Dennis W. Bartlett
Member
Member
"Always do the right thing."
Tax, Advisory and Audit
Closely Held Businesses, Employee Benefits Plans, Audits, Family Office
Phone: (973) 406-0170 | Email: dbartlett@cullaricarrico.com
Dennis is a Member at Cullari Carrico who has over 30 years of experience in all areas of accounting, auditing, tax and advisory services. An alumnus of Iona College, Dennis was a managing Member of Levin, Bartlett, Swantic & Co., L.L.C. prior to the merger with Cullari Carrico in 2009. A dedicated CPA, Dennis brings his honest, caring attitude to his passion for providing the highest quality service for every client while working within Cullari Carrico to mentor and teach young accountants to become strong accountants.
Though he geeks out on work and has known he wanted to be a CPA since 8th grade, Dennis is a family man who loves nothing more than spending time with his wife and two sons. He most admires his father who instilled in him that hard work and integrity are the true keys to success. On a Saturday you can often find Dennis working and snacking on peanuts.
John D. Carrico II
Member
Member
"Mentor. Series 7 _____. Ironman. Pizza Enthusiast"
Tax, Advisory and Audit
Nonprofits, Closely Held Businesses
Phone: (973) 406-3973 | Email: jdc2@cullaricarrico.com
A graduate of Notre Dame, John has extensive experience as a CPA working with a variety of clients including small businesses, national and international non-profits, and healthcare entities. An intuitive and passionate accountant, John served on the audit staff of Touche Ross, one of the original “Big 8" accounting firms before joining Carrico Associates where he was managing Member. His professional goal is to create an environment within Cullari Carrico that emphasizes growth and integrity while providing the highest level of service and creative problem solving for clients.
John is the father to two sons, a daughter and has been married to his best friend for over 35 years. When not pouring into others and ensuring his clients success, John can often be found on a golf course. His commitment to giving back is nearly matched by his love of golf clothing and equipment, but nothing holds a candle to his love for his wife and family and his desire to leave the world better than he found it.
Jason Cullari
Managing Member
Managing Member
"Fail until you don’t."
Tax, Advisory and Audit
Non Profits, Closely Held Businesses, Private Schools For Students with Disabilities
Phone: (973) 406-3976 | Email: jcullari@cullaricarrico.com
As a Managing Member at Cullari Carrico, Jason Cullari is passionate about having a positive impact on the lives of his clients and his employees. Led into accounting by his father, Jason graduated from the University of Scranton. After obtaining his MBA, Jason helped build the firm and has been leading the way for over 15 years with determination and fairness. Jason guides his clients and the firm towards success with a drive to exceed expectations in every area. When he’s not managing and expanding the firm, Jason can be found feeding his passion of photography. Tenacious and sarcastic by nature, Jason geeks out on Star Wars. Though he wanted to be an FBI agent as a child, Jason is proud with what he has accomplished at Cullari Carrico and hopes to leave a legacy of simply being a good person in every aspect of his life.
Many CPA firms reported that the 2019 tax season was more challenging than usual as they worked to implement all of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and New Jersey tax changes. Immediately after the April 15 filing deadline, our firm holds meetings where all departments convene and discuss ...
Read MoreCPAs must transition from generic accounting and compliance services to advisory services in order to stay relevant. Cross-selling and offering additional services to current clients is key — not only to bolster the firm’s bottom line but to ensure a proper transition of the practice into the future. What Clients ...
Read MoreJay Soojian
Member
Member
"If loving family and work is wrong, I don’t want to be right."
Tax
High Net Worth Individuals, Tax Controversy
Phone: (973) 406-3974 | Email: jsoojian@cullaricarrico.com
Jay has over 3 decades of experience in the accounting world, specializing in the areas of estate and trust taxation working to help his clients build profitable businesses. As an Executive Committee Member at Cullari Carrico and Rutgers alumni, Jay is driven to build upon Cullari Carrico’s foundation of respect and success. Having worked with a variety of clients including individuals, partnerships, and corporations, Jay admires other business men and women that work strategically to make their visions of success a reality and feels privileged to be part of that process.
A natural athlete, as a child Jay dreamed of being a professional baseball player and now wishes he had mental telepathy that would enable him to win every tennis match. When not at work or on the courts Jay can be found spending time with his wife Donna and their three children enjoying a good Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich with extra black pepper.
Many companies are continually facing challenges in their industries as influences outside of their control may have negative effects on their profitability. In the trucking and transportation sectors this is especially true. For example, a shortage of qualified drivers is driving the cost of labor upwards. Increases in other costs ...
Read MoreMany CPA firms reported that the 2019 tax season was more challenging than usual as they worked to implement all of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and New Jersey tax changes. Immediately after the April 15 filing deadline, our firm holds meetings where all departments convene and discuss ...
