Accounting Professor Awarded NJCPA 2023 Impact Ovation Award

“We are very pleased to learn of Professor DeSarno’s distinguished recognition by the NJCPA,” says Bloomfield College Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Michael A. Palladino, PhD. “Through his insightful actions and accomplishments, Peter shows his students each day the power that a degree in accounting, and obtaining the CPA designation, can have in academia, industry and in the community. He is very deserving of this award, and we are very proud to have him as a member of the Bloomfield faculty.”

According to NJCPA, the Impact Ovation Award “honors those who dedicate meaningful time and energy to commendable endeavors,” such as: giving back to the community; sharing professional expertise to support others; or advancing the interests and needs of the accounting profession through active engagement, leadership or advocacy.

DeSarno, who serves on the NJCPA Pipeline Task Force that works to advocate for the accounting profession, speaks and writes about ways to strengthen the pipeline of students entering the accounting profession.  A recent article, titled Rebranding Accounting and Engaging Students in the Classroom, appeared in the Summer 2023 issue of New Jersey CPA Magazine.

“I think it is important to actively leverage and share the experiences that I have gained over my accounting career in the classroom as it helps to facilitate learning and provide needed perspective,” says DeSarno who began teaching at Bloomfield College in Fall 2021. “I am passionate about making the material come alive and introducing students to this wonderful profession.”

Touting an accomplished 25-year accounting career, DeSarno started as an auditor with the Big4 public accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche, and has served in leadership positions as a controller in public, private and non-profit organizations. Prior to coming to teach at Bloomfield College, he taught in the evenings as an adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University and the County College of Morris.

DeSarno earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, and a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in financial planning from Seton Hall University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an active member of both the NJCPA and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Previously, DeSarno was honored with the NJCPA’s Volunteer Award that is given for dedicated service to worthy causes in the community and making a significant difference.

NJCPA is comprised of over 13,000 members and serves the needs of CPAs, accounting professionals and students in public practice, business and industry, government and education.

Photo: Bloomfield College of Montclair State University Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Accounting Peter C. DeSarno, CPA, MBA, MS