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Citrin Cooperman Brings On Arnold J. Herrmann, CPA, as Partner, Practice Leader in Entertainment, Media & Family Office Group

Arnold J. Herrmann, CPA, has joined as partner and practice leader of the firm's Entertainment, Media and Family Office Group.

Herrmann, 47, has more than 22 years experience serving as a trusted financial advisor to high-profile individuals working in the film, media and the restaurant industries. Among his clients are well-known film directors, actors, producers, television journalists, restaurateurs and corporate executives.

Prior to joining Citrin Cooperman, Herrmann was a senior managing director at Starr & Company, LLC, a financial consulting and business management firm.

"With the addition of Arnie, Citrin Cooperman has expanded the depth and breadth of the services we offer in our entertainment practice, bringing it to a higher level," said Joel Cooperman, managing partner at Citrin Cooperman. "Arnie is well-known in the entertainment business community, and furthers our firm's ability to expand and provide a complete range of asset management services to those in that industry."

As practice leader of the Entertainment, Media and Family Office Group, Herrmann will oversee a team of professionals, providing individuals and their families, advice on investment advisory and business management services, tax planning and compliance, as well as estate and retirement planning.

"Individuals in the entertainment and media industries, as well as other high net-worth clients often are involved in a range of activities involving their assets, with the need for professional management," said Herrmann. "Our job is to protect those assets and to maximize opportunities for our clients to grow their wealth."

Herrmann, a resident of Tenafly, N.J., graduated from The State University of New York with a degree in accounting, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a member of the New York State Society of CPAs. He is a trustee and the treasurer of Jenna's Rainbow Foundation, which is dedicated to assisting children and families battling brain and spinal cord tumors.

Citrin Cooperman Raises over $16,000 for Haiti Relief

On Friday, January 15th, employees at all five Citrin Cooperman offices participated in a special "Jeans with a Twist" day. This program allows employees to wear jeans during the work day if they donate $5 or more to a specially selected charity. Citrin Cooperman also matches firm-wide donations.

January's special charity was St. Paul's Benevolent Education & Missionary Institute. A member of the organization, Father Rick Frechette, has been on a mission for many years in Haiti in which he is trying to build a hospital and maintain an orphanage there.

With donations from all five offices and the Firm double match combined, $16,840 was raised for this charity to help the people of Haiti.

Partner Wilfredo Fernandez Named Vice Chair of Board of Trustees at St. Joseph's Healthcare System

Partner Wilfredo Fernandez, CPA, has been selected as vice chair of the board of trustees for St. Joseph's Healthcare System.

Fernandez, of East Hanover, has been a member of the St. Joseph's board of trustees since 2004, and has served on the finance committee, the executive committee, and as chair of the audit and compliance committee. He will still serve on the audit and finance committees. Fernandez served on the board of trustees of Wayne General from 1999-2002, and was chair of the board of trustees at St. Joseph's Wayne Hospital in 2002-03.

"I'm honored to be appointed as vice chair at St. Joseph's, especially as the organization embarks on an aggressive expansion effort," said Fernandez. "I look forward to working with board chair Sister Rosemary Smith, S.C., and the rest of the board guiding the great work being performed by the executives, doctors and staff."

As a CPA, Fernandez has been able to provide the board accounting expertise and guidance on internal and external auditing issues, the review of financial statements and the organization's pension plan.

Fernandez, who joined Citrin Cooperman as a partner in 2003, provides accounting, tax and business consulting services to closely held private companies and individuals. His broad background includes providing strategic advice to automobile and truck dealerships, the food industry, wholesalers and manufacturers, real estate developers and medical practices.

To read more about Partner Wilfredo Fernandez, click here.

Citrin Cooperman Brings On David Seiden, CPA, as Partner; Formalizes State & Local Tax Practice

NEW YORK, Dec 17, 2009 -- Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, a leading accounting and business consulting firm, announced that David Seiden, CPA, has joined as a tax partner in its White Plains, N.Y., office. The firm also announced the establishment of a State and Local Tax (SALT) consulting practice, known as SALT Link, under the direction of Seiden. SALT Link will provide state and local tax services to firm clients as well as other CPA firms that do not have such in-house experts to assist their clients.

Prior to joining Citrin Cooperman, Seiden founded SALT Link to help individuals and businesses solve their state and local tax issues. Seiden has more than 25 years of tax experience which includes working at a big-four accounting firm and a large regional CPA firm, where he served as a SALT Partner.

"With the addition of David and the creation of SALT Link, Citrin Cooperman is responding to our clients' growing needs, as well as the needs of our fellow CPA firm counterparts," said Joel Cooperman, managing partner at Citrin Cooperman. "As our clients expand into new geographic markets, and internet sales become more prevalent, Citrin Cooperman can offer services and expertise to tackle these complex tax challenges."

Citrin Cooperman's new SALT Link division helps businesses navigate the complex world of state and local taxes. The new practice will focus on multi-state; income and franchise taxes; sales and use taxes; unclaimed property; and residency audits.

"Our dedicated SALT practice differentiates us from many other accounting firms and provides a level of service which offers our client's, and other CPA firms, a competitive advantage within their marketplaces," said Cooperman.

"We take a proactive approach in working with our clients to help them navigate through the complexities of state and local taxes," said Seiden. "We work hand-in-hand with our clients to assist them in realizing the many credits and incentives available to taxpayers."

Seiden, a resident of Rye Brook, graduated in from American University with a degree in accounting, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a member of the New York State Society of CPAs.

Citrin Cooperman & Company Continues Expansion in Philadelphia Market

Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, a leading regional accounting and business consulting firm, announced today that Carrow, Doyle & Associates, LLP, has joined the firm's Philadelphia office, effective Nov. 1, continuing Citrin Cooperman's expansion and growth in the Philadelphia market and their unending commitment to providing the best services to its clients.

Combined with internal growth, the addition of Carrow Doyle expands the firm to a staff of 350, including 84 partners, and $87 million in estimated annual revenue. The firm's Philadelphia office now includes 10 partners and over 30 professionals.

This is the third firm in the Philadelphia area to join Citrin Cooperman, and coupled with internal growth put the office in excess of $10 million in annual revenues. Citrin Cooperman also has offices in New York, NY; White Plains, NY; Springfield, NJ; and Southport, CT.

"We are very excited to have the partners and staff of Carrow Doyle join our firm. This increases our depth and breadth of services offered through our Philadelphia office," said Joel Cooperman, the firm's managing partner and a native of Philadelphia. "Carrow Doyle's audit and accounting expertise in the financial services, real estate and commercial businesses as well its strong tax practice with high net worth individuals will be a good complement to the specialties and services already offered in Philadelphia."

Joining Citrin Cooperman as partners are Mark S. Carrow, managing partner at Carrow Doyle, who will become Citrin Cooperman Philadelphia's office managing partner; William C. Briggs, who will be in charge of the tax practice in that office; and James A.J. Revels, a partner specializing in high net worth individuals and family offices. Additionally, 10 professionals and support staff from Carrow Doyle will be joining the Philadelphia office.

Carrow Doyle has annual revenues in excess of $3 million due to a strong tax and accounting practice. Among the industries it serves are broker/dealers, private equity and hedge funds, real estate development companies, entrepreneurs, middle market businesses, and the bioscience industry in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.

Terms of the business combination were not disclosed. Christie Hoyt and Neal Friedant of Partners for Corporate Recruiting were instrumental in working with Citrin Cooperman on the transaction.

In the latest rankings from accounting trade magazines Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting, Citrin Cooperman is among the top 35 accounting firms in the United States and was designated a Best Accounting Firm to Work for in 2008 by Accounting Today.

"Philadelphia is an important market to the overall growth of Citrin Cooperman and we will continue to expand the resources we offer to clients in the greater Philadelphia region," said Cooperman. "We are as much a Philadelphia firm as we are a New York one and this expansion reaffirms our commitment to this market," he continued.

"We were attracted to Citrin Cooperman's client service approach as well as its commitment to grow in the Philadelphia market through the use of 'home-grown' talent," said Carrow. "Citrin Cooperman provides us and our clients the structure and resources to better compete in this challenging economy."

Christopher B. Hegarty Joins Citrin Cooperman

Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced that Christopher B. Hegarty, CPA, has joined accounting and business consulting firm Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, as a partner in its Philadelphia office.

"The addition of Chris reinforces the firm's commitment to the Philadelphia market and our clients through the addition of local talent," said Citrin Cooperman managing partner Joel Cooperman. "As we expand our client base in the Philadelphia area, Chris will be an integral part of the Citrin Cooperman team helping clients navigate a challenging economic environment."

Hegarty, who has more than 23 years of experience providing audit and accounting services to both public and private companies, has also provided CFO services to emerging growth companies on an outsourced basis in Philadelphia and the surrounding area. Specifically, Hegarty has worked with clients in several industries including manufacturing, retail and distribution, professional services firms, and the financial services sector.

Previously, Hegarty was partner-in-charge of the accounting and audit practice at Smart and Associates, LLP, providing audit and consulting services to large private institutions. He also worked on the corporate side as Assistant Vice President-Corporate Controller for The Pep Boys-Manny, Moe and Jack (headquartered in Philadelphia). As corporate controller of the publicly-traded retail store chain, Hegarty was responsible for managing the accounting department, including general accounting, retail accounting, inventory, accounts payable, and internal and external financial reporting.

Hegarty, 45, has a great deal of experience helping businesses, both large and small, establish accounting policies and procedures and in assisting organizations transform their accounting functions, particularly through periods of high growth and high stress.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He is a member of both the American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public Accountants and serves as a member of the PICPA Executive Committee. He is active in his church and his children's activities. He resides in Bryn Mawr with his family.

Citrin Cooperman Hosting Women's Franchise Network Panel Discussion on Social Media

On Thursday, November 5th, Citrin Cooperman and the Women's Franchise Network of Greater New York will be hosting a panel discussion on social media. Please see invitation below for details.

To RSVP for this event, please contact Andria Hoffman at ahoffman@citrincooperman.com or call (212) 697-1000 x257. This event is completely free of charge, and both male and female guests are welcome to attend.

Basic Funeral Home Services Increased More Than 12 Percent, According to Citrin Cooperman Survey

The average price for basic funeral home services increased more than 12 percent over last year, according to a survey of funeral home executives in the Northeast by accounting and business consulting firm Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, as funeral homes sought to maintain revenue and profit levels in what remains a relatively flat market.

"We believe the increases in pricing reflects a pricing correction as funeral home executives come to grips with the service costs associated with low-margin services such as direct cremations and immediate burials," said Ed Horton, partner-in-charge of the Funeral Industry Services practice at Citrin Cooperman. "In the past, the industry has been slow to raise prices, instead attempting to control or cut overhead costs. You can only cut overhead costs so much before risking a diminished quality of service. Funeral homes are still sensitive to cost issues, but there's a better understanding that previous pricing structures had eroded profits to the point that threatened many funeral homes' ability to stay in business."

Citrin Cooperman annually surveys funeral home owners and directors primarily in the Northeast, and this year polled more than 230 respondents primarily from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

The average charge for direct cremations has risen 17 percent since last year, according to the survey. Funeral home executives also raised prices of immediate burials, another traditionally low-margin service, by 16 percent.

"Previously, direct cremations and immediate burials yielded minimum profits, as these services were basically offered at cost," said Horton. "Now we see funeral home executives adjusting their pricing for these services so that they are better compensated for the time and effort required to perform even these ‘no frills' services.

"We believe that these trends represent a long overdue shift in pricing strategy. Many funeral directors are no longer relying on casket sales to generate revenues and profits. As customs change and with cremations on the rise, caskets are increasingly viewed by families as a commodity. With casket revenues on the decline, smart funeral directors are shifting their attention to how they price their services, which is what is truly unique and special about the funeral industry. This shift comes at a time when such services have become more demanding as families are seeking increased personalization of funeral ceremonies."

Another sign of smarter business practices is a decrease in the number of funeral homes that allow customers to lock in pricing on a pre-need basis, despite the fact that the prospect decedent may be alive for many more years. In 2009, 67 percent of funeral homes always or sometimes locked in pricing, as opposed to 75 percent in 2008. Because costs are bound to increase between the initial transaction and the time of the burial, funeral home executives have created a potentially money-losing situation.

"We understand that many funeral directors feel that locking in prices ensures future revenues, but many homes may be mortgaging their future on today's pre-need sales," said Horton.

