2020 Ones to Watch: Eduard Suleymanov, Marks Paneth LLP

Name: Eduard Suleymanov

Company: Marks Paneth LLP 

Title: Director, Real Estate

Education: Queens College, Bachelors Degree

Which project, deal, or transaction was the “game-changer” in the advancement of your career?
The “game-changers” for me have been the partners and staff in Marks Paneth with whom I have worked for more than a decade. The partners have been amazing mentors and have allowed me to grow professionally to become a trusted advisor to our clients. The dedicated staff I have worked with are the game-changers who go above and beyond for all our clients and can always be counted on to get the job done.

How do you contribute to your community or your profession?
I am an active member in various educational staff initiatives our firm provides for new interns and recent college graduates. I have been part of many college on-campus and in firm informational seminars for students interested in the accounting profession. I always make myself available to those who need guidance or have concerns with their accounting or tax issues.

What led you to your current profession?
When I entered college, I was not sure what to major in but was interested in business. A fellow student mentioned that he was majoring in accounting, because “the classified section of any newspaper always had jobs for accountants.” I researched the profession and became very impressed with the growth and flexibility accountants have. It also helped that you only needed a bachelor’s degree (at the time) to apply for a full-time position. So I majored in accounting and graduated in three years. Through the on-campus recruitment program, I received a full-time offer from my current employer before graduation.

What do you like most about your job?
I am honored to be part of such a highly respected profession. I like the technical tax and accounting knowledge, problem-solving skills and client relationships I have developed throughout my career. Contrary to popular belief (and what my kids think), accounting is never boring. Bringing clarity to very complex tax and accounting topics is something clients appreciate and value. Another very rewarding experience is the ability to train and mentor younger staff. In addition, CPAs have tremendous flexibility in the type of work they do (accounting/auditing/tax), who they work for (public/private/self-employed) and they can work anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. 

Who or what inspires you?
My parents who immigrated to this country in 1993 and worked very hard to provide a better life for my brother and me. I am also inspired by my wife and kids who motivate me to be the best version of myself every day.

If your life were made into a movie, what actor would you want to portray you?
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in “The Fast & Furious: CPAs”

What social media platform do you use the most professionally?
LinkedIn is an amazing tool for building and maintaining a network.