentor and I am currently searching for a mentor that would suit my desired career.
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