• info@jtshulman.com
  • +1 (516) 877-5900
JTS Associates CPAs
JTS Associates CPAs
  • 1400 Old Country Rd, Suite 403N, Westbury, NY
  • 236 Main St, Center Moriches, NY
  • 516-877-5900
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Continually Planning Ahead

Proactively shaping your path to success
our practice

Empowering Your Entrepreneurial Spirit

At JTS Associates CPAs, we understand that modern entrepreneurs face unique challenges, and require expert advice to succeed. Our team is dedicated to providing quality services and insights that nurture and support your entrepreneurial spirit. We take pride in empowering our clients with personalized solutions that deliver quantifiable results.

Our approach is rooted in a client-first mentality, which means that your success is our top priority. Our team of highly skilled and motivated professionals are perceptive, responsive, insightful, decisive, and most importantly, share your entrepreneurial values. We work tirelessly to help you achieve your goals, and our customer-first strategy ensures that you get the support you need, when you need it.

We believe that the key to our success lies in understanding our clients' industries, and partnering you with business advisors who specialize in your field. Our advisors are constantly planning ahead, providing you with the insights necessary to succeed in today's dynamic business environment.

Audit & Assurance

Ensuring Accuracy & Compliance for Your Business

Professional Tax Services

Expert Guidance for Tax Planning & Compliance

Advisory & Consulting

Strategic Insights to Help Grow Your Business

Small Business Guidance

Navigate Towards Success with Expert Support

Accounting, Tax & Advisory Services  Find Your Solution

Audit & Assurance

Ensuring Accuracy & Compliance for Your Business

Professional Tax Services

Expert Guidance for Tax Planning & Compliance

Advisory &
Consulting

Strategic Insights to Help Grow Your Business

Small Business Guidance

Navigate Towards Success with Expert Support
Our Team

Meet The JTS Experts

Jay Shulman

CPA, Founder

Dan Sackowitz

CPA, Founder

John Helkowski

CPA, Managing Partner

Patricia Giunta

CPA, Partner

Michael Fokas

CPA, Partner

Michael Sackowitz

CPA, Partner

Irene Marullo

CPA, Partner

Keith Braun

CPA, Partner

William Banducci

CPA, Partner

Nicole Shimborski

Director of Operations & Finance

Lillian Zheng

CPA, Manager

Santo Chiappone

CPA, Manager

Gissella Shatara

Supervisor

Supporting the Growth
of Your Business

Schedule A Consultation

Gissella Shatara

Supervisor

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Gissella is a dedicated member of the firm’s tax department specializing in multi-state corporations, pass-through entities, and high net worth individuals. With over a decade of experience, Gissella guides her clients through the complex world of multi-state tax nexus issues, providing tailored, proactive and strategic advice for ensuring her clients’ compliance. Gissella plays a pivotal role in the growth and development of the JTS staff through hands on training and guidance in her areas of expertise. Gissella is also an active member of the firm’s charity committee, where she spends significant time and effort to orchestrating the firm’s charitable initiatives to provide meaningful support to the local community.

Areas of focus

  • Taxation
  • State & Local Tax Compliance
  • Strategic Tax Planning & Compliance

Licenses & Affiliations

  • NYSSCPA
  • AICPA

Education

  • Hofstra University, 2012, BBA Accounting

Santo Chiappone

CPA, Manager

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Santo is a leader of the firm’s US-International tax compliance team. Santo has developed an expertise working with domestic and international business owners and individuals, leveraging his experience in accounting and taxation to help clients maximize their potential by embodying the firm’s motto of continually planning ahead. 

He advises corporate, partnership and individual clients on tax compliance, tax planning, inbound and outbound transactions and cross-border activities of companies and individuals and with other international tax issues. Santo also plays a pivotal role in the firm’s internship program and development of new and experienced staff, providing them with key insights and mentorship throughout their career.

