Eduard Suleymanov, CBIZ Marks Paneth

Name: Eduard Suleymanov

Title: Managing Director

Company Name: CBIZ Marks Paneth

List 2-3 real estate associations or organizations that you are currently a member of:

• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
• New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA)

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?

The last few years have been challenging with the various new tax law changes and updates. Helping our clients navigate and understand the complexities of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and more recently, the New York Pass-through Entity Tax, have felt like big accomplishments. What I am most proud of, however, are the trusted relationships that I have built over many years with my colleagues and clients. It comes from providing good client service, being trusted and being responsible. It is gratifying to hear my clients say, “We trust you, we are confident that you will do what is best for us.”

Favorite quote:

“It’s nice to be important, but it’s important to be nice.” – Dwayne Johnson.

Who was/is your mentor and how did s/he influence/help you in your career?

I have had the privilege to work with and be mentored by many amazing people at CBIZ Marks Paneth, including:

• Tim Andrews, managing director. Tim is a good listener who’s always available for questions, comments, and complaints. He recruited me into the Real Estate Group and working with him over the past 15 years has been a pleasure.
• Harry Moehringer, managing director. Not many people can say that they started their career working directly with a senior leader of a top accounting firm, who also happens to be an amazing mentor who values the diversity of perspectives and is a wonderful human being.
• Abe Schlisselfeld, senior managing director. Abe is always willing to share his skills and expertise. He has been such an amazing mentor to me in my career and the careers of many others. Look him up on LinkedIn.

How do you contribute to your community or your profession?

I am an active member in various educational staff initiatives our company provides for new interns and recent college graduates. I have been part of many on-campus college 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. I have taught at Baruch College’s Continuing and Professional Studies Education (CAPS) program and also lectured on tax-related topics at CBIZ Marks Paneth’s in-house learning sessions. I am gratified when I can convince someone that the accounting profession is a good career choice, and when they secure a job, they understand what I mean. I have been able to assist several people enter the profession, and they were so happy when they got that first job.

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 has 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 CBIZ Marks Paneth before graduation. The accounting profession has been rewarding for me. Some people think it’s boring but I think it’s very interesting. There’s a lot of flexibility in your day-to-day work, salaries are competitive, and there have been many opportunities to learn and grow.