The survey also noted a continuing trend toward homes adding more offerings and options, and becoming more flexible. Adjustments in services and their pricing are also critical as some funeral directors try to recoup profits from services that are being lost in declining sales of caskets.
Among the survey's other key findings:

Cremation and other alternative means of body disposal (such as "green burial") are the bane of the largest number of survey respondents, 42 percent, although this number is down from 48 percent in 2008.
When asked the "biggest issue" facing the profession, funeral home execs still ranked cremations as No. 1 (at 29 percent), but closing the gap is profitability concerns, which more than doubled, from 12 percent in 2008 to 25 percent in 2009.
The number of owners who live at their funeral homes continued to decrease, from 37 in 2008 to 35 percent this year.
Personalization of services remains important, as in past years, although issues such as technology (26 percent vs. 12 last year) and a focus on business (15 percent this year vs. 5 percent last year) are becoming bigger priorities.
Less than 60 percent of funeral home executives surveyed say that know the present value of their business, and only half of those have an exit strategy or a formal plan to transfer ownership.
Familiarity with "green" cemeteries continues to increase as 94 percent of funeral directors have at least some familiarity with them, as opposed to 63 percent just two years ago.
There continues to be a decrease in the number survey participants who own just one home and an increase in the number who own two or more.

"Many of the challenges facing the funeral home industry remain the same as in recent past, but now the economy has been thrown into the mix," said Horton. "After years of cost cutting, and flat death rates not predicted to rise until 2020, profits are still being squeezed. The good news is that industry executives are broadening services and increasing prices to better meet these challenges."

For a full copy of the 73-page survey report or to interview Ed Horton or one of the funeral directors who participated in the survey, please contact Anca Munteanu at 212-697-1000, or amunteanu@citrincooperman.com.

Brack to Speak on Tax Incentives & Year-End Tax Planning at Breakfast Dialogue for Women Business Leaders

On Wednesday, September 30th, Citrin Cooperman partner Allison Brack will be the featured speaker at a Breakfast Dialogue with Women Business Leaders. The topic will be "Is your business benefitting from all the available tax incentives? Take the mystery out of year-end tax planning."

The seminar is sponsored by Citibank Commercial Banking, and begins at 8:30 a.m. at 153 East 53rd Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10022.

To RSVP for the event, please contact Ruth Scheidt at ruth.scheidt@citi.com no later than September 25th. Seating is limited.

Badey to Speak at "Small Business Boot Camp" in White Plains

On Thursday, September 23rd, Citrin Cooperman partner Alan Badey will be a featured speaker at a "Small Business Boot Camp." The program will include a unique panel of experts, an opportunity to network, and access to valuable marketing and small business materials. The workshop will cover tips and advice for keeping any small business vibrant through the rest of 2009 and into 2010.

The event will take place at Morton's the Steakhouse at 9 Maple Avenue, White Plains, NY 10605 and runs from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Morton's food and beverages will be available, along with free giveaways and door prizes.

To register for the Small Business Boot Camp workshop, visit www.gmgpr.com and click on Seminars. Registration is $35.00 with discounts for signing up more than one attendee. Seating is strictly limited and advance reservations are required. Bring questions, plenty of business cards, and an appetite.

Citrin Cooperman Wealth Management Site Launches

Citrin Cooperman Wealth Management, LP has launched a new website containing information about its services, including personal financial planning, investment and asset management, wealth preservation, 401(k) plans, and more.

The Wealth Management Team is led by David Bruckman, JD, MS Tax. The group of in-house experts includes CPAs and CFPs who take pride in becoming their clients' "Family Financial Confidant™".

To visit the new website, please visit this link: http://www.ccwmlp.com

Citrin Cooperman Ranked No. 33 in Inside Public Accounting Top 100

Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, was recently ranked the 33rd largest accounting firm in the United States based on net revenue, up one place from 2008 according to Inside Public Accounting, a leading trade newsletter for the industry, in its Top 100 Firms annual report.

The firm, based in New York City, has consistently been one of the fastest-growing accounting and business consulting firms in the Mid-Atlantic. Citrin Cooperman has grown from three offices (New York City, Springfield, N.J., and White Plains, N.Y.) to five over the last 18 months, with offices in Philadelphia and Southport, Conn.

Citrin Cooperman was also chosen as an Inside Public Accounting (IPA) All Star firm, selected because of its performance in specific areas of practice management, as compared with the hundreds of other firms participating in the IPA Annual Survey and Analysis of Firms.

The firm, in this latest ranking, increased its revenues to $82 million, an increase of 9 percent. Combined with a 12.5 percent revenue jump in 2007, the firm has grown more than 21 percent over the last two years. Consistent growth has been a hallmark of Citrin Cooperman, which had revenues of $18M in 2000.

"Our strategy of providing our clients with great service, combined with strategic acquisitions, continues to fuel growth at Citrin Cooperman," said Joel Cooperman, the firm's co-founder and managing partner.

The firm now employs 80 partners and more than 300 professionals.

Citrin Cooperman has been very active in bringing in outside firms over the past decade. In 2008 the firm brought in Massella & Associates, CPA, PLLC, and the SEC Solutions Group, LLC, which was based in Syosset, N.Y., and Matarazzo, Goldis & Co., LLP, based outside of Philadelphia, and their partners and staff. It is expected to add several firms before the end of 2009.

"Despite the economy, we've been able to grow and to use our resources to continue to add quality staff, positioning us for continued growth," said Joel Cooperman. "Businesses today face more challenges than ever before, and we have the resources and experience in place to help them successfully navigate through these tough times."

Citrin Cooperman New Jersey Office Honored in New Jersey Monthly Magazine

In the September 2009 issue of New Jersey Monthly magazine, Citrin Cooperman was included as an honorable mention in the "Great Places to Work" section. The firm was also featured in the "Bright Idea" section for the "Jeans with a Twist" program, which allows employees to wear jeans to work on occasional Fridays in exchange for donating to a selected charity.

Citrin Cooperman Announces August 2009 Media Mentions

Partner Terri Coffel authored the article "How to Mitigate the Risk of the Next Downturn" in The New York Enterprise Report magazine (Link)
Marketing Manager Jean Frohman was quoted in the article "The 9 CRM Features That All Businesses Need" on Focus.com (Link)
Partner Ed Roberts was quoted in the article "Budgeting for next year" in The Westchester County Business Journal newspaper (Link)

Schachter and Jacobson to Speak on M&A and Valuations in the Financial Sector

On Thursday, September 17th, Citrin Cooperman partner Alan Schachter and director Craig Jacobson will be giving a tele-seminar entitled "M&A and Valuation in the Financial Services Space in the Current Market Environment."

The seminar is recommended for appraisers and M&A analysts. It will focus on the recent decline and subsequent volatility of equity markets, and the challenges of assessing the value of financial service firms fighting to survive in today's economy.

The event will run from 1:00 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. EST and will enable participants to earn 2 CPE credits. To register for the seminar, please click here.

Citrin Cooperman Ranked Third-largest Accounting Firm in Westchester County

Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP was recently ranked as the third-largest accounting firm in Westchester County, based on the number of CPAs, according to the Westchester County Business Journal.

The White Plains office, which was opened in 2001, has grown substantially since then, and now boasts 40 CPAs, including 11 partners. Alan Badey and Mark Fagan are co-managing directors of the Westchester office.

"As a major suburb for New York City and an established business hub, Westchester County is home to many vibrant and successful businesses," said Badey. "We believe we have among the finest staff of accountants, tax professionals and business consultants to meet the needs of these businesses."

The White Plains office serves businesses in a wide range of industries, and has concentrations in working with law firms, medical practices, real estate firms and the financial services industry, among others.

Additionally, many of the firm's White Plains-based professionals are integrally involved in civic, business and accounting industry organizations in Westchester County. Several hold leadership positions in the Westchester County chapter of the New York State Society of CPAs and the society's Young CPAs of Westchester group.

Citrin Cooperman partners and professionals are also involved in the Partnership for a Better Westchester, The Food Bank for Westchester, the Business Council of Westchester, the United Way of Westchester/Putnam, the Westchester County Chamber of Commerce, and the Westchester Economic Development Council.

Citrin Cooperman recently expanded in a neighboring county when it opened an office in Southport, in Fairfield County, earlier this year. The Southport office, led by partner Alan Schachter, was recently ranked the 13th largest accounting firm in Fairfield County.

Citrin Cooperman Announces July 2009 Media Mentions

Partners Rick Hayden & Spencer Barback authored the article "Estate Planning: Attorneys and CPAs – Perfect Together" in the Accounting and Financial Planning for Law Firms magazine
Partner Alan Badey authored the Article "Uncover What Your Numbers Say About Your Business" in the New York Enterprise Report (Link)
Partner Alan Badey was quoted in the article "Acquiring business loans means getting back to the basics" in the Hudson Valley Business Journal newspaper (Link)
Partner Terri Coffel was quoted in the article "Many service businesses do relatively well in a recession" on the Los Angeles Times website (Link)
Marketing Manager Jean Frohman authored the article "Tips on Implementing CRM Software at Your Firm" on WebCPA.com (Link)

Complimentary Business Magazine Subscription for Citrin Cooperman Clients & Friends

Citrin Cooperman clients and friends can receive a complimentary subscription to The New York Enterprise Report.

NY Report features "how-to" articles written by experts for small and mid-size businesses in the New York area, and is a must read for those wanting to grow their companies. To get your free subscription, visit www.nyreport.com/citrincooperman - a page exclusively for Citrin Cooperman clients and friends.

Citrin Cooperman Raises $1,260 for Operation Backpack

On Friday, July 31st, employees at all five Citrin Cooperman offices participated in the monthly "Jeans with a Twist" day. This program allows employees to wear jeans during the work day if they donate $5 or more to the day's charity. Citrin Cooperman also matches firm-wide donations.

July's charity was Operation Backpack, sponsored by the Volunteers of America for the 8th year. The city-wide campaign provides backpacks filled with school supplies to children in homeless shelters. Nearly 11,000 school-age children live with their families in New York City homeless shelters. Most of these children will go back to school in September without the basic school supplies they are helped. In 2008, Volunteers of America gave 7,000 children filled backpacks.

With donations from all five offices and the Firm match combined, over $1,260 was raised for this charity.

When To Hire a Forensic Accountant

On Wednesday, July 29th, Partner Jim Lynch will be giving a CLE-credit speech entitled "When To Hire a Forensic Accountant" at Berger & Montague, P.C., a law firm in Philadelphia, PA. Lynch will draw on his 10+ years forensic experience, explaining situations where forensic accounting professionals play a key role in uncovering the truth behind the numbers in court cases.

To read more about Partner Jim Lynch, click here

Citrin Cooperman Announces June 2009 Media Mentions

Director of Marketing Anca Munteanu authored the article "Cross-Selling: An Art You Need to Practice" in CPA Practice Management Forum magazine (Link)
Partners Michael DeVito and Joe Bublé authored the article "7 Tips for Effective In-House Training" in The New York Enterprise Report magazine (Link)
Partner Ed Roberts was featured in the Westchester County Business Journal Profits & Passions special section article "Edward H. Roberts: The triathlete" (Link)
Partner Stan Goldis was a guest on the "Business Spotlight on Executive Leaders" radio show on WWDB-AM 860 on Friday, June 12th
Marketing Manager Jean Frohman was quoted on WebCPA.com in the article "Competitions, economy prod CRM implementation"
Citrin Cooperman's new partners and directors were mentioned on WebCPA.com in the article "Citrin Cooperman Adds New Partners and Directors" (Link)
Citrin Cooperman was mentioned on The Hall Monitor website in the article "WCC offers accounting program to high school juniors" (Link)
Partner Ed Horton was quoted on NJBiz.com in the article "In a down economy, bankruptcy is a possible answer" (Link)

Citrin Cooperman Raises $2,580 for The Children's Hospital @ Dartmouth (CHAD)

On Thursday, June 25, employees at all five Citrin Cooperman offices participated in the monthly "Jeans with a Twist" day. This program allows employees to wear jeans during the work day if they donate $5 or more to the day's charity. Citrin Cooperman also matches firm-wide donations.

June's charity was The Children's Hospital @ Dartmouth (CHAD). As New Hampshire's only children's hospital, CHaD is committed to providing outstanding compassionate care for children and their families. Their physician expertise provides primary, specialty, and tertiary care to the children of New Hampshire, Vermont, and beyond. For more information, please visit www.dhmc.org.

