Meet the Accounting Team

Our Accounting department makes a personal commitment to maximize our client’s growth and success by providing sound advice and proven financial & tax strategies, coupled with integrity and competence. As Certified Public Accountants, we provide tax strategies to individuals, business and estates. Our experienced team conducts comprehensive audits, prepares financial statements, negotiates banking and equipment financing, and represents you in mergers and acquisitions.

Our Certified Information Technology Professionals (CITP) are specialized in reviewing and implementing accounting systems and software programs and are qualified to employ general ledger programs. Through our outstanding services and commitment to our client’s success we build long term relationships.

Robert Traphagen, CPA, CGMA

Managing Partner

Robert Traphagen, CPA, CGMA

Managing Partner

Robert J. Traphagen, Managing Partner, is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in both New Jersey and New York. Robert is responsible for providing leadership by guiding the overall strategic direction of the Firm as well as managing its daily operations.

Robert is a graduate of Rutgers University with a BA in History/Political Science and has a BS in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Robert specializes in negotiations, mergers, acquisitions, financing, and audits. He assists small and large businesses by integrating corporate and individual objectives into strategic plans. Robert is also a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), a designation awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). In addition, he holds a designation of Peer Reviewer under the American Institute of CPAs Peer Review Program. He has also participated in the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School; an interdisciplinary research center dedicated to developing the theory and practice of negotiation and dispute resolution in a range of public and private settings.

Robert was the 88th President of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants, a 16,000-member organization, and has served on the Board of Trustees. Robert also served on the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Council. Robert focuses his efforts on financial reporting standards, financial literacy and issues affecting the CPA profession. He is also a member of Rutgers University's Institute for Ethical Leadership.

In his community, Robert serves as an advisory board member for various banking institutions. He is a Past President of the Oradell Chamber of Commerce and served as Director of the Oradell Rotary Club. He is active in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Program and has participated in numerous marathons including the New York City Marathon in support of cancer research. He was recognized by former Governor James Florio for his community involvement and is the recipient of the Mayor's Award for Civic Contribution.

Robert is married with two children. He enjoys reading, exercising and is an avid sports fan.

Personal achievements:

Top 50 over 50 CPAs
Accounting Today's 2023 Managing Partner (MP) Elite
NJCPA's 2023 Lifetime Leadership Award

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT:225

info@tfgllc.com

James Lawrence, CPA, CCPS

Partner

James Lawrence, CPA, CCPS

Partner

James A. Lawrence, Tax Partner, is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in both New Jersey and New York. Jim specializes in individual and business tax returns, IRS representation including audit and appeals and negotiates installment agreements, offers in compromise and other collection procedures. He works closely with attorneys in Litigation Support and has testified as an expert in court proceedings. Jim has over 30 years’ experience in tax planning and business structure for individuals and businesses. In addition, he is a licensed insurance provider.

Jim served as a trustee for the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA). He also served a two-year term as the State Chairman of the Federal Taxation Interest Group. Jim represented the NJCPA in Washington on tax law and regulations. He has also served as President of the NJCPA, Bergen Chapter.

In addition, Jim is certified as a Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) from the National Institute of Certified College Planners. He assists families in their process of funding a quality education. Jim is one of only 500 who hold the CCPS certification nationally.

Jim is married and is a graduate of Rutgers University with a BS in Accounting. He enjoys running and has participated in numerous marathons. He is an avid New York Giants fan.

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT:210

info@tfgllc.com

Christopher Chudyk, CPA, CITP

Partner

Christopher Chudyk, CPA, CITP

Partner

Chris Chudyk, Partner, is a Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), a designation awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and held by less than 1% of all CPAs nationwide and a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor. Chris specializes in implementation of computer software, business tax returns, review and compilations and tax planning.

Chris served as the President for the Bergen Chapter of the New Jersey Society of CPAs (NJCPA) and was the past Chairman of the NJCPA Technology Committee. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and served on the AICPA's IMTA (Information Management Technology Assurance) committee.

Chris was recognized and selected as one of NJBIZ 2014 Forty Under 40 Award Winners for his commitment to business growth, professional excellence and community service within New Jersey.

Chris was named to the inaugural New Jersey Society of CPAs A list. Practitioners and members of the NJSCPA were selected for their continuing impact on the accounting profession in the Garden State and beyond.

Chris volunteers his time working with students for the NJCPA Scholars Institute, Career Day and the CPA Career Awareness Presentation program.

Chris is a graduate of Ramapo College, and enjoys working out (P90X and Insanity); plays softball, coaching, and is married with four kids who keep him active 24/7.

