Stephanie Annunziata

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Partner, Heveron & Company CPAs

Years in current role: 24

What was the biggest challenge you faced over the past year?

I’d have to say the biggest challenge of 2023 was struggling between the current engagements we have, the proposals we received, and balancing that with our staffing. We never want to overwork our staff or potentially refuse the needs of any organization. Due to our focus on nonprofit organizations, there was a very high increase in those needs for said organizations for services due to cuts from other firms and additional funding to them since the pandemic. Much of this was seemingly due to staffing issues that we all face now in this environment. We were able, however, to overcome that challenge and compensate our staff accordingly while helping those organizations comply with regulations, which make them, and our firm, successful.

What are your top goals for 2024?

Our top goals for 2024 remain keeping our employees happy and engaged. Our employees are the reason we received the acknowledgment of one of the Best companies to work for in New York in the second year in a row, and it is our number one priority to make sure that their work/life balance is appropriate, as well as ensuring them a prosperous future in our firm.

What are the biggest changes you expect to see in your industry in the next 3-5 years?

This continues to be staffing. There seems to be a stigma when it comes to public accounting. Emerging college students view public accounting as a “step” to bigger and better things. However, if you find the right firm to work for, public accounting can be much more than that. It can be very rewarding and satisfying. Our clientele prove that on a daily basis. We are rewarded daily with the accolades from our clients in helping them to conform to regulations, meet their goals, and succeed.

What is one thing you wish you knew when you started your career?

That public accounting is more than what college says it is. I joined my firm in 1994 and never knew what to expect. I later learned that the clients we serve are the reason I stayed for 30 years, and will continue. They are in need and deserving of a competent and caring CPA firm. I learned early on that is what Heveron & Company is all about. We truly care for our clients and that makes a huge difference in how you feel about your profession. Our mission is always to build our services around Caring, Competence and Common Sense.

What are your favorite things to do in the Rochester area?

Rochester is an amazing city! There are so many aspects of the City that people are not aware of. I work with so many nonprofit organizations whose mission is to improve the City, the walkability and the experience. I’ve seen this city grow in leaps and bounds over 30 years and it is truly amazing. From the Strong National Museum of Play to the George Eastman House to the Seneca Park Zoo to the Memorial Art Gallery to Highland Park to GEVA and the RPO – there are endless things to do in Rochester NY and I love it all!

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal's Power List for Accounting & Insurance for 2024. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.