Read MoreMark E. Jurewicz
Member
Member
"Accountant. Scout Leader. Single Malt Scotch Drinker."
Tax
Closely Held Businesses, Manufacturing, Distribution, Cost Segregation Studies
Phone: (973) 406-3962 | Email: mjurewicz@cullaricarrico.com
Mark came by his career naturally having both parents in the accounting field. He obtained his BA in Accounting from Rutgers University and has been guiding clients through sound financial decisions with thoroughness and attention to detail for six years at Cullari Carrico. With a desire to positively impact every client and employee, Mark excels at listening and interpreting client needs and guiding them through tough financial situations to overcome obstacles and achieve a positive outcome.
Mark is almost as passionate about his yard as he is about his family and career. Almost. It’s no wonder Mark wishes he could turn back time as his greatest accomplishment thus far includes being married over 33 years to his lovely wife and raising a son and daughter who have both obtained higher degrees. His 10-year goal: to be retired and resurrecting the family dinners around the table he enjoyed in his childhood, this time surrounded by grandchildren.
Michael Swantic
Member
Member
"Golf Enthusiast. Ice Cream Fanatic. Volunteer."
Tax
Tax Controversy , Real Estate, R & D Tax Credit and Trade Associations
Phone: (973) 406-0176 | Email: mswantic@cullaricarrico.com
Michael has been a detail-oriented CPA with Cullari Carrico for 5 years. A graduate of Seton Hall University, Michael was drawn to the accounting world by his uncle who owned a successful business. With each of his clients, Michael applies his analytical mind and attention to detail to help achieve both personal and financial goals.
An avid golfer who once flew over Hawaii with his family in a helicopter, Michael admires historical figures like Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison, but secretly wanted to be Joe Namath when he was 10 years old. When he’s not crunching numbers and guiding clients, Michael enjoys Sunday afternoon meals with his family, traveling, and a nice bowl of guacamole with chips.
The accounting profession is controlled by standards, and regardless of our viewpoints, adhering to these standards is integral to any practice management plan. The primary providers of our professional standards include: Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification — the source of authoritative nongovernmental GAAP American Institute of CPAs ...
Read MoreMarc C. Wuensch
Member
Member
"Once skateboarded down Rt 80 from Fort Lee to Teaneck."
Tax
Closely Held Businesses, Cost Segregation Studies, Estates and Trusts
Phone: (973) 406-3965 | Email: mwuensch@cullaricarrico.com
Marc has over 45 years of extensive experience in accounting, including taxation and management advisory services. He has been a Member with Cullari Carrico since 2012, leading the estate and trust department. Marc’s experience is only matched by his passion for volunteerism and has served as a member of numerous boards including Treasurer and Director of Make a Wish Foundation New Jersey, and Councilman in North Haledon. Conscientious and organized, Marc brings his friendly manner and analytical expertise to each client relationship.
An avid science fiction reader, Marc loves spending time at the beach with his family and other outdoor activities. Marc is a lover of racquet sports, chocolate ice cream and Casablanca. He is thankful for his immigrant grandparents and father who provided a legacy of hard work and integrity that Marc continues to pass onto his family.
Raymond P. Burke
Member
Member
"It is what it is, so deal with it."
Tax
Individuals and Closely Held Businesses
Phone: (973) 406-3971 | Email: rburke@cullaricarrico.com
Ray began his career as a CPA at Cullari Carrico over 26 years ago after graduating from Seton Hall University, and never left! Ray brings a broad range of experience and solution-focused leadership to each relationship and has worked with individual, government, and corporate clients. His extensive experience in auditing, taxation, and management consulting has taught him to think strategically and outside of the box to promote solutions while helping his clients navigate problems on the road to success.
A family man who loves being outdoors with his three daughters, Ray enjoys baseball and playing golf and admires Lou Gehrig for his determined, can do spirit. Ray’s ultimate goal is to leave a legacy of faith and financial stability while helping his daughters find their place in this world. Though he wishes he had the power of time travel, he’ll settle for traveling to Italy and Ireland someday to trace his family genealogy and stand where his ancestors stood.
Robert Marzan
Member
Member
"Baseball Fanatic, Lego Master, Ice Cream Aficionado"
Advisory
Hospitality
Phone: (973) 406-0181 | Email: rmarzan@cullaricarrico.com
Robert is a man who loves numbers and organization and believes “hard work never hurt anyone.” He joined Cullari Carrico in 2020 and is a graduate of Fairfield University with a bachelor’s in accounting and finance and an MBA in finance from Adelphi University. Robert’s passion is helping his clients achieve their growth goals through his outstanding ability to listen and understand their distinctive needs.