With donations from all five offices and the Firm match combined, over $2,580 was raised for this charity.

Partner Stan Goldis a Guest on WWDB-AM 860's "Business Spotlight on Executive Leaders" Radio Show

On Friday, June 12th, Stanley Goldis, partner, was interviewed on WWDB-AM 860 during the station's "Business Spotlight on Executive Leaders" show. Stanley shared information about Citrin Cooperman and also spoke at length about some client success stories.

WWDB-AM 860 is a leading Business/News radio station, and the Executive Leaders Radio Shows are the #1 Business/News radio show in the local market due to unique programming (often re-broadcast several times during the week due to popularity). Industry surveys show that the program attracts 40,000 - 60,000 listeners in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

Starting in June 2004, guests have included the "Who's Who" of our business community—nearly five-hundred guests to date. The host, Herb Cohen, conducts an insightful fifteen-minute interview with each of our guests to learn what makes them tick, how were they able to build their enterprise, their personal secrets of success, management style and philosophy, industry trends and challenges and opportunities ahead.

To learn more about Partner Stanley Goldis, click here.

To learn more about the WWDB radio show, visit this link: www.wwdbam.com

Citrin Cooperman Admits Five Partners, Promotes Five Directors

Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, a leading accounting and business consulting firm, announced that Anthony DeJesus, Jeffrey Gittler, Elliot Lavietes, Mark Mindick, and Joseph Monaco were admitted to the firm partnership, effective July 1, 2009.

"Our newest partners have distinguished themselves through their commitment to the firm's clients and to the growth of the firm," said Citrin Cooperman managing partner Joel Cooperman. "With the addition of these five partners, the firm is even better positioned to continue offering our clients the services they need to grow and prosper."

Citrin Cooperman also announced the promotion of five professionals to Director, effective July 1: Patti Iengo, Denise Koch, Anca Munteanu, Soula Tsambiras, and Melanie Villaruel.

Citrin Cooperman is among the top 35 largest accounting firms in the U.S. The firm now employs more than 75 partners and more than 200 professionals.

New Partners

DeJesus, formerly a director, focuses on accounting and business consulting services, concentrating specifically on financial statement matters. Located in the firm's New York City office, DeJesus' practice areas include real estate development, not-for-profit, manufacturing and distribution, and construction.

Gittler, formerly a director in the firm's quality control department in the Philadelphia office, has more than 25 years of audit and accounting experience. Gittler will continue to be responsible for ensuring that the attest client work meets the highest standard levels. Prior to joining Citrin Cooperman in 2008, Gittler served as a technical manager at the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, responsible for performing technical reviews of peer review work papers and conducting on-site oversight of the peer review process.

Lavietes, a former tax director in the firm's New York City office, has more than 25 years of experience and specializes in tax research and planning for an array of industries including entertainment, real estate, manufacturing, staffing, and high net worth individuals. Lavietes is active in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, where he serves on several tax committees.

Mindick, a former director in the firm's New York office, provides business consulting, tax and financial advice to private businesses, both domestically and internationally. Mindick has extensive experience in industries including real estate, private equity and investment partnerships, service, and manufacturing/distribution, as well as providing expertise for mergers and acquisitions.

Monaco was a director in the firm's quality control department, working in the Springfield, N.J., office. Like Gittler, Monaco helps ensure that each of Citrin Cooperman's attest clients receive the highest level of quality. He has more than 25 years of accounting experience and also provides audit and tax services to a number of the firm's clients directly in the not-for-profit and real estate industries. Monaco has served on several committees at the New Jersey State Society of Certified Public Accountants, including the organization's audit and review committee.

New Directors

Patti Iengo specializes in providing accounting and tax services to private companies in a variety of industries from the White Plains office. She has more than 13 years of public accounting experience and is a member of the Young Certified Public Accountants committee for the Westchester Chapter of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Denise Koch works in the small business department in the New York office, serving primarily restaurant and real estate accounts. She supervises staff on reviews, compilations and tax returns for corporations and individuals and works closely with clients on consulting issues, including budgeting and profitability.

Anca Munteanu leads the firm's marketing department, responsible for strategic planning and all internal and external communications, including advertising, public relations and client communications, for all offices in the firm. Munteanu, who has more than 10 years of experience in professional services firm marketing, also supports the firm's new business development efforts.

Soula Tsambiras focuses on performing and managing audits, reviews, and compilations for a wide variety of companies, including restaurants and professional service firms. Based in the New York office, she is active in the employee benefit plans committee and co-chairs the Women's Franchise Committee's Franchise Network for the New York and New Jersey chapters of the International Franchise Association.

Melanie Villaruel is in charge of the human resources department at the firm, working out of the New York City office. Villaruel oversees the professional staff, workplace policies and the administration of benefits and compensation at the firm.

Kuchinsky Named One of Westchester's "Rising Stars: 40 Under 40"

Citrin Cooperman Partner Matthew Kuchinsky was recently named one of Westchester's "Rising Stars: 40 Under 40." The chosen winners had demonstrated leadership, foresight, and a vision for the future of Westchester County.

The awardees represented a wide variety of industries, including professional services, education, and communications. A celebration reception will be held on Thursday, June 11 at The Atrium in Rye Brook, NY. To register, visit this link. For more information, contact Pat Nicolais at pnicolais@westchesterny.org or (914) 948-2110.

The annual award selection was sponsored by the Westchester County Business Journal, Berkeley College, Entergy, EZKR Accounting and Consulting LLP, MasterCard Worldwide, and Starwood Hotels and & Resorts Worldwide.

To read more about Partner Matt Kuchinsky, click here.

Citrin Cooperman Announces May 2009 Media Mentions

Monday, June 1st

Partner Jim Grimaldi was quoted on Forbes.com in the article "Why It's Smart to Pass on the Family Business Now" (Link)
The annual Above the Bar Awards, a Citrin Cooperman sponsored event, received a write up in the Westchester County Business Journal. Link)
Partner Ed Horton was quoted in NJBiz in the article "Renegotiating debt to avoid filing for bankruptcy" (Link)
Partner Terri Coffel was quoted on the Financial Women's Association website in the article "Buying a Business: New Opportunities in Today's Environment" (Link)
Marketing Manager Shannon Mayforth was quoted on WebCPA.com in the article "Marketing Magic: Partner-Centric Marketing Plans" (Link)
Partner Allison Brackwas quoted on WomenEntrepreneur.com in the article "Tread Carefully Around Freelancers" (Link)
Partner Mike Napolitano authored the article "Targeted Revenue Growth", which appeared on the Lawn & Landscape website. (Link)

Citrin Cooperman Raises $1,658 for Walk Now for Autism

On Friday, May 15, employees at all five Citrin Cooperman offices participated in the monthly "Jeans with a Twist" day. This program allows employees to wear jeans during the work day if they donate $5 or more to the day's charity. Citrin Cooperman also matches firm-wide donations.

May's charity was Walk Now for Autism, the nation's largest grassroots autism walk program, is Autism Speaks' signature fundraising and awareness event, taking place in communities across the United States, as well as in Canada and the United Kingdom. Powered by volunteers and families with loved ones on the autism spectrum, this successful grassroots fundraising effort not only generates vital funds for autism research but also raises awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder. For more information, please visit www.walknowforautism.org.

With donations from all five offices and the Firm match combined, over $1,658 was raised for this charity.

Citrin Cooperman Announces April 2009 Media Mentions

Sunday, April 5th

Citrin Cooperman was mentioned in an entry on the "Make Money Online" blog (Link)

Monday, April 13th

Partner Jim Grimaldi was featured in a TV spot and corresponding article on the NY1 website (Link)

Monday, April 20th

Alan Schachter & Jim O'Sullivan published an article in The New York Law Journal entitled "An Introduction to Goodwill"

Thursday, April 23rd

Partner Kevin Ryan was quoted in a Wall Street Journal article entitled "New Health-Care Rule for Laid-Off Workers Hits Small Businesses" (Link)
The New Jersey Citrin Cooperman Office received a write-up in the list of "Best Places to Work in NJ" at the annual awards event

David B. Bruckman to Lead Citrin Cooperman's Wealth Management LP

NEW YORK, May 4, 2009 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced that David B. Bruckman, JD, MS Tax, has joined its affiliate, Citrin Cooperman Wealth Management LP (CCWM), as Managing Director. CCWM provides clients with investment advisory, insurance, financial planning and wealth preservation services.

Bruckman, who has 20 years' experience offering sophisticated legal and wealth management services to high net worth individuals, business and families, previously served as a financial advisor and principal at Clarfeld Financial Advisors, Inc. Prior to joining Clarfeld, he was an executive vice president of a boutique financial services firm that focused on advanced estate and tax planning for wealthy individuals and families. Bruckman also engaged in the private practice of law in the areas of wills, trusts and estates.

"We are pleased to be able to offer our clients the talents and skills that David brings to Citrin Cooperman Wealth Management, LP," said Citrin Cooperman managing partner Joel Cooperman. "With a varied background in financial services, he has distinguished himself as a leader in serving the financial and investment needs of individuals and businesses. We believe he will prove to be outstanding working with clients on their estate, insurance and financial planning."

David has an extensive wealth management background in the areas of estate planning, financial planning, charitable planning, investment planning and life insurance. He has written articles on deferred compensation, life insurance, estate planning and taxation that have been published in The New York Law Journal, The CPA Journal, The National Underwriter, The Westchester County Bar Journal, and the Journal of Financial Planning.

Bruckman earned his BA from Union College, his JD from Syracuse University Law School, and his Masters in Taxation from Pace University Lubin School of Business. He is admitted to practice law in New York and Connecticut and is a member of the Westchester County Bar Association and of its Trusts & Estates Committee.

To read more about Director David Bruckman, click here.

Ryan and Bull Speak at Pennsylvania Coalition of Charter Schools Annual Conference

On Sunday, April 26, Citrin Cooperman Partner Kevin Ryan and Manager Michael Bull spoke at the Pennsylvania Coalition of Charter Schools Annual Conference. They shared their knowledge about audits and the new form 990.

The three-day conference took place April 26-28 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel and The Ritz Carlton in Philadelphia. More than 1,000 guests attended the conference, representing a variety of charter schools in Pennsylvania.

To read more about Partner Kevin Ryan, click here.

To read more about Manager Michael Bull, click here.

Citrin Cooperman Raises Over $2,000 for Homes for Our Troops

On Friday, April 24, employees at all five Citrin Cooperman offices participated in the monthly "Jeans with a Twist" day. This program allows employees to wear jeans during the work day if they donate $5 or more to the day's charity. Citrin Cooperman also matches firm-wide donations.

April's charity was Homes for Our Troops, a non-profit, non-partisan, 501 (c)(3) organization founded in 2004. This organization is strongly committed to helping those who have selflessly given to their country and have returned home with serious disabilities and injuries. We assist severely injured Servicemen and Women and their immediate families by raising donations of money, building materials and professional labor and then coordinating the process of building a new home or adapting an existing home for handicapped accessibility. The finished home is then given to the veteran. For more information, please visit www.homesforourtroops.org.

With donations from all five offices and the Firm match combined, over $2,000 was raised for this charity.

Florio Speaking at ''Succession Planning for Your Business'' Seminar

On Wednesday, April 29th, Citrin Cooperman Partner Nick Florio will be speaking at at breakfast seminar entitled "Succession Planning for Your Business."

The event is sponsored by the New York Staffing Association (NYSA) and will focus in on the key elements of how to position your business for a smooth transition. Other speakers include Jack Lyons of Lyons Solutions and Alan Tarter of Tarter, Krinsky and Drogin.

Date: Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
Time: 8:30 am-10:00 am (Breakfast served from 8-8:30 am)
Hosted at:
LDI Color Toolbox, Times Square
1500 Broadway, 10th Floor
New York, New York 10036

Interested parties can register for the event by contacting NYSA Executive Director Jennifer Kelley at jennifer@nystaffing.org.

To read more about Partner Nick Florio, click here.

Grimaldi Speaks About the Tax Filing Deadline in a Down Economy

Citrin Cooperman Partner Jim Grimaldi was recently interviewed by NY1 News, speaking about the tax filing deadline in a down economy. He discussed the trend of late filing - so people can hold on to their money for as long as possible - and also clarified the process of filing for a six month extension. Tax penalties were also explained.

To view the interview video, click here. The news spot will air all day on NY1 on Tuesday, April 14.

