Lakewood, N.J. – The New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) has named Sarah Snell, CPA, PSA, PAFM, a 2024 Ovation Award winner in the Innovation category. The Ovation Awards were announced October 16 and distributed in seven categories: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Emerging Leaders; Exceptional Educators; Impact; Innovation; Lifetime Leader and Woman to Watch.
The Innovation category honors those who are transforming accounting at lightning speed. The recipients are driving innovation of all kinds, as it relates to accounting — leveraging new technologies, using forward-thinking data analytics strategies, implementing alternative business models or rolling out experimental engagement strategies to improve employee culture.
Ms. Snell is one of the fearless leaders at Holman Frenia Allison, P.C. (HFA). She serves as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer and recently became HFA’s second ever female partner in January 2024. With a career that began in public accounting and transitioned into operations management in 2012, Ms. Snell has been instrumental in driving HFA’s growth, both in expanding services and reinforcing the firm’s core values.
Ms. Snell was specifically recognized by the NJCPA for playing a pivotal role in expanding HFA’s services, being the driving force behind the Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) line. CAAS provides businesses with expert financial management and strategic advisory, empowering clients to make informed decisions and optimize performance. Additionally, Ms. Snell is continually seeking out innovative strategies to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. She is dedicated to fortifying both HFA’s and her clients’ technology infrastructures, ensuring they are robust in scope and cost-effective. By prioritizing economical solutions, she helps maintain a competitive edge while delivering maximum value.
Ms. Snell has also supported the growth of numerous firm-wide initiatives to enhance client and employee engagement. As the leader of the firm’s newly established Training and Development Committee and a key member of the Practice Development Committee, she collaborates with partners across departments promoting advisory service growth. In alignment with HFA's core values, she champions employee recognition programs like “On-the-Spot” awards and the monthly "Fridays at Four" events to foster a culture of appreciation and camaraderie.
Ms. Snell’s professional contributions have been widely recognized. She was honored as a 2023 NJCPA Woman to Watch and a 2018 Girl Scouts Phenomenal Woman Under 40. She remains actively involved with NJCPA, serving on the Student Programs & Scholarships Committee and the Business & Industry Professionals Interest Group. She is also the Director of Membership & Growth for the National Board of CPAFMA, an association dedicated to leading the management of CPA firms’ by empowering and equipping them to succeed.
The NJCPA, with more than 13,000 members, represents the interests of the accounting profession and advances the financial well-being of the people of New Jersey. The NJCPA plays a leadership role in supporting the profession by providing members with educational resources, access to shared knowledge and a continuing effort to create and expand professional opportunities.
View all the Ovation Award winners at njcpa.org/awards.
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