Knowledgeable, accessible, proactive, responsive, and dedicated. That’s how our clients describe us. Learn more about how our expertise might benefit your business.
Click on the partners below to read their full biography.
- David Orloff David Orloff
- Joe Shulman Joe Shulman
- Howard Spiller Howard Spiller
- Joyce Christensen Joyce Christensen
- Scott Estabrooks Scott Estabrooks
- Jay Pike Jay Pike
David Orloff
David joined Sharkansky in 1973. As the managing partner, he is the true patriarch of the Firm. In addition to running the Firm’s day-to-day operations, he spends time mentoring junior staff and can most often be found working with clients.
"The role of the Public Accountant has changed dramatically since I received my degree from Bentley University over 35 years ago. Anyone who thinks accounting isn't exciting or challenging work should follow me around for a day or two. Business today is more complex than ever before, which means it's easier than ever in business to make serious mistakes. That's why today's business people need far more from their accountant than just traditional accounting and tax services."
"Of course the "basics" are important, but today we're involved in so much more, like tax and estate planning, succession and retirement strategies, and a wide variety of management consulting services. Working with clients and their other advisors on so many different problems helps us get to know them as people rather than just numbers on a page."
"I feel I'm doing a good job when my clients know they can call on me for help with any business or financial problem, large or small…and when they know they can count on me for sympathetic, objective advice. Yes, accounting used to be a "numbers" business; now it's a people business. Just the way I like it!"
David is very involved in the community. Presently, he holds numerous leadership roles in the Old Colony YMCA, including membership on the Central Board and the Executive Board. He also serves as the Secretary of the Old Colony YMCA, Chairman of the Endowment Committee, and Chairman of the Audit Committee. David is on the Board of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce and has been involved in various Chamber committees in the past. In addition, he is a Trustee and the Treasurer of The Pilgrim Foundation. In the past, he has served as a board member of his Synagogue, the YMHA and the JCC. In addition, he served as Treasurer of the JCC and Chairman of various committees. David is a proud father and grandfather.
Joe Shulman
Prior to joining Sharkansky in 1984, Joe was a tax manager at Tofias PC. Since then, the tax department he initiated at the Firm has grown to include seven tax specialists. Joe is recognized by his peers, both in the Firm and in the professional community, as the go-to person for creative tax solutions.
"All the technical knowledge in the world does not help our clients unless we communicate with them effectively. At some point, virtually all of our clients will find themselves in a situation when timely advice can save them money. We become aware of these situations by meeting with our clients regularly and listening to what they have to say. It is gratifying to us and rewarding to our clients when we are there at the right time to advise them how to take advantage of the situation. Our clients have come to expect no less."
Joe earned his Bachelors Degree in Accounting (summa cum laude) from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Master’s Degree in Taxation from Bentley College.
Joe’s out-of-the-office interests include his work on behalf of South Area Solomon Schechter Day School and working out at the gym. He also loves to play duplicate bridge and spend time with his four children and two grandchildren.
Howard Spiller
Howard joined Sharkansky in 1983. He oversees the Firm's accounting and auditing departments, with responsibility for the Firm's overall quality control. He also works directly with clients, providing accounting, auditing, tax, and business planning services.
"Responding to a client's problems and needs in an innovative and timely fashion is the most important service I can provide. In addition to tax planning, I assist my clients with a wide range of non-traditional services, such as cash flow analysis, banking relations, and systems implementation. I feel that in order to be able to offer sound advice, an accountant must understand the client’s business. Accounting and auditing is a great way to accomplish this, while providing constructive and valuable counsel."
Howard is the Vice Chairman of the Board of Crescent Credit Union and is on the Board of the Boys & Girls Club of Brockton. He grew up in Brockton, MA. He earned his undergraduate degree at Northeastern University and his Master of Science in Taxation at Bentley College.
When not in the office or working with clients, Howard can be found at the gym or watching sports. Howard is a proud father of two children.
Joyce Christensen
Joyce joined Sharkansky in 1984. “Throughout my tenure here, I have seen the profession, as well as the Firm’s practice, change. Instead of being the accountant that visits once a year, we have become business advisors to our clients on a more frequent and informal basis. Our clients are able to extend their resources by including our Firm’s professional knowledge and experience. It is comforting to them to have this prompt professional advice at their fingertips.”
Joyce most enjoys working “hands-on” with clients to help them achieve their business goals. These non-traditional services include developing incentive compensation plans, business projections, cash flow analysis, and monthly internal financial meetings. “This is the most enjoyable and rewarding part of my professional practice.”
“I work with clients in many diverse industries, which enables me to bring a fresh perspective to the table. In addition to performing traditional accounting, auditing, and tax services, I am qualified to perform financial statement audits under governmental auditing standards (‘yellow book audits’).”
Joyce is licensed to practice in the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut. She received her degree from Suffolk University. In her free time you might find her boating on Boston Harbor.
Scott Estabrooks
Scott joined Sharkansky in 1990. He learned quickly that every financial situation is unique - whether it's a problem or an opportunity - whether it involves a business or a family. "To get a clear picture," Scott says, "you have to take time to listen and to ask the right questions. Then, I can offer well-informed advice. When I work with a company, I try to put myself in their shoes - to think more like a CFO than a CPA."
“We work very closely with our clients by assisting with monthly financial reviews, budgeting, and planning, in addition to the normal year-end accounting and tax. Because we take a genuine interest in our clients and their businesses, we’re able to offer solutions and leadership beyond taxes.”
Scott is married and has two children. In his free time he enjoys travel, fishing, and golf.
Jay Pike
Jay joined Sharkansky in 1998 and is grateful for the opportunity to work directly with local privately-owned businesses, focusing on matters of critical importance to each client. Since starting his career in public accounting in 1992, Jay has embraced the objective of helping each client attain a higher profitability level, by applying analytical techniques and carefully identifying and implementing tax planning strategies.
Jay prides himself on balancing the inherent requirements of a financial statement audit with the overall needs of the business. As a result, Jay thrives in roles where he can function as an integral part of his client's management team. "When we work with clients to build cash flow projections or to develop a strategic planning initiative, that process enables us to learn more about their business. This in turn allows us to find ways to improve a client's cash flow and identify areas for future growth. It’s very rewarding to work with clients, provide insight into their organizations, and improve their bottom line," explains Jay. "As a result, when I think of a particular business, I think of the goals of that organization and the challenges they tackle each day and that’s what motivates me to find workable solutions to those challenges."
As a Brockton native, Jay enjoys being active in the community. He recently completed a four year term on the Easton Finance Committee and also served as the Chairman of the Town's Audit Committee for several years. Today, he is actively involved in municipal affairs, youth sports, and frequently volunteers with the Ambassador Committee of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce. Jay rounds out his day as a proud father and enjoys spending time with his family.