To read more about Partner Jim Grimaldi, click here.

Karlitz Speaking to NY Legal Community

In April and May 2009, Partner Gary Karlitz will be giving a presentation entitled "Advanced Tax Return & Financial Statement Analysis for Matrimonial Lawyers." The topic will inform legal professionals about the best methods for understanding and utilizing the information found in these financial documents.

The location and dates of the speaking engagements are listed below.

Friday, April 24, 2009 and Friday, May 8, 2009
Holiday Inn Rochester Airport
911 Brooks Avenue
Rochester, NY
(585) 328-6000

Interested parties can register for the event by visiting this link

To read more about Partner Gary Karlitz, click here.

Lynch Speaking to NY Legal Community

In April and May 2009, Partner Jim Lynch will be giving a presentation entitled "Math and Accounting for Lawyers – How to Read Financial Statements." The topic will inform both law students and legal professionals about the best methods for understanding and utilizing the information found in financial documents.

The locations and dates of the speaking engagements are listed below.

Thursday, April 23, 2009
PACE Law School (New Direction Program)
78 North Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603

Monday, May 18, 2009
New York County Lawyers' Association
14 Vesey Street
New York, NY 10007

To read more about Partner Jim Lynch, click here.

Alan A. Schachter, Leading Valuation & Forensic Expert, Joins Citrin Cooperman & Company as Partner

NEW YORK, April 1, 2009 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced that Alan A. Schachter joined the firm as a partner in the Valuation & Forensic Services Group.

Schachter, formerly was a managing director for litigation and valuation consulting in Willamette Management Associates, Northeast Region. Schachter will split his time between the firm's new Southport office and the New York City office.

Additionally, James J. O'Sullivan, and Craig A. Jacobson joined Citrin Cooperman as Directors. Both previously worked at Willamette. O'Sullivan and Jacobson will work primarily out of the New York City office.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to add professionals with the experience and expertise of Alan Schachter, James O'Sullivan and Craig Jacobson," said Citrin Cooperman managing partner Joel Cooperman. "They have distinguished themselves as leading providers of business valuation, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, forensic and forensic services, including economic damage modeling, as well as valuation and forensic services related to all forms of intellectual property, and our clients will benefit from their vast knowledge."

Schachter, who has more than 40 years of accounting and consulting experience, has been a certified fraud examiner since 1993, and a certified valuation analyst since 1997. He is a CPA also accredited in business valuation and certified in financial forensics, both through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

O'Sullivan, who is also an attorney, CPA and certified in financial forensics through the AICPA, has served as a consultant in a large number of complex litigation cases involving a cross section of industries, including healthcare, professional services, construction, real estate and manufacturing, among others.

Jacobson's experience includes valuation consulting, commercial and securities litigation consulting, financial advisory and economic analysis and forensic services related to all forms of intellectual property for industries ranging from advertising to wholesale.

Citrin Cooperman Sponsors the Launch of the Keiretsu Forum New York Tri-State Chapter

On Tuesday, March 31st, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP served as a sponsor of the launch party of Keiretsu Forum's New York Tri-State Chapter. The event took place at 8:00 a.m at the Duane Morris LLP offices at 1540 Broadway.

The guest speaker was Jack Devine, a 35-year veteran of the CIA. The topic was "The Double Impact of the Financial Crisis on Global and Foreign Affairs and How to Prosper." Presentations were also given by CEO's of Keiretsu funded companies.

Interested parties may refer to the invitation at this link.

Keiretsu Forum is the world's largest angel investor network with 750 accredited investor members throughout seventeen chapters on three continents. Since Keiretsu Forum's founding in 2000, its members have invested over $180 million in 200 companies in technology, consumer products, healthcare/life sciences, real estate and other segments with high growth potential.

Fagan, Coffel, and Brenner Speak at Article 3A Lien Law Seminar

On Thursday, March 19, Citrin Cooperman Partners Mark Fagan, Terri Coffel, and Bill Brenner spoke at a seminar about the Article 3A Lien Law as it applies to the construction industry.

The event was sponsored by New York chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). It took place from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. at Arno's Ristorante, located at 141 West 38th Street.

Fagan, Coffel, and Brenner Speak at Article 3A Lien Law Seminar

Koplowitz Speaking at ''Financing and Tax Planning for Small Businesses'' Seminar

On Thursday, May 28th, Citrin Cooperman Partner Arthur Koplowitz will be speaking at at a workshop entitled "Financing and Tax Planning for Small Businesses."

The event is sponsored by the New York State Society of CPA's (NYSSCPA) and SCORE and will focus on the options that small business owners have when applying for loans. Benefits and procedures of smart tax planning will also be discussed.

Date: Thursday, May 28th, 2009
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 p.m. (Breakfast and lunch are served)
Hosted at:
NYSSCPA
3 Park Avenue (at 34th Street)
19th Floor, Classroom C
New York, New York 10036

Interested parties can register for the event by visiting this link

To read more about Partner Arthur Koplowitz, click here.

Citrin Cooperman Named One of the Top 100 Accounting Firms by Accounting Today

Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, was recently named one of The 2009 Accounting Today Top 100 Firms by the Accountants Media Group, publishers of Accounting Today, a leading trade magazine for the industry. This ranking is to used as a barometer to gauge the growth of the profession and measure success. Citrin Cooperman came in as the 33rd largest firm in the United States, ranked by annual net revenue.

Citrin Cooperman Raises $5,000 for the 2009 Salvation Army Star Lake Camping Sessions

On Friday, March 27, employees at all four Citrin Cooperman offices participated in the monthly "Jeans with a Twist" day. This program allows employees to wear jeans during the work day if they donate $5 or more to the day's charity. Citrin Cooperman also matches firm-wide donations.

March's charity was The Salvation Army's Star Lake Camping Sessions program. Every summer, the Salvation Army sends more than 1,000 children from low-income neighborhoods in New York City, Long Island, and the lower Hudson Valley to a classic sleep-away summer camp called Star Lake Camp. The children are widely recruited from Salvation Army community centers and programs; most come from families who cannot afford camps or summer activities, and would otherwise be left without supervision in potentially dangerous situations. Instead, The Salvation Army offers them the chance to expand their horizons, strengthening their drive to become happy, healthy, and productive adults.

With donations from all four offices and the Firm match combined, over $5,000 was raised for this charity.

Citrin Cooperman Raises $5,430.00 for the John Pawlowski Family Trust

On Friday, February 27, employees at all four Citrin Cooperman offices participated in a special "Jeans with a Twist" day. This program allows employees to wear jeans during the work day if they donate $5 or more to the day's charity. Citrin Cooperman also matches firm-wide donations.

This special day was dedicated to John Pawlowski, a Philadelphia police officer, who was killed in the line of duty. He left behind his surviving wife and was expecting their first child. Two of Citrin Cooperman's employees were close to his family.

Citrin Cooperman Named Among Best Places to Work in New Jersey by NJBiz Magazine

Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced that it was named as one of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey by NJBiz magazine.

NJBiz's "Best Places to Work in New Jersey" competition, created in 2005, was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in New Jersey, benefiting the state's economy, its workforce and businesses. It is sponsored by Gibbons P.C., Extensis, iCIMS and Novo Nordisk.

Citrin Cooperman was one of 30 medium-sized companies (25-249 employees) cited. There were also 25 large-sized companies (more than 250 employees) named to the list. In gaining the honor, Citrin Cooperman's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics were evaluated and its employees were surveyed to measure the employee experience.

Citrin Cooperman will be recognized and honored at the Best Places to Work in New Jersey evening awards ceremony on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at the Hilton East Brunswick. The final rankings will be revealed at the ceremony.

Citrin Cooperman scored well based on a number of benefits offered to it is staff, including:

Reimbursement of 25 percent of the cost of new business clothing up to $500;
Four-week sabbaticals to professionals who have been with the company for six or more year in return for two 1,000-word essays, one of which includes suggestions for improving the company.
Citrin Cooperman University, a structured continuing education program for young accountants;
A Mentoring Program, where partners can share their experience and knowledge to professionals and staff;
An International Work Exchange Program, offering professionals the opportunity to work at an accounting firm overseas.

"We have a long-established policy of surveying our staff to gauge the work environment," said Ed Horton, co-partner in charge of the firm's New Jersey office with Alex Serrano. "Many of the programs we offer are a result of these surveys. We believe in creating a workplace that encourages our staff to give their best effort."

A recent internal study at Citrin Cooperman indicated that more than 90 percent of the firm's employees feel valued, trust senior leadership and their co-workers, and feel that they are given opportunities to contribute as individuals.

In 2008, Citrin Cooperman was also ranked among the best places to work by Crain's New York Business magazine and Accounting Today, a leading industry magazine.

Citrin Cooperman has grown from an $18 million firm in 2000 to a more than an $80 million operation in 2008 as it has been able to recruit and retain top talent in the accounting industry. The firm now employs 330 overall, including almost 40 in the firm's New Jersey office.

"We've found that retaining talented professionals – and partnering with them in advancing their careers – is the best way to provide clients with high-quality service and to grow the firm overall," said Serrano.

Coffel to Speak at Construction Industry Economic Recovery Seminar

On Tuesday, April 21, Partner Terri Coffel will be speaking at a seminar entitled "Constructing the Economic Recovery: Business Opportunities for the Construction Industry." The event will take an in depth look at the ramifications of the economic stimulus package implemented by President Obama's cabinet, focusing on the areas of infrastructure, retrofitting, and renewable energy, which are closely linked with the construction and manufacturing industries.

The event will take place at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers at 811 Seventh Avenue from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Those interested in attending can register for the event at http://economicrecovery.biz.

To read more about Partner Terri Coffel, click here.

Citrin Cooperman Raises $1,526 for The American Heart Association

On Friday, February 20, employees at all four Citrin Cooperman offices participated in the monthly "Jeans with a Twist" day. This program allows employees to wear jeans during the work day if they donate $5 or more to the day's charity. Citrin Cooperman also matches firm-wide donations.

February's charity was The American Heart Association, a non-profit organization that raises awareness about heart disease and strokes while supporting preventive care. With donations from all four offices and the Firm match combined, $1,526 was raised for this charity.

Coffel & Drucker Present ''Remaining Profitable in a Tough Economy'' Seminar

On Wednesday, February 18, Citrin Cooperman Partners Terri Coffel and Lori Drucker presented a seminar entitled "Remaining Profitable in a Tough Economy." The seminar was part of the Business Growth & Protection mini-series, sponsored by Citrin Cooperman's Women Entrepreneurs & Leaders Committee.

The presentation focused on reexamining key business traits such as operating expenses, budgets, personnel, suppliers, and customers. Coffel and Drucker recommended a thorough, unemotional evaluation of these areas, emphasizing that all money spent must serve a vital purpose in today's economic environment.

The event was attended by over 30 female entrepreneurs and leaders, and took place at the Cornell Club in midtown Manhattan.

To read more about Partner Terri Coffel, click here.

To read more about Partner Lori Drucker, click here.

Metsky Speaks at Staff Driven Practices

On Wednesday, February 18, Citrin Cooperman partner Ken Metsky spoke at Staff Driven Practices, located in Wayne, NJ. He addressed the new dental participants of the organization, and the topic was budgeting for dental offices.

To read more about Ken Metsky, click here.

Tramazzo Presents Tax Strategies Workshop for Green Entrepreneurs

On Wednesday, February 18, Citrin Cooperman Partner Ron Tramazzo presented a workshop on simple strategies for setting up a business and avoiding unnecessary tax consequences. The event was presented to a group of green entrepreneurs at Green Spaces in Brooklyn.

To read more about Partner Ron Tramazzo, click here.

Weber Speaks at the Nassau County Bar Association's Matrimonial Section

On Wednesday, February 11, Citrin Cooperman partner Matthew Weber spoke at the Nassau county Bar Association's Matrimonial Section. The topic was "Valuations: Post Economic Bubble, Observations, and Issues from the Practitioner and Forensic Evaluator's Perspective" and included valuation dates and income for support.

To read more about Matthew Weber, click here.

Ryan Serves on Panel of Hospitality Roundtable Forum

On Tuesday, January 27, Citrin Cooperman partner Kevin Ryan served as a panel member for a Hospitality Roundtable Forum, sponsored by the Chester Country Economic Development Company (CCEDC). More than 25 hospitality industry owners and service providers attended the event, which took place in Exton, PA.

