MARK SHAVELL - Key Persons
Anthony J. Warga has been with the firm since 2018. He focuses on preparation of federal and state income tax returns for individuals and businesses, general bookkeeping for a variety of individuals and businesses, as well as support tasks specific to public accounting.
Anthony divides his time between the Lear & Pannepacker office and working as an onsite financial consultant for a publicly traded biotechnology firm. There, he supports their finance team with general ledger accounting, SEC and SOX reporting, and monthly closes.
Anthony also manages the firm's social media accounts and works with the firm's CRM software to improve marketing efforts, facilitate online advertising, and improve client relations.
Prior to joining Lear & Pannepacker, he worked as a staff accountant for a firm in Medford, NJ providing accounting, bookkeeping, and tax services to a diverse client base of individuals and small businesses.
Job Titles:
- I Have Always Received Top Notch Service from This
Denise joined the firm in 1995. Her areas of focus include bookkeeping both on and off-site for a wide variety of individuals and businesses, including payables, receivables and bank reconciliation, interim internal financial statements, budgeting, inventory and sales tax compliance, payroll preparation, tax return preparation, and in-house client services. Her responsibilities also include management of the bookkeeping department.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director
- Partner, Taxation
Dennis joined the firm in 2018, and brings with him over 25 years of public accounting experience. His areas of focus include complex taxation issues and compliance, multi-state filings, closely-held businesses, and high net worth individuals. Dennis interacts closely with clients to understand their unique and complex needs, and provides innovative tax planning, financial strategizing, and consulting to help maximize earnings, maintain compliance, and achieve cost savings. He has experience in multi-million-dollar business buying, selling, and divestitures. He also has developed several banking relationships to assist clients with their financing needs.
Prior to joining Lear & Pannepacker, Dennis worked as a partner for a public accounting firm in Central New Jersey.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Senior Supervisor
Dennis joined the firm in 2006 and manages our Newtown PA office. His areas of focus are in the supervision and preparation of tax returns, audits and other financial statements with an emphasis on small business accounting and management information systems. Dennis has a passion for working with and assisting non-profit Organizations as well as assisting entrepreneurs with business planning. In addition, Dennis is also fluent in Spanish.
Job Titles:
- Head
- Associate Audit / Tax Supervisor
- MAcc
- Member of the Audit and Assurance Department
- Member of the Tax Department
Dylan Keledy has been with the firm since 2016. Dylan is an extremely motivated young professional who has experience across many broad areas of public accounting.
As a member of the tax department, Dylan provides compliance, planning and preparation services to a variety of companies in industries such as real estate, hospitality, IT, retail, manufacturing and craftsmanship. He also works closely with many local non-profits and private foundations.
As a member of the audit and assurance department, Dylan provides audit, review, compilation and preparation services to both for-profit and non-profit clients.
Dylan is the head of the electronic-filing department, handling all tasks associated with the timely and accurate submission of tax returns. He is also a member of the business formation and registration department, helping entrepreneurs make the first step in their commercial endeavors.
Eric Robert Lear founded the firm in 1984 with a passion for business excellence. In addition to his commitment towards managing the firm's strategic, personnel, and financial aspects, Eric brings his expertise in a wide array of accounting and advisory services. His areas of focus include strategic planning for small family-owned and mid-sized businesses, financial arrangements for businesses and individuals, customized financial planning for individuals, planning and negotiating complex business transactions, matrimonial planning, negotiations with the IRS and other taxing agencies, as well as tax planning and compliance services. Eric has achieved success with his clients across all industries through the use of goal assessment, strategic planning, and objective realization.
Eric heads the firm's employee benefit plan audits and has successfully led the firm in receiving 30+ years of "pass" ratings with the AICPA Peer Review Program. The firm has also recently passed a quality control audit by the Department of Labor for one of its clients.
Eric volunteers his time with numerous professional, civic, and not-for-profit organizations. He has won numerous awards for his commitment to the community.
Eric is also the computer systems and security partner, client and public relationships partner, and the CPE coordinator at the firm.