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT:304

info@tfgllc.com

Joseph DeLorenzo, CPA

Principal

Joseph DeLorenzo, CPA

Principal

Joseph DeLorenzo is a graduate of New York University with a B.S. degree in Accounting. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the states of New Jersey and New York, practicing for over 30 years. Joe specializes in individual and business tax, accounting, and advisory services.

Joe is fortunate to have had the opportunity to start his accounting career with the Traphagen Financial Group almost 30 years ago before successfully establishing his own CPA practice.

Joe is a member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants and served on the Board of Trustees. He is a Past President of the NJSCPA- Bergen Chapter and currently serves as Director. Joe has given estate workshops for the CPA profession and the NJSCPA, and has served as a panelist on a cable tax talk show. Joe has also given public speaking workshops to CPAs and other business professionals.

In his community, Joe serves on the accounting advisory board at Bergen Community College. For several years, he volunteered as a Quality Enhancement Review Supervisor for the Board of Accountancy, a tax workshop instructor with Children Services in Hackensack for Accountants for Public Interest (API), and was a speaker on tax issues for WFDU-FM 89.1. He has volunteered with the NJSCPA’s Scholarship Institute and Day of Service Programs; and also walked to end Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.

Joe is married for over 35 years and has three children. His passion remains as a personal life coach to his children and students; the study of yoga, Zen meditation, and to his continued personal development. He is a 4th degree Knights of Columbus member and a 5th degree black belt instructor in Zujitsu Ryu.

Office Phone:

201-262-1040 EXT: 605

info@tfgllc.com

Darren Thomas, JD, CPA, EA

Tax Director

Darren Thomas, JD, CPA, EA

Tax Director

Darren W. M. Thomas, Tax Director, is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey. Darren is also a licensed attorney in New York and New Jersey as well as an IRS enrolled agent, who is federally authorized as a tax practitioner; he is a member of the AICPA and New Jersey Society of CPAs where he currently serves as the Leader of the State Tax Interest Group. Darren previously worked for Deloitte Tax LLP and Withum.

Darren has extensive experience with partnerships, corporations, and personal tax, specifically in the areas of tax compliance, research, consulting, planning and controversy.

Darren has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from William Paterson University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude honors, and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Widener University Delaware Law School; he also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Seton Hall University, where he graduated Cum Laude honors.

Darren enjoys reading, exercising, watching movies and spending time with his wife Ann Marie and their two children.

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT: 403

info@tfgllc.com

Desiree Martinez, MS

Audit Manager

Desiree Martinez, MS

Manager

Desiree is an Audit Manager. Her 20 years’ experience includes manufacturing, construction contractors, non-for-profit, services & distribution industries.

She earned her BS and MS in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2003. Prior to Traphagen, Desiree was with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) on their audit team.

She joined Traphagen in 2015 and is responsible for all facets of the financial statement preparation including reviews and compilations in accordance with statement on standards for accounting and review services. Desiree oversees the quality review process for the firm in all accounting and audit areas; recently she has been working on FASB ASC 842 Lease implementation with her clients.

She is a member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA), the NJCPA Accounting & Auditing Standards Interest Group, and Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). Desiree has also been published in the NJCPA Magazine; most recently with an authored article titled ‘How Auditors Can Detect Fraud’

Desiree is inspired by her husband and two children. She is a passionate soccer fan who also enjoys all genres of music, traveling and exploring new places.

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT:400

info@tfgllc.com

Aaliyah Christie, CPA

Senior Auditor

Aaliyah Christie, CPA

Senior Auditor

Aaliyah is a Senior Auditor. Her experience includes Audit, including financial statements, control testing and audit procedures, as well as Quickbooks.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from William Paterson University and a Master’s in Finance & Financial Services. Aaliyah is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey, and a member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA), as well, as the NJCPA Accounting & Auditing Standards Interest Group.

Aaliyah is a a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu; enjoys arts & crafts, exploring culinary experiences and tv shows especially anime, romance, and comedy.

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT:408

info@tfgllc.com

Craig Sikora, EA

Manager

Craig Sikora, EA

Manager

Craig Sikora earned a B.S. in Business with a concentration in Accounting from William Paterson University.

Craig has over 12 years of public accounting experience. Craig has a diversified background and specializes in individual, business and non-profit tax returns. He manages and coordinates accounting functions for client record keeping, general ledger accounting and payroll tax return issues and filings. In addition, Craig is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor, and is also an enrolled IRS agent, who is federally authorized as a tax practitioner.