The panel discussed the various challenges that the hospitality industry has faced in the struggling economy. Ryan drew upon his extensive experience working with hospitality clients to provide feedback about how to best weather the storm. Topics included: monitoring labor, food, alcohol and inventory levels; keeping in touch with creditors; retraining staff to ensure continued customer retention; knowledge of cash flow and income statements; and open communication lines with business advisors and lenders.

To read more about Partner Kevin Ryan, click here.

Citrin Cooperman Raises $1,740 for The Sylvia Center

On Friday, January 26, employees at all four Citrin Cooperman offices participated in the monthly "Jeans with a Twist" day. This program allows employees to wear jeans during the work day if they donate $5 or more to the day's charity. Citrin Cooperman also matches firm-wide donations.

January's charity was The Sylvia Center, a non-profit organization that helps children experience the life-giving pleasures of fresh food from the farm. They offer programs for school groups and most recently aided a project called "Sylvia Center in the Classroom" at Bronx Green Middle School.

With donations from all four offices and the Firm match combined, $1,740 was raised for this charity.

For nearly a year, Citrin Cooperman's Human Resources Department has been organizing Jeans with a Twist days on a monthly basis. Different charities/foundations are chosen to contribute to. Some of these charities/foundations are either recommendations from Citrin Cooperman staff or in accordance to the monthly awareness calendars such as Breast Cancer Awareness for October.

Napolitano Presenting at the Essex County Bar Foundation

On Wednesday, February 25, 2009, Citrin Cooperman partner Michael Napolitano participated in a panel at the Essex County Bar Foundation's ECBA Labor & Employment Law Committee. The topic was "Hot Tips for Businesses on How to Thrive in a Recession: Addressing Downsizing, Lay-Offs and other Issues." The event was sponsored by Morgan Business Solutions.

To read more about Mike Napolitano, click here.

Citrin Cooperman Launches Growth & Protection Team

NEW YORK – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced today the creation of its Growth & Protection Team, which will provide business consulting services to privately held small and mid-sized businesses.

Services to be provided will include recommending profit-enhancement strategies and internal controls improvements, assisting with securing capital, employee compensation, budgets and forecasts, mergers and acquisitions, exit strategies, and succession planning.

Citrin Cooperman has provided and continues to provide many of these services to clients today. The formalization of the Growth & Protection Team will focus the firm's efforts on supplying this type of value-added consulting, which, given the economic climate, is vital to most business' success.

"The formalization of this new practice comes in response to increased client demand for services that go well beyond traditional accounting and tax services," said Growth & Protection Team's partner-in-charge Alan Badey, who also oversees the firm's Westchester office. "Business owners need seasoned business advisors who can help them navigate today's economic environment to maximize profitability."

"There are two types of business owners: those that let the economy dictate their success and those that pursue growth no matter how the economy or the competitive landscape changes," said Badey. "The business consulting services offered through our Growth & Protection Team are geared toward business owners who seek to proactively manage their businesses."

In addition to serving existing clients, Citrin Cooperman's Growth & Protection Team will also be working with business owners who employ other accounting firms which do not have business advisory skills.

"As we head into 2009, we are aiming to work with all of our clients on strategic planning and profitability issues," said Badey. "Business owners recognize the economy is slowing down and that they need to properly execute a well thought out business plan in order to maximize profitability."

As an example, Badey points out that in previous years, many business owners created a budget on a perfunctory basis, but this year, the process has been much more intense and many owners now want to understand zero basis budgeting. Business owners are re-evaluating every aspect of their operation, from procedures to people and resources, and realizing that it is highly beneficial to have an outside professional with business experience to help guide that review and the decision making that results.

Citrin Cooperman & Company Expands with Addition of SEC Solutions Group and Masella & Associates

NEW YORK, Dec. 15, 2008 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced today that Massella & Associates, CPA, PLLC, and the SEC Solutions Group, LLC, have joined the firm's New York office, effective January 1, 2009.

Both SEC Solutions Group and Massella & Associates were founded by Corey L. Massella, who will join Citrin Cooperman as CEO of the SEC Solutions Group and as a partner of the firm. His firms were based in Syosset, N.Y., but will move into Citrin Cooperman's New York City headquarters on January 8, 2009.

In addition to Massella, two managers, a senior and an administrator have joined Citrin Cooperman.

With these two firms, combined with internal growth, Citrin Cooperman now has 76 partners and $82 million in estimated revenue.

"We are very happy that Corey and his staff have agreed to join our firm. SEC Solutions Group and Massella & Associates expand the breadth and the depth of services we can offer our clients," Joel Cooperman, Citrin Cooperman's managing partner, who has overseen the integration of more than 30 firms at Citrin Cooperman since 1979. "These transactions allow us to continue to grow our services to meet the changing needs of the business community."

SEC Solutions Group provides consulting services for public companies and those companies seeking to go public, helping them comply with Sarbanes-Oxley and financial reporting requirements that often overwhelm small to mid-cap companies. SEC Solutions Group bridges the gap between the auditors and the public companies caused by Sarbanes-Oxley by facilitating all reporting, tax and due diligence matters previously communicated between each other.

Massella & Associates, founded in 1996, was a full-service accounting and tax compliance firm with a broad range of experience in individual and corporate matters. The firm has a strong client base that includes restaurants, real estate firms, large investment holding companies and the U.S. subsidiaries of foreign-based firms.

"Like Citrin Cooperman, SEC Solutions Group and Massella & Associates takes great pride in delivering value-added services to our clients," said Massella. "We believe that our culture and client service philosophy is very similar to Citrin Cooperman's, and that our services are complementary."

Call for Nominations Opens for 2009 Above the Bar Awards

Join us for the third annual Above the Bar Awards in recognizing outstanding attorneys in Westchester County, New York. Members of the business and legal sectors are encouraged to nominate one or more candidates practicing in Westchester County, New York for these prestigious awards.

The call for nominations for these awards is now open. Please visit http://www.wcbizj.biz/abovethebar/nominate/ to nominate an attorney today. Deadline: February 27, 2009.

Save the date:

2009 Above the Bar Awards
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Judicial Institute at Pace Law School

Sponsors:

Coffel Presents ''Your Business in Today's Economy'' Tele-Seminar

On Wednesday, December 3, Citrin Cooperman Partner Terri Coffel presented a tele-seminar entitled "Your Business in Today's Economy." The seminar gave a brief overview about the current state of securing financing during the current economic situation. It also touched upon the following topics: managing accounts receivable, cash flow options, improving profitability, finding alternative loan sources, and identifying alternatives to bank financing.

The seminar was provided for members of the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO), who expressed interest in learning more about how to deal with debt and equity financing. Citrin Cooperman is a regional corporate sponsor for the WPO.

To read more about Partner Terri Coffel, click here.

Citrin Cooperman Named No. 2 Midsized Place to Work in NYC

NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2008 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, was recently ranked as the 9th best place to work in New York City, and No. 2 among mid-sized businesses by Crain's New York Business, in its "Best Places to Work in New York City 2008" competition.

Citrin Cooperman was also ranked first among accounting firms in the mid-sized category, which included companies with between 150 and 499 employees.

Winners were chosen based on the results of an employee-driven survey conducted by Crain's New York Business in partnership with Quantum Research. According to Crain's New York Business, it is the first study ever conducted to determine the most desirable companies to work for in New York City.

In its summary, Crain's noted that Citrin Cooperman "takes the sting out of the accounting profession's grueling tax season," through a number of benefits. Citrin Cooperman:

Reimburses 25 percent of the cost of new business clothing up to $500;
Offers four-week sabbaticals to professionals who have been with the company for six or more year in return for two 1,000-word essays, one of which includes suggestions for improving the company.
Citrin Cooperman University, a structured continuing education program for young accountants;
A Mentoring Program, where partners can share their experience and knowledge to professionals and staff;
An International Work Exchange Program, offering professionals the opportunity to work at an accounting firm overseas.

"Long before Crain's surveyed our staff, we've been conducting our own internal surveys in order to gauge the work environment," said Joel Cooperman, the firm's managing partner. "We take the results of our surveys – and Crain's survey – very seriously, and make every effort to create a workplace that encourages our staff to give their best effort."

Citrin Cooperman Raises More Than $15,000 for Denis Leary's Firefighters Foundation

NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2008 – A charity event, hosted by Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, and attended by more than 125 members of the local business community, raised more than $15,000 for The Leary Firefighters Foundation, according to Joel Cooperman, the firm's managing partner. The event was created as an enjoyable way for Citrin Cooperman to give back to the community by supporting a good cause.

The "Cards for a Cause" poker tournament was held Wednesday, Oct. 29, at B.B. King's Blues Club & Grill, on 42nd Street, in Manhattan. The event featured a series of three, one-hour Texas Hold 'Em tournaments and a silent auction.

Citrin Cooperman, a leading accounting and business consulting firm to small and mid-sized businesses throughout the New York metropolitan area, contributed $7,500 to The Leary Firefighters Foundation. A series of silent auctions and individual donations also raised more than $7,500. Partners from Citrin Cooperman donated the silent auction prizes, which ranged from four tickets to sporting events such as an Islanders game, to beachfront lodging for seven days in St. Maarten.

"Firefighters put their lives on the line every day for people not only in New York, but across the country," said Cooperman. "Denis Leary's foundation helps to ensure fire departments have the training and equipment they need to do their jobs. It's a pleasure to be able to bring a small portion of the business community together to help The Leary Firefighters Foundation continue its mission."

The Leary Firefighters Foundation is dedicated to providing fire departments with funding and resources for up-to-date equipment and training in New York City, New Orleans and Massachusetts. The Leary Firefighters Foundation was founded by comedian and actor, Denis Leary (star of Rescue Me). It was started in response to an abandoned warehouse fire in downtown Worcester, Mass., his hometown, in December 1999. More than 75 firefighters ran into what some have called "the perfect fire" and six of them never came out. One was Denis' first cousin, Jerry Lucey and another Lt. Tommy Spencer, a childhood friend. In an effort to find a positive way to deal with this overwhelming loss, Denis established The Leary Firefighters Foundation in the spring of 2000.

The event also provided an opportunity for Citrin Cooperman professionals and executives from many of the companies with whom they work to forge new relationships outside the work environment.

Click here to view pictures from the "Cards for a Cause" Poker Party for charity.

Matarazzo, Goldis & Co., LLP Joins Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP

Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced today that Matarazzo, Goldis & Co., LLP has joined the firm's Philadelphia office, effective November 1. This, combined with internal growth, expands the firm to 75 partners, $82 million in estimated revenue.

This is the second firm in Philadelphia to join Citrin Cooperman. In November 2007, Yampolsky Mandeloff Silver Ryan joined Citrin Cooperman, which is headquartered in New York City, with offices in White Plains, N.Y, and Springfield, N.J. Citrin Cooperman now has a staff of 330 including 75 partners, out of which 30 are accounting professionals in Philadelphia.

Joel Cooperman, the firm's managing partner, believes the deal is a good strategic fit in Philadelphia. "We are very excited to have Stanley and his staff joining us. They will be a good complement to what we are doing in Philadelphia."

Terms of the Matarazzo, Goldis & Co. deal was not disclosed. Matarazzo, Goldis staff will relocate to Citrin Cooperman's office on 1800 JFK Blvd. in Center City. The firm was located in Narberth, Pa.

Stanley Goldis, the managing partner at Matarazzo, Goldis, joined Citrin Cooperman as a partner, along with two directors, one manager, and one administrator. Matarazzo, Goldis brings in revenues of $1.5 million and has a strong tax and accounting practice serving small entrepreneurial businesses throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

In the latest rankings from accounting trade magazines Accounting Today and Inside Public Accounting, Citrin Cooperman is among the top 35 accounting firms in the United States and was designated a Best Accounting Firm to Work for in 2008 by Accounting Today.

"The addition of the professionals from Matarazzo, Goldis complement our existing Philadelphia office, and strengthen the depth and breadth of services we offer throughout the Philadelphia region," said Cooperman, who has overseen the integration of 26 firms in 29 years at Citrin Cooperman. "Philadelphia is a vibrant market and we will continue to provide the resources and talent needed to best support our growing client base here."

Matarazzo, Goldis & Co., founded in 1979, is one of the leading tax firms for family owned businesses in the area. The firm serves clients in a wide range of industries, and has specialties among medical practices and law firms.