Areas of focus

  • US-International Tax Compliance
  • Accounting & Assurance
  • Strategic Tax Planning & Compliance
  • Advisory & Consulting

Licenses & Affiliations

  • CPA
  • NYSSCPA
  • AICPA

Education

  • University at Buffalo,
    BS Accounting &
    Business Management

Lillian Zheng

CPA, Manager

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Lillian (Lixi) possesses a unique ability to navigate through the most complex tax situations faced by the firm’s largest clients. As such, Lillian is the top member of the firm’s tax department and with over 15
years in the industry, she has developed technical expertise in taxation of corporate and pass-through entities, multi-state tax and nexus compliance, individual taxation, and high-net worth individuals. Her
research capabilities are exemplary and provide critical support and guidance not only to clients but to the firm’s partners. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated and focused on working closely with
clients providing invaluable strategic tax planning, compliance, and advisory services. She also plays an integral role in the continued knowledge, growth, and development of the JTS team in the area of
taxation.

Areas of focus

  • Taxation
  • State & Local Tax Compliance
  • Strategic Tax Planning & Compliance

Licenses & Affiliations

  • CPA
  • NYSSCPA
  • NCCPAP

Education

  • Baruch College, 2010, BBA Accounting
  • Baruch College, 2013, MA Taxation

Nicole Shimborski

Director of Operations & Finance

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Nicole is responsible for overseeing and running the firm’s day to day operations, finances and human resources departments. As one of the longest tenured team members, she provides the firm with invaluable mentorship and support for delivering the firm’s client services in a consistent, effective and reliable manner. Nicole also plays a key role in the execution of the firm’s tax deliverables ensuring all projects are completed effectively and within required timeframes.

Areas of focus

  • Firm Operations
  • Human Resources

Education

  • Queens College, 2009, BA Accounting

William Banducci

CPA, Partner

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William is a key member of the firm’s accounting and auditing team, with a demonstrated expertise in financial statement audit, review and compilation engagements for a wide range of industries including not-for-profit, manufacturing, distribution, retail, service-based business, real estate, and construction contractors. William also serves as his clients’ trusted business advisor, creating value and identifying strategic business and tax planning opportunities by embodying the firm’s motto of continually planning ahead.

William also gives his time to his local community by serving on the board of directors for his local little league in addition to coaching and volunteering for multiple youth sports teams and organizations.

Areas of focus

  • Accounting & Assurance
  • Strategic Tax Planning & Compliance
  • Non-Profit Organization Tax Compliance
  • Advisory & Consulting

Licenses & Affiliations

  • CPA
  • NYSSCPA
  • AICPA

Education

  • University of Rhode Island,
    BS Business Admin
  • Texas A&M University-Commerce, MBA

Keith Braun

CPA, Partner

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Keith Braun has been practicing with the firm and its predecessors for over 18 years and has been a partner of JTS Associates CPAs P.C. and its predecessor firms since 2008. Keith is primarily involved with the business, real estate, and international tax division of the firm.

He uses his attention to detail and knowledge of the tax code to offer innovative solutions to clients and limit their exposures. Keith’s experience with various backgrounds and industries concentrated in the tri-state area allows him to leverage his experience to the benefit of his clients in numerous scenarios.

Areas of focus

  • Taxation
  • Strategic Tax Planning & Compliance
  • Advisory & Consulting
  • Small Business Guidance

Licenses & Affiliations

  • CPA
  • NYSSCPA
  • AICPA

Education

  • York College of Pennsylvania,
    BS Accounting

Irene Marullo

CPA, Partner

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Irene is a key member of the firm’s tax department, with a demonstrated expertise in tax planning and advising for high-net worth individuals, private closely held businesses, and self-employed individuals. Irene takes an active, hands-on approach with her clients, providing them with guidance and key insights into their strategic tax and business decision making process. Irene is also involved in the continuing education and training of the firm’s tax department and has been invited to speak at numerous industry and networking events on tax and business-related matters.