Craig is an avid Hockey and Baseball fan, and enjoys playing softball and golf. He and his wife are active supporters of the Congenital Heart Defect Coalition, which their son is a survivor of.

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT: 401

info@tfgllc.com

Nataliya Nagibina

Accountant

Nataliya Nagibina

Accountant

Nataliya Nagibina has over 15 years of experience as a Full Charge Bookkeeper and CPA assistant. Nataliya has a diversified multi-industry background and skill sets in analytical problem solving, bookkeeping and client services.

Prior to joining the firm, Nataliya worked for two small software development companies and a CPA firm where she provided reporting solutions for large financial institutions and enterprises including the US Army.

Nataliya enjoys playing tennis, gardening and relaxing with her two cats.

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT: 402

info@tfgllc.com

Kristina Kostovski, CPA, MBA

Tax Manager

Kristina Kostovski, CPA, MBA

Tax Manager

Kristina is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Montclair State University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and double Minor in Economics & the Classics. She is currently attending Missouri State University and hopes to complete her MBA with a concentration in Finance within the next year.

Kristina is a New Jersey Certified Public Accountant. She is also a NJCPA Bergen Chapter Recipient; recognized for her outstanding achievement in support of her interest in the accounting profession. She has extensive corporate state and local tax experience from spending her first two years of her career at the Big 4. She also has experience in partnership and individual tax preparation.

Kristina enjoys hiking, sports, working out, and traveling. She has traveled to 30 states in the last 3 years and hopes to reach all 50 in the next 2 years!

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT: 602

info@tfgllc.com

Steven Budryk, CPA, MS

Manager

Steven Budryk, CPA, MS

Manager

Steven Budryk, Manager, is a Certified Public Accountant in New Jersey. He is a member of the New Jersey Society of CPAs where he participates in the Emerging Leaders Interest Group and Scholarship Committee and is a NJCPA Bergen Chapter Scholarship Recipient. Steven is a 2023 NJCPA Emerging Leader Ovation Award winner, in recognition of exemplary efforts and stellar achievement in advancing New Jersey’s accounting profession, and stand out in the areas of professional knowledge, skill, integrity, and leadership. Steven has authored and has been quoted in multiple NJCPA print and website publications in areas including Real Estate Investment Tax Planning, Becoming a CPA, The Value of Internships, Beginning a Career in Public Accounting, Lessons Learned during the Pandemic, and Return to Office Policies & Remote/Hybrid Staff.

Steven specializes in Real Estate transactions, including cash flow analysis, cost-segregation review, and purchase agreements. He has extensive experience with corporate, partnership, estate & trust, and personal tax, in the areas of tax compliance, consulting, planning, entity structure analysis, and review. Steven manages client accounts within our various accounting and tax functions, including general ledger accounting, sales tax, and payroll tax. He is also a QuickBooks Desktop and Online ProAdvisor. Steven is the firm’s Recruitment Chair, spearheading the direction of firm recruitment and growth through local colleges and other schools.

Steven earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Accounting degrees from Ramapo College of New Jersey, where he graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors, served as President of the Chi Upsilon chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society. Steven returned to Ramapo as the youngest adjunct professor, currently as an Adjunct Professor of Accounting, where he teaches two Federal Taxation courses to undergraduate students.

Steven enjoys watching and playing basketball, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT:404

info@tfgllc.com

Nicole Garcia

Senior Accountant

Nicole Garcia

Senior Accountant

Nicole Garcia is a 2020 graduate of William Paterson University where she earned a B.S in both Accounting and Financial Planning as well as a minor in Economics.

During her time at William Paterson, Nicole participated in the Honors College and presented her thesis project to the University. While at William Paterson she served as Vice President of the Delta Mu chapter of Phi Sigma Sigma and was a Peer-to-Peer leader to incoming accounting students.

Nicole is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and is currently pursuing her CPA license. She has experience with both individual and business tax returns.

Nicole enjoys hiking, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends in her spare time.

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT:311

info@tfgllc.com

Bonifacio Yrad III, MS

Accountant

Bonifacio Yrad III, MS

Accountant

Bonifacio Yrad III is a graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey where he earned his B.S. degree in Accounting with Cum Laude honors and his M.S. degree in Accounting. During his time at Ramapo, Bonifacio served as the Treasurer of the United Asians Association.

Bonifacio is a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and is currently pursuing his CPA license.

Bonifacio enjoys playing and watching basketball and soccer as well as watching shows and movies.

Office Phone:

(201) 262-1040 EXT: 307

info@tfgllc.com