"Joining a firm with the quality of Citrin Cooperman provides us the structure and environment to raise the level of service we offer our clients," said Goldis. "Citrin Cooperman has been in the Philadelphia market for one year, and they've already gained a strong reputation for helping their clients to succeed in difficult times. We're excited to be part of their team."

Karlitz Presents at ''Business and Family Entities'' CLE Seminar

On Friday, October 24th, partner Gary Karlitz presented "Accounting and Other Differences Among Business Entities" at a CLE seminar sponsored by the New York State Bar Association. More than 65 attorneys attended the event, which took place in Melville, NY.

The main topic of the program was "Business and Family Entities: What the Divorce Lawyer Must Know." Karlitz drew upon his 20+ years of experience regarding acquisition matters related to divorce proceedings to educate attorneys on important matters like different corporation types, stock classes, and tax rates.

Click here to read more about Partner Gary Karlitz.

Citrin Cooperman Named One of the "Best Accounting Firms to Work For"

NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2008 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, was recently named one of the 60 Best Accounting Firms to Work for by the Accountants Media Group, publishers of Accounting Today, a leading trade magazine for the industry. This is the first year the Accountants Media Group has given out this award.

Firms were evaluated on workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems and demographics. Judges also considered the results of an employee survey measuring the employee experience. The award program was designed to honor the best places of employment in the accounting industry.

Citrin Cooperman, headquartered in New York City, has instituted a number of programs to support staff, professionals and partners. These programs include:

Citrin Cooperman University, a structured continuing education program for young accountants;
A paid Sabbatical Program for professionals after their sixth year;
A Mentoring Program, where partners can share their experience and knowledge to professionals and staff;
An International Work Exchange Program, offering professionals the opportunity to work at an accounting firm overseas.

The Best Accounting Firms to Work for list is comprised of 60 companies split into three groups: 5 small-sized firms (15-24 employees), 40 medium-sized firms (25-249 employees) 15 large-sized firms (more than 250 employees). Citrin Cooperman was honored in the large-firm category.

"We recognize that our most valuable assets are our people," said Joel Cooperman, the firm's co-founder and managing partner. "The management team continuously strives to create a work environment that affords our staff – from administrative assistants all the way up to partners – the best opportunities to succeed professionally while achieving the proper work-life balance."

According to a recent internal study, more than 90 percent of Citrin Cooperman employees feel valued, trust senior leadership and their co-workers and feel like they are given opportunities to contribute as individuals.

"Especially gratifying is that an employee survey as well as the demographics, or diversity, of the firm is taken into account in the judging process," said Cooperman. "We listen to the staff and respond to their concerns with programs that are truly meaningful to them."

Citrin Cooperman Raises $2,100 for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Foundation

On Friday, September 26, employees at all four Citrin Cooperman offices participated in the monthly "Jeans with a Twist" day. This program allows employees to wear jeans during the work day if they donate $5 or more to the day's charity. Citrin Cooperman also matches firm-wide donations.

September's charity was the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Foundation, an internationally accredited, non-profit guide dog school with a 50-plus year legacy of providing the blind and visually impaired with superior guide dogs, training, and lifetime support service. Donations enable the organization to continue providing guide dogs to people who are blind or visually impaired.

With donations from all four offices and the Firm match combined, $2,100 was raised for this charity.

Munteanu Joins Citrin Cooperman as Marketing Director

Oct. 8, 2008 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced today that Anca S. Munteanu has joined the firm as its marketing director.

Munteanu, who has 14 years of marketing experience, including eight years with accounting firms, will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of marketing for Citrin Cooperman's offices in New York, White Plains, Springfield, N.J., and Philadelphia. Munteanu, 38, will also assist in new business development.

"Anca brings to our firm an innovative and entrepreneurial approach to marketing, and a track record of driving growth at her previous firms," said Citrin Cooperman managing partner Joel Cooperman. "Our firm has a strong reputation for providing quality services to small and privately held businesses, and Anca will lead the efforts to further build the Citrin Cooperman brand."

In addition to her previous experience with several mid-sized accounting firms, Munteanu also has marketing experience in the financial services area, with Prudential Securities and Merrill Lynch.

"Applying many of the strategies I've used successfully at other multi-office firms, I'm ready for the challenge of creating and integrating marketing efforts over several offices," said Munteanu. "Over the last several years, Citrin Cooperman has grown substantially, and my goal it to help the firm continue that growth."

Munteanu, who earned a bachelor's degree in business management-finance from Marymount Manhattan College, is a board member for the New York chapter of the Association for Accounting Marketing.

Napolitano and Natoli Present at ''How to Thrive in the Current Economy'' Construction and Real Estate Forum

On October 1, 2008, Citrin Cooperman partners Mike Napolitano and Vance Natoli joined the Dale Group, Becker Meisel and Peapack-Gladstone Bank to present "How to Thrive in the Current Economy," a construction and real estate forum geared toward business owners and executives in the industry. Napolitano and Natoli presented the topic "Best Practices in Increasing Cash Flow," sharing their business consulting knowledge with the large audience of over 90 small business owners.

The timely subject matter allowed attendees to learn more about the changing horizon of the construction industry, while focusing on strategies for overcoming and avoiding financial obstacles. The event took place at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, NJ.

Citrin Cooperman Ad Campaign Illustrates How Accounting Firm Does ''Whatever It Takes'' to Help Clients

Campaign Targets Philadelphia Market
With Print, Radio Spots

View our print ads
(turn on your speakers)

Listen to our radio ads

Bahamian Fishermen

The Meat Locker

Garbage Chutes and Rats

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 1, 2008 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, the 31st largest accounting and business consulting firm in the United States, will launch a print and radio advertising campaign to promote the firm's Philadelphia office to small- and mid-sized privately held businesses beginning Sept. 5.

Citrin Cooperman, which was founded in 1979 in New York City, established a presence in Philadelphia in November 2007 when Philadelphia-based accounting firm Yampolsky Mandeloff Silver Ryan (YMSR) joined the firm. Citrin also has offices in White Plains, N.Y., and Springfield, N.J., in addition to Philadelphia and New York City.

The "Whatever It Takes" campaign – a series of three print advertisements and three matching radio spots – provides real-life examples of the lengths to which Citrin Cooperman professionals have gone to ensure the success of their entrepreneurial clients. One ad details how partner Albert Zepp braved the elements of a sub-freezing meat locker to take inventory on a client's supply of meat slabs – while risking his health and a new pair of shoes. Another ad details one partner's ride in a smelly, un-air conditioned fish truck in the Bahamas to ferret out suspected fraud on behalf of a client. The third ad features the firm's managing partner and founder Joel Cooperman, who once was lowered into a garbage chute to ensure for a client that a cleaning process truly worked.

"While Citrin Cooperman is well known in business communities in the greater New York metropolitan area, we're a new name to the Philadelphia region," said Cooperman, a Philadelphia native. "We have a great team of professionals in Philadelphia, who do 'whatever it takes' to help our clients succeed. They have the experience and expertise – and support from professionals in our three other offices – to help entrepreneurial businesses survive and grow in this tough economy."

The "Whatever It Takes" campaign will include full-color print ads in the Philadelphia Business Journal and 60-second radio spots on WKYW-AM, a news station. A series of three print ads in the Philadelphia Business Journal, debuting in the Friday, Sept. 5 issue, will run weekly through October, and then every other week into March 2009. A series of three radio spots, starting Sept. 8, will run in rotation three times a week, every other week, during the morning and evening drivetimes through December.

The print and radio ads will also be available at www.whateverittakesCPAs.com, a site that links to Citrin Cooperman's web site.

"At Citrin Cooperman, we recognized early on that privately owned, entrepreneurial businesses often don't have the infrastructure of larger companies, and that they depend on a proactive accounting and business consulting firm to succeed," said Cooperman. "Our ad campaign reflects this philosophy through concrete examples. As we've grown the size of our firm, we have never wavered from this hands-on approach."

Philadelphia area clients have access to four partners and 30 other accounting professionals in the Philadelphia office, as well as more than 300 other partners and professionals in Citrin's other three offices.

Citrin Cooperman Names F. Wayne Holton as CEO; Firm Growth Prompts Move

August 19, 2008 – As part of its growth strategy, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced that F. Wayne Holton, a longtime partner in the firm, has been named Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Co-founder Joel Cooperman will retain his role as Managing Partner, and will continue to guide the 30-year-old firm as it continues to grow and expand into new markets.

In his new role, Holton, 65, will take on many of the administrative duties previously overseen by Cooperman, allowing Cooperman to focus on the general growth of the firm.

Holton has more than 40 years of experience. Prior to joining Citrin Cooperman in 2000, he was the founding and managing partner of his own accounting firm, Holton Associates.

Cooperman said the decision to bring on a CEO was prompted by the firm's remarkable growth over the past eight years – from an $18 million firm in 2000 to an over $80 million operation in 2008. The firm was recently ranked the 34th largest accounting firm in the country, based on billings.

"We are well capitalized and have deep bench strength to compete in the marketplace, but the firm is at a point where more management is needed," Cooperman said.

"Wayne is a strong leader and a proven businessman who is well-respected by the partnership. I'm looking forward to leaning on his expertise to help me guide the firm going forward. I am confident that Wayne's role as CEO will allow me to focus more on the macro issues of running Citrin Cooperman and I look forward to being able to spend more of my time doing just that."

"What excites me the most about this is being given the opportunity to help make a great firm even better," said Holton. "Joel has never had a CEO before, so this is going to be an evolutionary process that will grow and change over time. The most important thing is that we're going to make it work."

Citrin Cooperman has been very active in bringing in outside firms over the past decade. In 2007 alone, several firms were brought in, including Yampolsky Mandeloff Silver Ryan (YMSR), a Philadelphia firm which represents the firm's first office outside of the New York metropolitan area. In addition, Kaufmann, Gallucci & Grumer, Barback, Uliano & Co., and sole practitioner Ed Heben also joined the firm last year. In January 2007, Citrin had combined in three firms: Mendelsohn Kary Bell & Natoli, LLP; Weissbarth Altman & Slavet, LLP; and Metsky & Associates.

Citrin Cooperman is the 34th largest accounting firm in the U.S. and among the top 10 in the New York metropolitan area. The firm now employs 72 partners and more than 325 professionals.

The firm provides tax, accounting, forensic services and consulting advice to a variety of clients in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Founded in 1979, the firm has offices in midtown Manhattan, White Plains, N.Y., Springfield, N.J., and Philadelphia, P.A.

Citrin Cooperman Ranked #34 in "Inside Public Accounting" Top 100

Aug. 20, 2008 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, was recently ranked the 34th largest accounting firm in the United States based on net revenue, up one place from 2007 according to Inside Public Accounting, a leading trade newsletter for the industry, in its Top 100 Firms annual report.

The firm, headquartered in New York City, increased its revenues to $75 million, an increase of 12.5 percent for the year ending Dec. 31, 2007.

"Our continued high ranking among the top 100 firms is a direct result of the quality of the work we perform on behalf of our clients and our ability to strategically acquire accounting firms which share our dedication to client service," said Joel Cooperman, the firm's co-founder and managing partner.

Citrin Cooperman has grown from an $18 million firm in 2000 to a more than an $80 million operation in 2008. The firm now employs 72 partners and more than 325 professionals.

"With offices from Westchester to Philadelphia, we are well positioned to continue to provide the depth and breadth of services that our clients have come to expect," said Joel Cooperman, Citrin Cooperman's managing partner. "As our clients – and their challenges – expand, we will continue to grow to meet those needs."

Partner Jim Lynch and Senior Michael Kupczynski Give Continuing Legal Education Seminar

Partner Jim Lynch and senior Michael Kupczynski presented a seminar entitled "How to Read Financial Statements" to a group of over 30 attorneys at PACE University Law School, on Thursday, August 14th. The half-day Continued Legal Education program was geared to experienced attorneys returning to legal practice. During the seminar, Lynch and Kupczynski addressed key issues involving financial statements. More specifically, the program dealt with an overview of balance sheet, income statement and cash flow, their analysis, and potential "red flags."

Citrin Cooperman Announces New Partners and Directors

May 29, 2008 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced that Victor Mizzaro, Paula Vuksic, and Steve Winchester have been admitted to the firm partnership, effective July 1, 2008.

"We continue to grow the ranks of our partnership with quality professionals, and our newest partners are no exception," said Citrin Cooperman managing partner Joel Cooperman. "We anticipate their continued contributions both to Citrin Cooperman's clients and our firm."