Along with his clients and his job, Robert’s many passions include his young family and spending time with his father catching a game, playing Sporcle with his wife, or enjoying the raw bar. Robert shares two young children with his wife Ally of five years. He dreams of one day of visiting every baseball stadium in the nation.
Robert J. Valas
Member
Member
"Never Give Up"
Audit
Audits, Employee Benefit Plans and Valuations
Phone: (973) 406-0171 | Email: rvalas@cullaricarrico.com
Robert joined the Cullari Carrico firm in January 2020 and has been bringing his passion to provide the best service and solutions to each client from Day 1. A firm partner with a BBA in accounting from Pace University and an MBA in finance from St. Peters, Robert specializes in providing business valuation, forensics, and litigation support.
Raised by a mother and father who instilled a strong ethic of hard work and diligence, Robert describes himself as a team player who is passionate and caring to both clients and his fellow employees. When he’s not working hard to champion his clients’ needs, Robert enjoys riding bikes and days at the beach with his wife and two children.
Ellen McGraw
Member
Member
"Never let fear stop you!"
Tax
Veterinary and Closely Held Businesses
Phone: (973) 406-3953 | Email: emcgraw@cullaricarrico.com
Ellen was welcomed to the Cullari Carrico team as a Member in 2020 with over 25-plus years of accounting experience. Her hands-on, accessible approach enables her to relate well to her clients while providing exceptional, forward-thinking financial leadership. Ellen works each day to create value for her clients and fellow partners that helps both sleep well at night!
A self-proclaimed PBS geek, Ellen is passionate about old houses, traveling, and being a great parent and friend. When not in the office, you’ll often find her outside working on her Victorian farmhouse. She defines success for her clients in their terms, not hers, and wants to leave a legacy as an outstanding business advisor, friend, and citizen of the world.
Richard Lichtig
Director of International Tax
Director of International Tax
"The biggest word in the dictionary only has 2 letters: 'IF'."
Tax
International Tax, Closely Held Businesses, High Net Worth Individuals
Phone: (973) 406-0180 | Email: rlichtig@cullaricarrico.com
Rich graduated from University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor’s in Accounting and has been Director of International Tax department at Cullari Carrico since 2018. Knowing he wanted to be an accountant since his uncle recommended it at 10, Rich brings his driven, inquisitive, and resourceful mind to each client relationship. His ability to identify client struggles and set aggressive yet realistic expectations helps each client exceed their own goals and expectations.
A baseball fanatic, Rich fondly remembers watching games on a black and white tv, manually keeping track of statistics using long division. Rich actually geeks out on taxes (really!) and almost anything with pistachios or chocolate. On the weekends he can often be found relaxing outside with friends and family. He dreams to one day repeat his sky diving experience and clean his basement.
Kenneth Heaslip
Director
Director
"Go for it, And, play it by ear."
Tax
Closely Held Businesses
Phone: (973) 406-3954 | Email: kheaslip@cullaricarrico.com
Despite wanting to be a lawyer as a child, Kenn found his way into accounting and obtained his Bachelor’s at Rutgers and MBA in Finance and MS in Taxation at Seton Hall University. Always focused on the big picture, Kenn brings strategic thinking to each client relationship, championing them to reach beyond their goals through his foresight and personalized approach. Kenn admires the culture of professionalism at Cullari Carrico, and the unwavering commitment to using advanced technology in service of each client.
A trivia and accounting geek, in his spare time Kenn can be found watching the Yankees or hanging out at the beach relaxing and swimming. His heroes are his parents who put up with his antics, including the time he shot his teacher in the face with a water gun. Wherever he is, you can bet chocolate is somehow involved. But, not during tax season. Then you’ll find him doing taxes, while eating chocolate.
Colleen Cullari
Audit Manager
Audit Manager
"Audit Manager. Writer. Relaxation Specialist. Trecki."
Audit
Nonprofits, Single Audits, Private Schools for Students with Disabilities
Phone: (973) 406-3977 | Email: ccullari@cullaricarrico.com
Colleen is an experienced auditor with an MBA from the University of Scranton who has been part of the Cullari Carrico team for over 10 years. Colleen has a calm nature and passion for understanding the dynamic and changing needs of her clients. These assets are employed to help develop strategic plans that enable them reach far beyond their goals. Colleen is driven by the motto that “to whom much is given, much is required” which propels her forward in her work with non-profits as she seeks to help them achieve their financial and humanitarian goals.
When she’s not championing her clients to find financial success, Colleen can be found geeking out to Star Trek or spending time with her husband and two small children playing at the park or at the library. A foodie and sci-fi nut, she dreams of visiting every spa in Scottsdale Arizona before she dies. Colleen loves the laid-back nature of Cullari Carrico and is most proud when she’s giving back and spending time with her friends and family.
As seen in NJCPA Magazine- November 12, 2019 Single Audits for State Grants Many CPAs are now are approaching their ...
