All Hands on Deck

Boating has been great for our family; it really keeps us connected.

Bulkhead, draft, waypoint. These are the type of terms that Chris Zirrith, CPA, had to learn as a novice boater. But it's no different than learning words like accrual, general ledger and net present value when starting out as a young accountant.

"I had to take an elective in college, and I took an accounting class because my roommate had the book and I didn't have to buy it," laughs Zirrith. "It came easy to me, and at the end of the semester I changed my engineering major to accounting."

After graduating in 1986, Zirrith worked for a couple of mid-sized public firms in New Jersey, focusing on the real estate sector. "I became an auditor at Ironstate Development’s predecessor," he says. "Ironstate develops large complex urban apartment and hotel developments. I currently serve as the company CFO."

"I like the fact that accounting is logical; there's an order as to what needs to be done," says Zirrith. Part of that order was getting the CPA designation. "It was always a primary goal," he adds. "Being a CPA gave me a feeling of accomplishment and respect from other professionals. In fact, this year I’m celebrating my 25th anniversary of becoming a CPA."

Does Zirrith have any words of wisdom for students interested in private accounting? "Just go in with an open mind. Public accounting is great, but it's not for everyone; and not everyone will become a partner," he says.

Zirrith traded in his golf clubs for a boat — a hobby that the whole family could enjoy. "My wife and daughters took to it immediately," comments Zirrith. "As the girls grew up they became more involved and learned to appreciate the nuances of boating." The Manalapan residents would cruise near Red Bank on the Navesink and Shrewsbury Rivers. "In time, we took overnight trips to Atlantic City and Long Beach Island," he adds.

The last run of a previous boating season, Zirrith met someone at his local dock with the same exact boat. "It turned out to be a pivotal encounter," recalls Zirrith. "He suggested we take our boats down to Florida together for the upcoming winter." This thousand-mile run took Zirrith's hobby to a whole new level. He and his family have since expanded their boating destinations to include ports such as Nantucket and The Bahamas. "I'd like to make it to Maine one day," says Zirrith. "And navigating to Cuba would also be interesting."

Zirrith's favorite port of call is Montauk. "The boating’s fantastic; it's a jumping-off point to many other great places. Soon-to-be empty nesters, the Zirriths are looking forward to new destinations. "I wouldn’t be surprised if my daughters captain their own boats one day," says Chris.