Citrin Cooperman also announced the following professionals were promoted to Director, effective July 1, 2008: William Brenner, Mary Brislin, Mark Mindick, Elaine Papadopoulos, Mark Reddy, Mandeep Sihota, Yevgeny Rogovin, and Ira Weinberg.

Citrin Cooperman is among the top 35 largest accounting firms in the U.S. The firm now employs more than 70 partners and 300 professionals.

New Partners

Mizzaro, 47, formerly a director, focuses on auditing and taxation in the real estate industry. Located in the firm's New York City office, Mizzaro has worked with real estate owners and managers for more than 20 years, offering solutions to ownership and operation issues. He serves on the real estate committee of the New York State Society of CPAs and speaks annually on real estate issues involving condominiums and cooperatives.

Vuksic, 39, who works in the Springfield, N.J. office, specializes in solving clients' tax issues, with an expertise in international tax matters, including expatriate matters. Vuksic, formerly a tax director, is responsible for advising both privately held businesses and individual clients on tax issues and identifying tax-saving opportunities.

Winchester, 55, a former tax director, has more than 30 years of diversified tax experience, and specializes in the domestic and international taxation of various industry partnerships, corporations and individuals. He provides transactional tax planning and structuring transactions to clients in industries including real estate, manufacturing and distribution, entertainment and medical practices. Winchester works in Citrin Cooperman's New York City office.

New Directors

Mary Brislin serves Philadelphia area clients' audit, tax and consulting needs in industries such as construction, manufacturing and distribution, professional services, and healthcare.

William Brenner, 45, provides consulting, tax, and accounting services to clients in medical practices, law firms, real estate, and construction companies out of the firm's White Plains office.

Mark Mindick, 31, working out of Citrin's New York City office, has extensive experience in real estate, private equity, venture capital, hedge funds and investment partnerships, as well as in the merger and acquisition arenas.

Elaine Papadopoulos, 33, specializes in accounting and auditing services for clients in the restaurant and staffing industries from the firm's New York City office. She is also considered one of the firm's top resources for clients in the franchising industry.

Mark Reddy, 57, has a specialty in individual & fiduciary taxation, IRAs, 401(k)s and other retirement plans, and personal financial planning. Reddy, based in New York City, is a Certified Financial Planner and member of the national and New York City chapters of the Financial Planning Association (FPA).

Mandeep Sihota, 32, provides business valuation and litigation services, and leads the business valuation team in the preparation and delivery of valuations of businesses, professional practices and other income-generating assets. Sihota works out of Citrin's New York City office.

Yevgeny Rogovin is an information technology specialist, responsible for overseeing the firm's hardware, software and networking systems spanning four separate office locations.

Ira Weinberg, 55, is a tax professional in the firm's New York City office, with significant experience in real estate tax matters, individual taxation, and estate and gift tax planning.

Combination Announced with Philadelphia Firm

Nov.1, 2007 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, a CPA firm and leading provider of financial advice to entrepreneurs, announced today four business combinations that, along with internal growth, will propel the firm to 67 partners, $75 million in estimated revenue for 2008, and mark its first expansion into a new region – Philadelphia.

A business combination with the Philadelphia accounting firm Yampolsky Mandeloff Silver Ryan (YMSR) is effective Nov. 1. The transaction marks Citrin Cooperman's first deal outside of the New York metropolitan area and the first time a regional NYC area accounting firm has ventured into the Philadelphia marketplace. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The firm also announced that the financial services boutique firm of Kaufmann Gallucci Grumer (KGG) has joined the Citrin Cooperman New York City. And Spencer Barback, Ed Heben and their staffs have also joined the firm's Westchester office.

The addition of the Philadelphia firm will add four partners, 30 professional staff and more than $4.5 million in revenue to Citrin Cooperman. KGG will be bringing three partners and 8 professional and administrative staff as part of its deal with the firm. Citrin Cooperman is among the top 35 accounting firms in the United States.

The firm now has 67 partners and 310 professionals – nearly double the size it was just four years ago.

"These deals mark a milestone moment for us as we expand outside of the New York area for the first time and aggressively add niche strengths to our New York and Westchester offices," said Joel Cooperman, Citrin Cooperman's managing partner, who has overseen the integration of 25 firms in 27 years.

"We're pleased to strengthen the services we offer and expand the geographic scope of our practice, especially in a vibrant city like Philadelphia with a quality firm like YSMR.

"And with the addition of our new partners and staff from KGG, we now have the muscle to truly expand our offerings to broker/dealers, hedge funds and other entrepreneurs in the financial services community.

Cooperman, a Philadelphia native (who never misses an Eagles game), said he was attracted to YMSR because of its outstanding reputation for providing high-quality service to small and mid-sized, entrepreneurial businesses in the Philadelphia area, and because he thinks there is a rich vein of new work to be tapped in the Philadelphia/Delaware corridor.

"I'm there frequently, and I know my way around the market which I think is underappreciated," Cooperman said. He outlined the business region as stretching from Atlantic City, N.J. to Reading, PA and from Wilmington, DE to Trenton, N.J.

The addition of partners and professional staff from YMSR strengthens Citrin Cooperman's expertise in several industry sectors, including real estate and technology.

YMSR, founded in 1980, has been one of the Philadelphia area's top accounting firms servicing the small and mid-sized market. Partners Alan Mandeloff, Terry Silver, Kevin Ryan & Albert Zepp will join as CC partners. Composed of experts in the areas of accounting, tax, business consulting, investment advisory and business valuation, YMSR serves clients in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties in the Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The firm serves clients in a wide range of industries, and has built specialties in the real estate and technology industries. It has also been a leading provider of forensic services and business valuation services.

The firm will remain in its current offices at 1800 JFK Blvd., in Philadelphia.

KGG focuses its practice on handling the unique accounting and advisory needs of broker/dealers and hedge funds. KGG partners Bob Kaufmann, Ron Gallucci and Dave Grumer will now become partners at CC, and head up the firm's financial services niche.

The sole practitioners joining the firm's Westchester office include Spencer Barback, a general practitioner, and Ed Heben, who focuses his practice on forensic services and Valuation services.

Cooperman said to expect more business combinations in the coming years. "We've shown that we can successfully bring partners and staff in and meld their cultures with our own. We plan to aggressively build up our Philadelphia office and are open-minded about growing beyond that point and into new markets."

Metro Area Staffing Firms See Slower Growth for 2008

January 17, 2008 - The high growth levels experienced by staffing firms throughout the tri-state area in recent years may be coming to an end, according to a recent survey of staffing industry executives conducted by accounting and consulting firm Citrin Cooperman & Company.

Staffing business owners surveyed throughout the New York metropolitan area forecast slower growth in the near term, as higher costs -- especially for insurance -- competition from other hiring sources, and a tightening job market join forces to squeeze profit margins. Tri-state area staffing firms had reported 20-25 percent annual average growth over the last three years.

To download a full copy of the survey report, click here:

Read the results of our 2007 Staffing Industry survey.

Citrin Cooperman Joins Women Presidents' Organization As Regional Sponsor

January 28, 2008 - Citrin Cooperman & Company has officially been named a regional sponsor of the Women Presidents' Organization (WPO). The WPO is the premier membership organization for accomplished women presidents and CEOs who have guided their businesses to at least $2 million in gross annual sales (or $1 million for a service-based business). Terri Coffel, one of the firm's partners, is also a member of the WPO, in its New York City chapter 1.

Citrin Cooperman joins a committed group of regional and national sponsors committed to supporting and advancing the success of women entrepreneurs in the business community. The WPO is committed to assisting their sponsors in building ongoing and loyal mutually beneficial relationships with its members.

"With the support of our sponsors our members are able to achieve greater personal and professional success," said Marsha Firestone, Ph.D., President and Founder of the WPO. "Our growing relationships allow women business owners and CEOs to advance with the encouragement of the WPO."

"We are proud and honored to serve as sponsors of WPO," said Citrin Cooperman's Coffel, who also chairs the firm's Women Entrepreneurs & Leaders Committee. We take great pride in helping the women in our firm advance and grow into leadership positions, and feel a great kinship with the entrepreneurs who make up the organization."

James Grimaldi Joins As Tax Partner

Feb. 11, 2008 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced today that James R. Grimaldi, Esq., CPA, has joined the firm as a tax partner in its New York City office.

Grimaldi, who brings 30 years of accounting experience to Citrin Cooperman, will work within the firm's tax services and estate and financial planning practices. Previously, Grimaldi was a partner at Lazar, Levine & Felix, and served as a Tax Partner in Charge of the firm's Tax Department.

Grimaldi, 52, has experience in providing strategic tax planning, research and compliance services, including the preparation of consolidated tax returns for corporations and partnerships. He has worked extensively with business owners and high net worth individuals on tax consultation and compliance, and with family offices. Grimaldi also advises individuals on estate and trust planning.

Citrin Cooperman Wealth Managers Featured in Mutual Fund Story

February 12, 2008 - Citrin Cooperman Wealth Management Director Sean Bergin and Alan Mandeloff, president of CCWM, discuss the process of choosing appropriate mutual funds in the February 11th issue of Accounting Today.

http://www.webcpa.com/article.cfm?articleid=26652&pg=ros

Citrin Cooperman Radio Program Addresses Business, Individual Tax Issues

March 6, 2008 - Citrin Cooperman, one of the New York metropolitan area's leading accounting firms, announced it is hosting a weekly radio program on WRCR 1300 AM to discuss tax issues for residents and business owners in the lower Hudson Valley.

The program, called "Talking Taxes," airs Mondays, from 10-10:30 a.m., and can be heard throughout Rockland County, as well as in parts of Westchester and northern Bergen County. The program, which began airing on Monday, Feb. 11, will conclude Monday, May 12. The program can also be heard online at www.wrcr.com.

Hosted by Citrin Cooperman tax partner Patrick Daly and tax supervisor Andrew Rotter, "Talking Taxes" will feature a variety of expert guests as well as calls from listeners. The program will cover new state and federal tax rules and regulations pertaining to both local businesses and individuals.

Among the topics to be addressed are charitable giving, financial planning for the future, the Alternative Minimum Tax, and lowering tax burdens in general. Hosts Daly and Rotter will also host special business-oriented segments for companies within the food and restaurant industries. "Talking Taxes" will provide details on the Pension Act and the Energy Act, and how they may affect many lower Hudson Valley businesses.

"Our program addresses one of the primary concerns people contend with at this time of year – their personal and/or business income taxes," said Daly. "There are no programs of this nature answering the concerns of business owners and residents in Rockland and the lower Hudson Valley."

Citrin Cooperman Client James Gersten Honored as one of ''40 Under 40''

March 7, 2008 - James Gersten, a client of the firm (and the son of partner Neal Gersten), was honored this week as one of Crain's New York magazine's prestigious "40 Under 40" – a list of rising entrepreneurs and business success stories – people who "make New York a better place."

James, 38, the president of Culinary Concepts by Jean-Georges, is responsible for developing and operating up to 50 new restaurants in Starwood hotels worldwide over the next five years.

World-renowned and acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten told the magazine he was immediately impressed with Gersten. "On his first week, he wanted to jump on planes and see how we open restaurants. He's very hands-on," said the chef.

Proud father Neal Gersten, who has served as a trusted advisor to restaurateurs for decades, and helped James get his first industry job with restaurant legend Drew Nieperont, said he's not at all surprised to learn that his son made the cut.

"James has always exceeded my expectations, both as a son and a businessman," the elder Gersten said. "When he started going into restaurant deals, I would sit in meetings with him and be amazed. I thought I knew a lot about the industry, but his grasp of the inner workings and operations of the business – and his ability to analyze and execute what's necessary to open a new restaurant - is incredible."

"Along with Jean-Georges, I expect James' latest venture to be a huge success."

$70,000 Raised to Help Remodel Veteran Homes

March 28, 2008 - Citrin Cooperman was a major sponsor of a successful fundraiser that raised more than $70,000 to help build and remodel specially adapted homes for severely wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Citrin Cooperman employees alone raised more than $2,000 for the charity as part of the firm's most recent "Jeans Friday" event to raise funds for worthy causes. The event was part of Franklin Lakes, N.J.-based Barnert Temple's annual fundraising night.

The recipient of the $70,000 was Homes For Our Troops.

"We are thrilled that we could play a part in making a substantial contribution to such a worthy charity," said Citrin Cooperman managing partner Joel Cooperman. "With more than 21,000 injured service members who have returned from fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, this organization is playing a key role in easing their transition."