Eric Lear founded Lear & Pannepacker, LLP in 1984, opening the first office on Nassau Street in downtown Princeton. Eric's goal was to establish a firm of accounting professionals that emphasized outstanding client service and community involvement and worked proactively to meet its clients' financial and business planning needs.
Gary Pannepacker worked with Eric early in his public accounting career, joining the firm in 1988 as its tax partner. Eric and Gary developed a teamwork approach to meeting client needs and solving even the most complex financial challenges, offering a combination of strategic business planning and detailed implementation to a growing family of entrepreneurial clients.
Scot Pannepacker joined the firm in 1989, becoming partner in 1999. After the unexpected passing of Gary that same year, Scot helped carry on the tradition of excellence established by Eric and Gary.
Genevieve Andrade has been with the firm since 2019. She specializes in the preparation of financial statements and compilations, assisting with acquisitions and due diligence, creating efficiencies for the firm and clients using technology and online accounting software, and preparation of various tax forms for both the USA and Canada.
Genevieve assists clients in adherence to tax planning and prepares financial projections. She also creates effective processes, reports and provides general accounting and other support services to the clients.
Prior to joining Lear & Pannepacker, she worked as a senior accountant for a firm in Halifax, Canada providing accounting, online systems and tax services to a diverse client base.
Job Titles:
- Associate Audit Supervisor
Job Titles:
- Homeowners Association - Board Member and Treasurer ( 1994 - 2018 )
Job Titles:
- I Have Always Received Prompt Professional Service
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Collections Manager
Jay joined the firm in 2016. His area of focus includes individual, corporate and partnership taxation as well as trusts and estates. He also consults with clients to give them direction when forming new companies or making business or individual tax planning decisions. He also reviews client's QuickBooks files so that tax returns can be prepared by them. Jay owned his own CPA firm for more than thirty years before merging with the firm.
In July 2016, the firm of Jay Lesser CPA, PC joined Lear & Pannepacker, LLP. The Lesser firm, located in Plainsboro, NJ, has an expansive practice specializing in tax planning and compliance. Jay and his long-time associate Lisa Johnson joined the firm to continue providing the individual attention that he provided for over 30 years.
Jill Baker, an Executive Administrator, has been with the firm since 2000. With 38 years of experience in the administrative field, Jill divides her time at Lear & Pannepacker, LLP between managing the administrative department as a team leader, billing administrator, and assisting the tax department with incoming tax flow. Jill also manages special events and works closely with the Partner in Charge on all aspects of building maintenance such as ordering supplies, contracting work and building design. She also maintains the firm's continuing professional education requirements for the firm's personnel.
Job Titles:
- Senior Audit / Tax Supervisor
John joined the firm in 2014. His areas of focus are preparing federal and state income tax returns for individual and business clients, tax planning for individuals and businesses, estate and trust tax filings, audits, reviews, compilations and other financial statement preparation, and general accounting for small businesses.
Job Titles:
- Senior Audit / Tax Supervisor
Jonathan R. Lear has been with the firm since 2011. He works closely with businesses, across various industries, in maximizing shareholder returns. This is achieved through reaching strategic financial objectives and innovative tax planning. Jonathan also guides individuals through the complexities of the tax code while minimizing tax liabilities and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. His areas of expertise include tax preparation, tax planning, and financial planning.
Jonathan assists businesses and not-for-profits with audits, reviews, and compilations, including Yellow Book audits for government grant compliance. He also works closely with the finance team of a publicly traded biotechnology company in SEC reporting including 10-K, 10-Q, and monthly closes.
Jonathan manages the firm's client relationships and marketing efforts through CRM software and online advertising. Jonathan is also fluent in Spanish and proficient in Korean.
Joseph joined the firm in 2013. His areas of focus include the supervision and preparation of individual, business and payroll tax returns, tax and strategic planning, and account management with an emphasis on local fire districts. Prior to becoming a principal at Lear & Pannepacker, LLP, Joseph was a partner at Vizzini & Marcucci, LLC where he spent over thirty seven years as a Public Accountant. He also brings over twenty five years of additional accounting experience in areas such as account management, budgeting, administration, supervision and business management.
