A CPA Who Doesn't Always Play It Conservatively

You've probably seen Gail Rosen, CPA. She's seemingly everywhere: Inc. magazine, FoxNews, The Wall Street Journal, NJN, The Star-Ledger and elsewhere. "I enjoy the public relations aspect of being a sole practitioner," says Rosen. "CPAs have a lot of really good information to share with the media and the public."

Rosen is many things in addition to being a media darling. She's a passionate advocate for small businesses and entrepreneurs, a political dynamo and a self-proclaimed gym rat.

So how did this girl from Brooklyn become a Somerset County mover and shaker? "While at Baruch College I took a job at an accounting firm (Arthur Young) and I loved it." That led to an internship and ultimately a job offer. She found her life's calling when she got her first small client. "Being involved in all aspects of a business, understanding the big picture, that is where I wanted to be," adds Rosen.

Because of her affinity for small business, Rosen devoted all of her energies to starting her own practice. "I was engaged and we just bought a house," says Rosen. "So I sat with my fiancé and crunched some numbers. We figured we could cover our expenses and, if necessary, live off the blueberry bush in our backyard." Thankfully, it didn't come to that. In fact, at that time, in 1983, her business contacts grew quickly. Today, her firm does tax and accounting for individuals, small businesses and start-up companies. "I love working with entrepreneurs," exclaims Rosen. "I believe I have a knack for making their businesses better and feel much appreciated by them."

As is her "let's get to it" nature, Rosen got her CPA designation right after graduating college. "I believe in everything behind the credential: CPE, peer review and so on. If you're going to do something, you have to do it right," says Rosen.

And her passion for politics? "I began with the Somerset County Business Partnership, met political leaders and expanded my participation," says Rosen. She's been the treasurer for the Somerset County Republican Committee, Bridgewater Republican Committee and Assemblywoman Denise Coyle.

"Through politics, I get to meet a diverse group of people and get access to decision makers who can positively impact programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs," Rosen notes.