Q&A with John Lieberman

Q: When did you decide to become a CPA?
A: I had taken a summer job working as a messenger for a tax-based financial company and realized that what I was taking in school would be invaluable in the business world. After being there a day as a messenger, they realized that I understood what their business was and I was put with the accountants and the attorneys to work as a research assistant.
 
Q: Which school’s accounting program did you attend?
A: SUNY at Albany.
 
Q: Where did you get your start? What led you to your current position? 
A: I worked at a large regional firm, then a small specialized firm. After a period of time, I actually went back to training to attempt a return to tennis as a player. About a month into this, I was approached to do the work for a large real estate company, and that began the practice and ended my first attempt to play tennis again.
 
Q: What are your current duties and responsibilities?
A: I am the principal of the firm John R. Lieberman, CPA/PFS. The firm has a diversified clientele, with an emphasis on family businesses and high-net-worth individuals. The practice also has a core group of clients in the sports and entertainment field. I am in charge of making sure that they are serviced and informed according to each one of their individual needs. 
 
Q: What were your expectations in pursuing an accounting career?
A: Tough question. My initial expectation was that accounting would give me a foundation to pursue a career in business, and I ended up in the business of accounting.
 
Q: Has your career trajectory been different from how you first imagined it?
A: I had hoped that I would end up as a top 200 tennis player, and ended up advising some of the top people in the tennis world.
 
Q: What advice would you give to students who might want to pursue an accounting career but are undecided?
A: The foundation that one receives as an accounting major and working in the public sector is invaluable in any route that one could go.
 
Q: How do you think accounting scandals have affected the public’s perception of the profession?
A: I believe that most individuals think of accountants in two different ways. One is as their tax preparer and company accountant. Those individuals still have the utmost respect for the profession. Investors and other financial institutions, I believe, have had their level of trust lowered as to the independence of the issuer of financial statements by publicly traded companies and the reliability of their information.
 
Q: What are the pros and cons of working in industry as opposed to an accounting firm?
A: The advantage is, in industry, you develop a deep but narrow understanding of accounting that is directly related to the company and the position one has. In public accounting, one has a much broader understanding, as well as industry specialization, as one advances in one’s career.
 
Q: What do you enjoy most about your current position?
A: Having a positive and proactive relationship with my clients. I can and try to make a difference in their lives.
 
Q: What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
A: Collecting books on historical subjects, and spending time with my teenage sons and my wife.
 
Q: How has your involvement with the New York State Society of CPAs committees benefited you?
A: I have been on various committees over the years with the Society. I got involved because of my need to be able to discuss industry issues with my peers in a noncompetitive environment. The information that I have received over the years and the contacts (I’ve made) have been invaluable to my professional development as well as the growth of my practice. With the networking and the relationships that have resulted in my participation with the NYSSCPA, I am not only able to get answers to almost any question, I have been able to learn and continue to learn what questions I need to ask.

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John Lieberman is principal of the firm John R. Lieberman, CPA/PFS, which specializes in tax planning and risk management services. In addition to serving as chair of the Society’s Entertainment and Sports Committee, he is also a member of its Public Relations Committee and Industry Oversight Committee.