Read MoreNancy Foulke
Audit Manager
Audit Manager
"“With a birthday like April 16th, accounting was just in the cards!”"
Audit
Nonprofits, Commercial Audits
Phone: (973) 406-3978 | Email: nfoulke@cullaricarrico.com
An Audit Manager with Cullari Carrico for 2 years, Nancy guides each client in reaching their financial goals through excellent communication, organization, and flexibility. A sports enthusiast who has always wanted be an accountant, Nancy has learned that “when life hands you lemons, you make lemonade” and brings that positive, outgoing outlook to work each day. A graduate of Binghamton University, she has over 25 years of experience as a capable, trustworthy CPA.
Nancy has 5 children who eat, sleep, and breathe athletics- so it’s a good thing she loves sports! When she’s not cheering on the sidelines, Nancy likes spending time laughing and reminiscing with her friends of over 20 years or watching tear-jerkers like Beaches and Love Story. The way to her heart is through a great slice of pizza or delicious gyro, and to ask her about her amazing summers in Corfu with her family, including 13 aunts and uncles! Or, just show her the latest Bradley Cooper photo.
Karen Lauler
Tax Manager
Tax Manager
"Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind."
Tax
Closely Held Businesses, Real Estate
Phone: (973) 406-0177 | Email: klauler@cullaricarrico.com
Karen has been a dedicated Tax Manager for the firm since 2014. A graduate of Ramapo College with a bachelor’s in accounting, she is committed to continuously learning and developing her skills so to the benefit of her clients. Karen helps clients reach their goals through integrity, trustworthiness, and persistence. She brings her strong sense of ethics and passion for continuous improvement to each client relationship.
When not working hard to assist and guide her clients, Karen can be found enjoying the outdoors surrounded by her family. When asked who she admires most in the world, Karen said “My dad. He worked hard, loved to learn and educate himself but always made time for family. And, he rarely complained.
Catherine Powers
Tax Manager
Tax Manager
"We must become the change we wish to see."
Tax
Closely Held Businesses, State and Local Taxes and Individuals
Phone: (973) 406-3956 | Email: cpowers@cullaricarrico.com
Catherine is a driven Tax Manager with over 15 years of experience as a professional and 5 years on the Cullari Carrico team. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Catherine geeks out on finding new and efficient ways to accomplish goals. After earning her bachelor’s degree at Rutgers University, Catherine went on to obtain her Master’s Degree from Farleigh Dickinson University and her CPA license. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the New Jersey Society of CPA's Bergen Chapter. Catherine gains energy from networking and meeting new people. She’s passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals of financial success and freedom.
An avid horseman, Catherine believes we must become the change we want to see in the world and dreams that her 2 children will grow to have strong values and connection to the community. On Saturdays she can often be found spending quality time with her husband and 2 young children while trying to accomplish all that she wasn’t able to get done during the week!
Beverly Kalinowski
Tax Supervisor
Tax Supervisor
"Smile through it."
Tax and Advisory
Estate and Trusts, Family Office
Phone: (973) 406-3963 | Email: bkalinowski@cullaricarrico.com
After supporting her family business by helping with the accounting, it was only natural that Beverly became a CPA, obtaining a degree in accounting and finance from Farleigh Dickenson University. Beverly has been with Cullari Carrico since 2014, bringing compassion and dedication to each client relationship. She strives to be an effective and strategic resource for her clients and to ensure that each one is confident that Cullari Carrico is the right choice for their accounting needs
When she’s not helping clients achieve financial success, Beverly can be found enjoying a Hallmark movie or weeding her garden. An avid fan of almonds and mint chocolate chip ice cream (though not together), Beverly’s perfect Saturday would include a walk around the lake with her husband Randy and their three children. In 10 years, she hopes to be happily retired, leaving her more time to binge watch Fixer Upper and Pierce Brosnan movies (while enjoying mint chocolate chip ice cream, of course!).
Krupa Naik
Tax Supervisor
Tax Supervisor
"Leave a legacy of helping people, no matter how big or small."
Tax
Closely Held Businesses and Real Estate
Phone: (973) 406-0188 | Email: knaik@cullaricarrico.com
Passionate about putting her clients at ease while providing superior customer service, Krupa joined the Cullari Carrico team in 2020 as a Tax Supervisor. A travel junkie who was led into the profession by her AP accounting teacher, Krupa appreciates hard work and the ability working at this firm gives her to champion her clients’ needs while helping them to achieve their goals with careful planning and forward thinking.
Krupa combines teamwork with a healthy sense of humor at both home and work. An old-school video game geek who enjoys reading and being with her family, Krupa admires her family, particularly her parents and brother who passed on a strong work ethic. When she’s not working you can find Krupa resting and relaxing with friends and family and snacking on anything covered in peanut butter!