Irene has been practicing with the firm and its predecessors for over 21 years and has been a partner of JTS Associates CPAs P.C. and its predecessor firms since 2008.

Areas of focus

  • Taxation
  • Strategic Tax Planning & Compliance
  • Advisory & Consulting
  • Small Business Guidance

Licenses & Affiliations

  • CPA
  • NYSSCPA
  • AICPA

Education

  • St. Francis College,
    BS Accounting

Michael Sackowitz

CPA, Partner, Accounting & Auditing Team Leader

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Michael attained partner status in January 2020 as a result of his technical knowledge and expertise in the audit and attest area of our practice. Michael is the lead audit and attest partner overseeing the firm’s system of quality control and in-house accounting and auditing education program. Michael provides accounting, auditing and attest services to small and middle market companies in various industries.

In addition to active membership in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Michael’s participation in the accounting and review services committee of the New York State Society of CPA’s and the Reviewer’s Group of Long Island has further increased the breadth of his knowledge and expertise. His audit industry experience includes manufacturing, distribution, retail, service-based business, broker-dealers, real estate, investment entities, construction contractors, not-for-profit, employee benefit plans, and franchisors.

Areas of focus

  • Accounting & Assurance
  • Firm Quality Control Leader
  • Advisory & Consulting

Licenses & Affiliations

  • CPA
  • NYSSCPA
  • AICPA

Education

  • SUNY Buffalo, 2008,
    BA Business Admin

Michael Fokas

CPA, Partner, Small Business Team Leader

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Michael’s vast business experiences have proven to be an invaluable resource in the development of many small businesses on their natural path of evolution and realization of their full potential. In his capacity as the outside CPA, Michael has functioned as chief financial officer, financial advisor, tax compliance officer and business advisor to many clients in a variety of industries. His insights and advice have driven the success of hundreds of clients.

The rapid progression of Michael’s business acumen and technical skills led him to achieve managing partner status of Greenspan Associates CPAs, PC in November 2008. In January 2017, the Greenspan firm merged into JTS Associates CPAs, where Michael commenced his accounting career in 1994. Michael leads JTS Associates CPAs’ small business division which focuses on client support, service, business development and emerging market opportunities for closely held businesses.

Areas of focus

  • Taxation
  • Small Business Guidance
  • Strategic Tax Planning & Compliance
  • Budgeting & Cost Reduction Analysis

Licenses & Affiliations

  • CPA
  • NYSSCPA
  • AICPA

Education

  • Hofstra University, 1994, BBA Accounting

Patricia Giunta

CPA, Partner, Taxation Team Leader

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Patricia demonstrates an innate ability to strategically address the complex regulatory nature of the tax code to achieve the optimum advantages for both business and individual planning. Patricia’s diverse background provides clients with maximum financial benefit through constructive, timely, and strategic tax planning.

Patricia capitalizes on her insight of historical and newly enacted regulations at both the federal and state levels in dealing with an affluent client base. This insight allows her to completely and accurately address client needs and implement strategic planning. The diversity of firm clientele and her experience with national and international businesses has forged an expertise in federal and local taxation, estate planning, regulatory compliance, and international taxation.

Patricia joined JTS Associates CPAs, P.C. in 2011 and achieved partner status in 2015. She specializes in tax compliance for high-net worth individuals, closely held and multi-state corporations. Patricia leads the firm’s tax department and has assembled a highly competent staff that aids her in administering tax-related training, continuing education and staff development for the firm. She has over 20 years of experience covering tax, accounting and auditing, covering a variety of industries including service industries, not-for-profit, manufacturing, and governmental.