Karen joined the firm in 2008. Her areas of focus include the preparation of individual tax returns, estate and trust tax filings, tax planning, and general accounting for high net worth individuals. She has prior experience in public accounting, including both individual and business taxation. She is also the e-file coordinator of the firm's e-file processes.
Job Titles:
- Partner, Director Assurance
Ken joined the firm in 2016. His areas of focus include audits, reviews, attestation and compilation engagements for non-public companies, non-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans. Ken's expertise in the not-for-profit environment includes preparation and review of form 990 and yellow book audits for entities receiving governmental funding. He is also experienced in the preparation and review of individual, corporate and partnership income tax returns. Ken has assisted many companies with due diligence and consulting related to mergers and acquisitions.
Laura has been with the firm since 2009. Her areas of focus are in the supervision and preparation of tax returns, audits and other financial statements. She works with entities in various industries, including manufacturing, professional services, real estate, food industry, health services, retail, and non-profit organizations.
Laura has extensive experience in tax and strategic planning and preparation of tax returns for individuals and businesses, including trust and estate tax filings. She has extensive involvement in client account management and handling required tax return extensions for our firm's clients.
Laura also contributes to the development of our entry-level staff and participates in the firm's intern and staff training and orientation programs.
Prior to joining Lear & Pannepacker, she worked as a senior accountant for a firm in Tampa, Florida providing tax, accounting and bookkeeping services to a diverse client base. Laura is a registered certified public accountant in New Jersey and Florida.
My first meeting was very engaging, relaxed and in a very nice setting. Laura Pronesti is a great listener with solid command of financials and I expect to have an excellent working relationship going forward!
Lori Bertoldo has been with the firm since 2018. Lori is experienced in full-cycle accounting with over 14 years of experience. Lori's responsibilities include managing all aspects of general ledger, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, as well as handling payroll information, credit card statements, and cash flow. Lori has extensive experience with payroll, financial statements, bank reconciliation, sales and use tax filings, Quarterly payroll filings, month end closings and general bookkeeping.
Job Titles:
- Music Foundation, Board Trustee & Treasurer
Mary Jo Sutton returned to Lear & Pannepacker in August 2021 after several years as the Director of Operations. She is primarily responsible for the daily business operations of the company, working closely with the partners and senior management to support the day-to-day activity of employees. Mary Jo assists in the development of performance goals and long-term operational strategies, working closely with senior management to meet company objectives. Mary Jo analyzes current operational processes to ensure that consistent, efficient workflows are followed, yielding optimal productivity and performance.
Mary Jo has over 20 years of experience specializing in finance, operations, and contract negotiations. She has extensive knowledge in budgetary planning, cash flow forecasting, vendor relationships, risk and opportunity analysis and team management. Mary Jo has successfully managed all aspects of a company, including finance, human resources/payroll, IT, and quality, while exceeding goals and deadlines in a dynamic environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Rider University
Practice Areas
Bookkeeping & Support
Job Titles:
- MAcc
- Partner, Director Taxation
Michael G. Lettiere has been with the firm since 1998. Mike's areas of focus include the high level review of personal, partnership and corporate tax returns, and multi-state tax compliance. He deals with international tax compliance and has assisted many clients through the IRS Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Initiative (OVDI). Mike also assists individuals with their long-term financial planning. He plays an integral role in the preparation of business plans and bank financing, including financial projections and cash flow analysis.
Michael P. Aaron has been with the firm since 2019. Mike has extensive experience working with individuals and businesses in many industries such as manufacturing, distribution, real estate, retail, and non-profit. Mike enjoys interacting with clients and providing them services that extend well beyond just number crunching.
