10A — October 2023 — Women in Business — M id A tlantic Real Estate Journal
www.marej.com
W omen in B usiness
Samantha Hoyte, Rebecca Makely, and Alicia Mynarska, CPA Spotlight on Withum’s Leading Women in Business
Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in: During my senior year in a State 4 year college I interned at a local CPA firm with approximately 50 employees and got first-hand experience related to the outsourced accounting side of our field. After my first year I was happy to see that I enjoyed the work I was doing and as a result, upon graduation, I was hired as a full-time employee. What is your current position? Senior Manager working in the Real Estate industry, with a specialty in affordable housing audits, and ERISA industry. Why did you choose the field/profession you are in today? After I relocated to be closer to my family, I had the opportunity to work with a firm that spe - cialized in the real estate industry. I was given many opportunities to work on various real estate projects providing assurance, advisory and tax services due to my flexibility and openness to work on new things. As a result, I developed a strong interest in the real estate industry, and continued to advance my knowl- edge in this industry. In 2007 I got an opportunity to work in a sub-division of the real estate industry: low-income housing and HUD projects. The work in this area was very fulfilling as, not only was I provid - ing services to our clients, but I also indirectly helped the individuals serviced by our clients. Most of our clients provide housing to low-income, elderly, and/or disable individuals, which provides purpose. My role in helping our clients in meeting their compliance requirements allows them to continue serving these groups of individuals and expanding on their mission to help society. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? There was a senior accountant I worked for when I was a staff accountant who had a strong influence in helping me understand what it meant to not only work as a team, but to be a good leader. She also valued quality in the work she did and continued the quest to advance herself while helping those at levels below her to advance as well. A lot of my style of managing myself comes from the experiences I had with this senior. What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profes- sion? There are a few qualities I feel have helped me to be as successful as I am today in my profession. First, my commitment to quality. I believe every proj- ect I work on whether big or small has to be done in accordance with our firm and professional standard requirements. This is important as providing our cli- ents with quality service is the cornerstone of what we Samantha Hoyte Senior Manager Withum Years with company/firm: 4 years Years in field: 19 years Years in real estate industry: 16 years Real estate organizations / affiliations: Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
Rebecca Makely Senior Manager – Advisory Services Withum Years with company/firm: 14 years Years in field: 18 years Years in real estate industry: 8 Years
Alicia Mynarska Senior Manager Withum Years with company/firm: From 2004 before merger; From 2011 since merger Years in field: From 2004
Years in real estate industry: From 2004 Real estate organizations / affiliations: CREW, NYSSCPA
Tell us how and when you began your career in the profession you are in: I started as an audit and tax staff at Withum right after graduating college What is your current position? Senior Manager in our Outsourced Accounting Sys - tems and Service team Why did you choose the field/profession you are in today? I took my first accounting class as a freshman in college and knew immediately it was a great fit. My mom is also a CPA so I always assumed I was genetically wired to follow her path. How do you manage the work/life balance? I try my best to focus on my work and personal life at separate times. While the lines do get blurred during especially busy times, I try to be as present as possible in whatever I am doing. What were some of your early goals and did anything happen in you career /profession to enhance or change them? Early on in my career, I never imagined wanting to stay in public accounting for an extended period. Over the years, however, I have realized that I can grow and be successful in this field without sacrific - ing my family life. Withum has allowed me to make my own path that has allowed me to be successful in my own time. What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession? I try to be completely honest and straightforward with both internal team members and external cli- ents. I think that makes me trustworthy and a go to resource and advisor. Tell us a little about your family: I have been married to my husband for 12 years and we have a ten year old son and (almost) eight year old daughter. We also have a dog and three cats. Who do you feel was most influential in your life when choosing this profession? My mom. She is a CPA and the person I admire most in the world. She was able to have a successful career without sacrificing her time with family. What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young woman about to go into the field of commercial real estate or your allied field? When making a career in public accounting (or re- ally any field), I think the most important thing is to realize that one size never fits all. Just because a certain job, firm, path, etc. worked for someone else, doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Trust your instincts and do what works for you. MAREJ
What is your current position? I am senior manager at Withum, leading complex real estate audit engagements and providing consul- tation services including commercial and residential real estate, and shopping centers. What was your greatest professional accom- plishment in 2023? While our Team faced significant challenges this year, I resolved all issues using innovation and creativity which resulted in providing outstanding client service. What was your most notable project, deal, or transaction in 2023? My most notable projects in 2023 brought substan - tial financial benefits to our clients; these projects involved successful resolution of the Landlord’s lease disputes with the Tenant and real estate tax filings resulting in large tax savings. How do you manage the work/life balance? While I have been always passionate about my work, I also focus on wellbeing, fitness, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle. These activities are crucial not only from personal perspective but also for professional growth and success. The fact that our Firm promotes the same values and encourages the same activities, makes it a lot easier to bring a great balance between work and personal life. Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career? I truly admire female partners at our Firm; they are true inspiration, great role models, and have been the strongest influence on my career. What unique qualities and or personality do you feel makes you most successful in your profession? I feel that integrity is one of qualities that makes me successful as a CPA. In addition, I am a goal achiever, always looking from the client and Firm perspective. I am extremely dedicated to providing the word-class client service. Tell us a little about your family: My family provides solid rock foundation of the strong support system for my professional successes and is a source of clarity during stressful moments. What outside activities do you enjoy during you free time? I am 3rd degree black belt in martial arts, and I enjoy attending training sessions on regular basis and doing also other types of exercises. I feel that physical activities enhance job performance and increase work productivity.
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