On a monthly basis, firm partners and staff pick a Friday to dress down in jeans, and everyone who participates donates $5 or more to charity. Past recipients of Citrin Cooperman "Jeans Friday" fundraisers include:

The Sylvia Fund

The Children's IBD Center at Mt. Sinai Medical Center

Dress for Success

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation

The Seeing Eye

Citrin Cooperman Ranked Top 31st Firm in U.S.

March 19, 2008 - Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, was recently ranked the 31st largest accounting firm in the United States based on revenue, up three places from 2007 according to Accounting Today, a leading trade magazine for the industry, in its Top 100 Firms annual report.

Citrin Cooperman was also honored as a "Pacesetter In Growth" in the magazine's report, based on its 30.91 percent increase in revenues over last year. Only nine other accounting firms in the United States grew faster than Citrin Cooperman in 2007.

The firm, headquartered in New York City, increased its revenues to $72 million, from $55 million, and has expanded to 68 partners and more than 300 professionals in four offices spanning from Westchester to Philadelphia.

Citrin Cooperman was also ranked as the ninth-largest firm in the New York metropolitan region, from No. 10 a year ago, excluding the Big Four and other national firms.

"We view our continued revenue growth as a result of the quality services we provide, as well as our ability to grow our firm through strategic acquisitions," said Joel Cooperman, managing partner of Citrin Cooperman, which has grown 350 percent since 2000. "We are fulfilling a commitment to expand in order to provide our clients the depth and breadth of services they require to prosper."

''Above the Bar Awards'' Event to Honor Best Westchester Attorneys and Firms

April 18, 2008 - This year's "Above the Bar" award winners hail from laws firms which vary greatly in size and the types of law they practice – but they all have one thing in common: They've performed outstanding legal work in the Westchester County business community.

These award winners – representing Westchester-based attorneys in five business categories and one student category – will be honored at a May 1 gala event at the Judicial Institute at Pace Law School in White Plains. The awards competition is sponsored by accounting firm Citrin Cooperman, the Westchester County Business Journal, Pace Law School, Mahopac Bank and the Westchester County Bar Association.

The 2008 "Above the Bar Awards" honorees include:

Jon A. Dorf, "Pace Setter Award"
Jackson Lewis LLP, "Best Diversity-Forward Firm"
James J. Veneruso, of Griffin, Coogan & Veneruso, P.C., "Most Socially Conscious Attorney"
Baker, Leshko, Saline & Blosser, LLP, "Best Work and Life Balance Firm"
Julie A. Cvek, of Rattet, Pasternak & Gordon-Oliver, "Most Promising New Attorney"
R. Scott Matarese, Most Promising Pace Law Student

"The level of nominee, and most certainly the quality of our award winners, illustrate that Westchester County law firms and their attorneys rank among the nation's best," said Alan Badey, co-managing partner at Citrin Cooperman's White Plains office. "The county has had a long history of attracting world-class businesses big and small. The Above The Bar awards show that we have a legal community to match."

"In keeping with the Business Journal's ongoing efforts to recognize, support and encourage successful businesses and business people, we're pleased to host the Above The Bar awards again this year," says Dee DelBello, CEO of Westfair Communications Inc., and publisher of the Westchester County Business Journal. "We have a group of award winners that have set the bar very high not only for attorneys in Westchester, but throughout the New York metropolitan region."

According to Amy Patterson, the executive director of the Westchester County Bar Association, its involvement in the awards program is an extension of the services they've provided the region's legal community since 1896.

"The Westchester County Bar Association has a long history of promoting and supporting a high level of professionalism among attorneys throughout the county," said Patterson. "The Above The Bar awards allows us to recognize the best and the brightest from among our membership."

The award winners were chosen by a panel of five judges, including the Honorable Francis A. Nicolai, Supreme Court Justice and Administrative Judge of the Ninth Judicial District; Carol L. Van Scoyoc, Chief Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of White Plains; Anthony J. Enea, Esq., a member of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, and President of the Westchester County Bar Association; Jeffrey G. Miller, Pace Law School's vice dean for academic affairs; and Gerald Stern, special counsel to the New York Judicial Institute and senior faculty to the Town and Village Justice Education Program at the Office of Court Administration.

For more information about attending the May 1 event, please contact Cheryl Hutchins at 212-697-1000, ext. 215, or email her at chutchins@citrincooperman.com.

Gary Karlitz presents CLE program through the New York State Bar Association

April 25, 2008 - Gary Karlitz, partner-in-charge of the firm's forensic services, business valuation and forensic accounting practice, presented "Advanced Equitable Distribution: Valuing and Dividing Professional Practices and Closely-Held Businesses" to a group of over 100 attorneys through the New York State Bar Association.

The half-day program, geared to experienced matrimonial attorneys, enlightened attorneys on how they can better represent clients when dealing with valuation issues in a closely-held business or professional practice. Gary, who has over 20 years of valuation and forensic accounting experience, examined the common client situations that arise and provided practical, relevant advice.

Napolitano Joins as Partner in New Jersey Office

May 5, 2008 – Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced today that Michael J. Napolitano,CPA, has joined the firm as a partner in its Springfield, N.J. office.

Napolitano, who focuses his practice on accounting, business consulting and forensic services, also has expertise in Citrin Cooperman specialty industries such as construction, medical practices, and wholesaler and retailers. Previously, Napolitano was a partner at Meisel Tuteur & Lewis, P.C.

Napolitano, 35, has more than a decade of experience serving as a financial advisor to closely-held private and family-owned businesses. Napolitano also counsels his family-owned business clients on succession planning, compensation issues, and marital dispute resolution.

"Michael has the ability, experience and skills to offer our clients much more than accounting and auditing services, qualities which are vital in today's competitive economy," said Citrin Cooperman managing partner Joel Cooperman. "Our clients will benefit from his proactive approach, which helps to ensure their success."

Napolitano is licensed as a certified public accountant in New Jersey, and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA).

"I'm very impressed with the depth and breadth of the services Citrin Cooperman offers to all of its clients," said Napolitano, "and I look forward to providing my clients with a fuller range of services to help them grow their businesses."

Napolitano earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Rutgers University and lives in Springfield.

Citrin Cooperman's Tramazzo Honored by Chabad Vocational Schools

May 7, 2008 – Ronald Tramazzo, a partner with accounting firm Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP, was honored last night by Chabad Vocational Schools for his distinguished level of service within the financial and accounting industry.

Tramazzo was honored along with Sterling Factors Corporation president John La Lota at Chabad's annual fundraising dinner at the U.S. Trust Bank of America Building, in Manhattan.

Chabad Vocational Schools, founded more than 45 years ago, serves underprivileged youth in Israel and have provided and education to more than 2,000 boys and girls from disadvantaged and orphaned homes. There are a total of six schools located across Israel.

Each year, Chabad honors two representatives of the financial community. Tramazzo was chosen based on feedback provided to Chabad's board of trustees by bankers, attorneys and other accountants.

"It's a great honor to be recognized by my peers as well as those professionals in the banking and legal industries, with whom I do business regularly," said Tramazzo. "It's especially gratifying to be honored by Chabad Vocational Schools, a well-respected organization with a great reputation in the financial industry for the mission it performs."

Tramazzo, who has more than 20 years of experience as an accountant and auditor, has a strong apparel and textile background. In addition, he has experience in many diverse industries including wholesale distribution, manufacturing, construction contracting, retail sales, advertising and public relations, financial services, information technology and professional service firms.

Because of his vast experience with manufacturers, importers and distributors, Tramazzo has developed outstanding relationships with many individuals and entities in the banking, commercial finance and venture capital marketplaces. These relationships enable him to help his clients in securing the credit they require at competitive rates.

Funeral Directors: Our 2008 Industry Survey Is Now Open!

Please click the link below to complete the 2008 Funeral Directors Survey. All responses will be kept confidential, and everyone who completes the survey will receive a full copy of the survey results.

2008 Funeral Directors Survey

Small Public Companies Get SEC Reprieve

In its latest effort to make complying with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act less cumbersome to small public companies, the Securities and Exchange Commission has approved a one-year extension of the compliance date for these companies to meet the Section 404(b) auditor attestation requirement of the law.

That means that while these companies will still be required to have management assess the effectiveness of its internal controls over financial reporting, they won't need their auditors to sign off on their assessment until 2009.

During this period, the Office of Management and Budget will proceed with a study of the costs and benefits of Section 404 implementation, focusing on the consequences for smaller companies and the effects of the Section 404 auditor attestation requirements.

The results of the study are expected to become available sometime before 2009.

Section 404 has two provisions:

1. 404(a) which requires a company's management to assess the effectiveness of the company's internal controls over financial reporting

2. 404(b) which requires an auditor attestation on management's assessment

Larger public companies have been subject to both provisions since 2004.

The extension of the Section 404(b) compliance date for smaller companies is the latest in a series of SEC efforts to help smaller companies reduce the costs for compliance with SOX. Complying with 404(b) can add thousands of dollars in extra costs. Since the law was enacted, small company advocates have argued that compliance puts undue financial strain on these smaller companies.

Smaller public companies should not use this extension to relax their efforts on strengthening their internal controls. While the SEC has indicated its desire to help companies focus their review on the internal controls issues that matter most to investors, it has also made it clear that these controls are vital to the health of public companies. Despite the lack of auditor oversight over the next year, companies should continue to diligently assess their own control environments.

For more information please contact Michael Rhodes, partner-in-charge of the firm's Corporate Governance practice, at 212-697-1000 or mrhodes@citrincooperman.com.

Women's Conference Highlights Citrin Cooperman Efforts

New York (July 17, 2008) - Citrin Cooperman, partner Lori Drucker and Director Mandeep Sihota were featured in this week's Accounting Today article focused on the recent "Women in Accounting" conference.

Click here to read the article:

http://www.webcpa.com/article.cfm?articleid=28362&pg=ros&page=2

Franchisees: Our 2008 Franchisees Survey Is Now Open!

Please click the link below to complete the 2008 Franchisees Survey. All responses will be kept confidential, and everyone who completes the survey will receive a full copy of the survey results.

2008 Franchisees Survey

Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP Awards $32,000 in College Scholarships To Eight Students in New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia

NEW YORK, July 11, 2008 – Accounting and business consulting firm Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP announced today that eight high school seniors from New York City, Westchester County, New Jersey and Philadelphia received $4,000 scholarships as part of the firm's fourth annual High School Accounting/Business Student Grant program.

The eight winners, who were selected to receive college scholarships based on academic achievements and a strong desire to pursue a career in the accounting or business field, will receive an annual grant of $1,000 for four years. In order to continue to receive the grant, the students must be enrolled in college, take at least 12 credits each semester, and maintain a 2.75 grade point average.

The recipients are:

New York:
Christina Sciame, Lindenhurst High School
Griselle Cabrera, Louis D. Brandeis High School (N.Y. City)

Westchester County:
Kayana McKenzie, Peekskill High School
Michael Love, New Rochelle High School

New Jersey:
Yesenia Medina, Irvington High School
Khalil Burks, Irvington High School

Philadelphia:
Quranna Green, Imhotec Charter High School
Madeline Lugo Santana, Mariana Bracetti Academy Charter School

Committees in each of the company's four offices in New York City, White Plains, N.Y., Springfield, N.J. and Philadelphia chose the winners based on their applications, which included an essay, two letters of recommendation, and a transcript of their high school grades. Once the candidates were narrowed down, the finalists were interviewed by committee members.

"We're pleased that this deserving group of students is strongly considering careers in accounting," said Alex Serrano, co-managing partner in Citrin Cooperman's New Jersey office, who lead the grant process. "Accountants play a vital role in enabling businesses large and small to succeed, and we're honored to help these eight students begin their journey down this rewarding path."

In Westchester County, the grant award was renamed the "Caroline McDonagh Memorial Scholarship" in honor of McDonagh, a Citrin Cooperman professional who passed away at age 35 late last year. McDonagh was a passionate supporter of the scholarship program. In addition to being awarded the grant in McDonagh's memory, the recipients' names will be inscribed on a plaque in the firm's White Plains office, and each recipient will receive a picture of McDonagh along with a letter which describes the scholarship and many of McDonagh's admirable traits.

A breakfast honoring the students was held on Tuesday at the Cornell Club in New York City.

To view pictures from the Citrin Cooperman Scholarship Breakfast, click here