Job Titles:
- Director, International Tax
- International Tax Supervisor
- MAcc
Nathan Semmel has been with the firm since 2015. Nathan's areas of focus include the preparation of federal and state income tax returns for corporate, partnership, and individual clients, as well as individual business audit examinations for federal and state income taxes and civil penalties (CIVPEN).
Nathan also works with U.S. citizens conducting business abroad and foreign citizens conducting business in the United States, preparing 1040s for expatriates including Form 2555, as well as 1040NR for nonresidents and dual citizens. He has prepared filings in relation to the Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedure, Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedure, and Delinquent International Information Return Submission Procedures. Nathan also deals with foreign gifts and inheritances, foreign trust distributions, and foreign trust ownerships, preparing forms 3520 and 3520-A. He prepares Foreign Bank Account Reports (FBAR), and Form 8938 filings regarding foreign accounts and assets that require reporting, as well as forms 5471 and 5472 regarding ownership of foreign companies and foreign owned U.S. corporations. Nathan also has experience preparing Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) filings and ensuring proper election has been made for passive foreign investments, which can include ownership of foreign mutual funds.
His working experience with other foreign issues is not limited to the above.
Nathan Semmel Is Fantastic He takes Great Care Of Me And My Wife His father had that roll and when he passed away I had Nathan take over He is absolutely outstanding! The Whole Staff of this company are excellent!
Job Titles:
- Supervisor
- Senior Tax Supervisor
Pavan Rajput has been with the firm since 2005. Pavan works with a variety of closely held businesses and multiple international corporations. He also contributes to the development of our entry-level staff and participates in the firm's intern and staff training. His areas of focus and expertise are with individual and corporate tax returns, tax/strategic planning, general accounting for small businesses and financial planning services.
Job Titles:
- Easy to Work With. Got a Great Tax Return
Rosangel Rivera joined the firm September 2020. Rosangel has 20 years experience maintaining books on accounts payable, accounts receivable, monitor delinquent accounts, prepare monthly statements, payroll processing, monthly and quarterly payroll tax reporting, 1099 preparation and year end closings.
Rosangel has extensive background in Human Resource Management which include recruiting, hiring, maintaining employees' records, background checks, conduct employee orientations, benefits administration, administer company's policy and procedures, workers comp reporting and employee relations counseling.
As part of the Bookkeeping team, Rosangel will divide her time between general bookkeeping for individual and businesses, payroll and payroll tax filings, credit card and bank reconciliations and 1099's.
During her career, Rosangel worked as a Financial Coordinator / Human resource Manager for an Architectural firm in Princeton for a little over 10 years and for Engineering Firm in Pennington for 10 years; her duties included, AR and AP, payroll processing and quarterly and annually payroll tax reporting, W-2's preparation, 1099 preparation, and year end closing as well as all areas of a Human Resource Manager.
Prior to joining Lear & Pannepacker, Rosangel worked as a Human Resources Manager for food Distribution Company in Edison, providing Human Resources support for 150 employees.
Job Titles:
- Associate Audit / Tax Supervisor
- MAcc
Salvatore has been with the firm since 2017. Prior to joining Lear & Pannepacker, Sal gained valuable experience working for one of the Big Four accounting firms where he provided tax services for multiple Fortune 500 Companies.
Job Titles:
- ABV, CFFF
- Partner, Estate, Gift, Litigation Support & Valuation
Scot, a Partner, has been with the firm since 1988. Scot has extensive experience in tax preparation, audit services, business financing, business succession planning, gifting and trusts, personal financial planning, and strategic goal setting services.
As a CPA accredited in business valuations and certified in financial forensics, Scot's areas of focus include business valuation services, expert testimony and litigation support in business disputes, buy-sell, estate planning and matrimonial matters. Scot also works with individuals in general estate planning, including charitable strategies, gifting, tax planning and business succession planning.
In addition, his practice includes US tax reporting for expatriates, foreign individuals living in the United States, and other individuals. Scot also provides accounting, tax compliance and transfer pricing strategies for foreign companies doing business in the USA with domestic-based subsidiaries.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant
- Bookkeeper