Areas of focus

  • Taxation
  • US-International Tax Compliance
  • State & Local Tax Compliance
  • Strategic Tax Planning & Compliance

Licenses & Affiliations

  • CPA
  • NYSSCPA
  • AICPA
  • NCCPAP

Education

  • Dowling College, 1996,
    BS Accounting

John Helkowski

CPA, Managing Partner, Large Business Team Leader

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John has achieved partner status as a result of his exemplary track record of helping clients maximize and realize their business opportunity and potential. He addresses client needs with his exceptional knowledge of audit, taxation, and business, and by assisting clients with the development of strategic plans and initiatives to achieve goals. John is an advisor to companies that are nationally recognized in construction trades, multi-store retail chains, catering and hotels, internet businesses as well as numerous other industries. Our motto of CPA “Continually Planning Ahead” defines the relationships which John has forged and allows him to be an invaluable asset in the client’s decision-making process.

John’s commitment to quality in the areas of audit and taxation provides a value add making him a leader of our continuing education and staff development programs and quality control team. He also consistently dedicates time in support of various charitable organizations.

John began his career with JTS Associates CPAs in January 2001, and he achieved partner status in 2009. 

Areas of focus

  • Accounting & Assurance
  • Taxation
  • Advisory & Consulting
  • Strategic Business Planning

Licenses & Affiliations

  • CPA
  • NYSSCPA
  • AICPA

Education

  • Queens College, 2000,
    BA Accounting

Dan Sackowitz

CPA, Founder

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Dan’s tenacity for technical accuracy evolved in the quality practice environment he experienced from the beginning of his accounting career in 1977. He joined the firm of JTS Associates CPAs, P.C. in 1987, bringing with him his expertise in accounting, auditing and taxation. Dan commenced his partnership status in 1989. Dan. who was previously responsible for maintaining the firm’s quality control system and was the firm’s lead technical reviewer for all GAAP reporting, now supports our partner, his son Michael, in that role. Dan also has vast knowledge in corporate, partnership and individual taxation. He is the advisor to businesses that are nationally recognized.

Dan has also conducted seminars in auditing standards as a member of the Accounting and Auditing Procedure Committee of the Nassau Chapter of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants for which he received recognition of outstanding service.

Areas of focus

  • Accounting & Assurance
  • Taxation
  • Strategic Tax Planning & Compliance
  • Advisory & Consulting

Licenses & Affiliations

  • CPA
  • NYSSCPA
  • AICPA

Education

  • Syracuse University, 1976, BS Accounting

Jay Shulman

CPA, Founder

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Jay’s business acumen and technical knowledge combine to provide clients the guidance and planning invaluable in their endeavors to achieve success. His areas of expertise include business evolution strategies, mergers and acquisitions, financing and investment banking, and tax planning for the closely held corporation and its shareholders. Jay is frequently called upon by clients to evaluate and negotiate purchase and sale transactions and business dealings and formulate advantageous tax strategies.

In keeping with his financial insight and creativity, Jay is the administrator of our financial services area, providing the plan design and strategies for our clients in the areas of personal finance, family conservation of wealth, and estate and retirement planning. 

Jay has served as an advisor to the Board of Directors of The Princeton Review, Inc., (a NASDAQ listed company) a nationally franchised company currently doing business in 40 states and 7 countries, and the Trustees of the National Fire Sprinkler Association (a national trade association), as well as an advisor to the CEOs of numerous companies and individuals of entrepreneurial spirit and significant wealth.

Jay’s career began with Oppenheim Appel Dixon & Company, then the 12th largest accounting firm in the country (now merged into Grant Thornton). In 1977, he became a manager with a medium sized regional CPA firm with primary emphasis in audit, taxation and client service. Jay formed in 1979 what ultimately became J.T. Shulman & Company CPAs, P.C., the predecessor to JTS Associates CPAs, P.C. 

Areas of focus

  • Strategic Business Planning
  • Advisory & Consulting
  • Taxation
  • Strategic Tax Planning & Compliance

Licenses & Affiliations

  • CPA
  • NYSSCPA
  • AICPA
  • National Conference of CPA Practitioners
  • Long Island Association of Businessmen

Education

  • Hofstra University, 1973, BBA Accounting
  • SUNY Oneonta, 1970, Accounting