Executive Team

 

Alvin Smilow, CPA Managing Partner Credentials CPA – New York Education Bernard M. Baruch College – BBA Accounting Specialties Financial Accounting & Reporting Corporate & Managerial Accounting Auditing & Risk Assessment Tax Planning & Advisory Affiliations American Institute of Certified Public Accountants NYS Society of CPA’s National Conference of CPA’s Appointed Board Positions Maimonides Heritage Center – Treasurer & Trustee Religious Affiliations Young Israel of Plainview – Past President & Trustee

Alvin Smilow joined the firm in 1985, after beginning his career in accomplished regional accounting firms.

Now celebrating his 40^th year with the firm, he has become a trusted advisor and advocate for our clients and their businesses – specializing in strategic business planning, financial accounting, tax compliance, and advisory services.

Over the years, Alvin has played a critical role in the development and success of our Family Office services.  This has become one of the core strengths of the firm, as he provides his expertise to our high-net-worth families with complex financial needs while protecting our clients’ multi-generational wealth.

Alvin assumed the role of Managing Partner in 2025, embracing a renewed commitment to client service excellence.   He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s three core practice areas – tax, accounting, and advisory services.

Please join us in congratulating Alvin on this milestone career achievement!

 

---

 

Brian Florio, CPA Tax Director Credentials CPA – New York Education Adelphi University, BS – Business Management Adelphi University, MS – Finance John’s University, MBA – Accounting John’s University, MS – Taxation New York University – Graduate Coursework Specialties Tax Planning & Advisory Tax Compliance Tax Controversy

Brian is a tax professional with over 25 years of tax experience, including 10 years with “Big-4” accounting firms KPMG and Deloitte & Touche. He specializes in tax consulting and tax planning, tax compliance, and tax controversy and dispute resolution services.

At KPMG and Deloitte, Brian was a lead tax manager providing tax compliance and tax consulting services to broker/dealers, investment banks, real estate firms, and Fortune 100 corporate clients.

In 2009, Brian entered the private sector when he was recruited by one of his clients, Cantor Fitzgerald, as its Director of Tax Compliance and Tax Controversy.  In this dual role, he was responsible for managing the tax compliance function for all entities under the Cantor Fitzgerald umbrella, including the review and filing of all corporate tax returns. Additionally, he oversaw the review and filing of the personal tax returns of Cantor Fitzgerald’s owners and senior management.

Brian served as Tax Director for Cantor Fitzgerald’s subsidiaries, including Newmark, Grubb, Knight, Frank (NGKF) – a premier service provider for large corporate and institutional investors that owned or occupied commercial real estate.

Brian’s duties also included Tax Controversy & Dispute Resolution, resolving tax authority disputes concerning technical and procedural issues.  He represented the firm, its owners, and senior management who were under tax examination, including the IRS Examination Division, the IRS Appeals Division, the New York State Department of Finance, the City of New York Tax Audit and Enforcement Division, and the Franchise Tax Board of California.

In 2016, Brian became the Head of Tax Planning at LHF CPA, advising clients with mergers, acquisitions, and reorganizations.  He was recognized as a trusted advisor and strategic partner.

In 2020, Brian was recruited to be the Deputy Director, Tax at Eisner Amper – assisting the Head of Global Tax with oversight of its tax division.  His Chief of Staff responsibilities included managing the firm’s tax group, its tax professionals, and running the daily operations of its global tax function.

Brian joined Ceasar & Smilow in 2025 as its Tax Director, managing the firm’s tax services division – ensuring the quality and growth of tax service offerings and managing its tax professionals.

 

---

 

Ying (Becky) Dong, CPA Accounting & Tax Manager Licenses / Credentials CPA – New York Life Insurance – NYS Dept of Financial Services Education Queens College, BS – Accounting Queens College, MS – Accounting Specialties Financial Accounting & Reporting Corporate & Managerial Accounting Tax Compliance Affiliations American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Appointed Board Positions Sanford Equities Corp. – Treasurer Fluency Mandarin Chinese

Ying (Becky) Dong is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in accounting, taxation, and financial management.

From 2012 to 2021, Becky served as a Senior Accountant at Accounting Information Management, Inc. (affiliated with Geng & Associates CPA, PLLC and Celia C Geng & Co, LLC), where she developed comprehensive expertise in accounting operations, financial reporting, and tax services.

Since joining Ceasar & Smilow in 2021, she has advanced to the role of Accounting and Tax Manager, providing strategic guidance in business, trust, individual, and nonprofit accounting and taxation matters.

Becky also served for approximately seven years as Treasurer on the board of Sanford Equities Corp., where she oversaw financial management, budgeting, and fiduciary responsibilities.

With more than a decade of professional experience, she is dedicated to delivering accurate, dependable, and client-focused financial solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.

 

---

 

Debra M. Callanan Director of Information Technology and Office Management Education Hofstra University, BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration – Specialization in Business Computer Information Systems Specialties Corporate Controller Accounting Operations Information Technology Management Tax Processing & Administration Systems and Process Development Human Resource Management

Debbie is the firm’s Director of Information Technology and Office Management with over 30 years of industry experience.  She is tasked with the administrative and operational oversight of the firm – managing internal processes and administrative functions to optimize firm productivity and ensure exceptional client service.

Debbie is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the firm, developing initiatives aimed at strengthening service delivery, internal processes, and organizational effectiveness.  She also oversees all back-office functions, including internal accounting, information technology, human resource management, and our tax processing department.

Debbie is particularly skilled in leveraging technology and optimizing workflow enhancements to implement efficient processes that improve accuracy and timeliness, helping clients and staff operate more effectively. Her comprehensive approach combines technical expertise and attention to detail with practical guidance to support clients and staff.

She began her tenure at Ceasar & Smilow while a senior in college, when she spent years in technology and data management roles – making significant contributions to the foundation of the firm’s modern-day IT core platform, network connectivity and security, and IT infrastructure.

As part of her oversight role in Information Technology, Debbie is responsible for all tax compliance software. She developed a comprehensive, end-to-end approach regarding the firm’s tax technology initiatives.  Her accomplishments include robust electronic filing functionality with tax authorities, the implementation and maintenance of the firm’s client portal, the electronic signature verification process, and data storage and security.

Debbie is a seasoned professional who is passionate about bridging the gap between innovative technology and core business objectives.  She looks forward to developing, implementing, and executing new technology initiatives to enhance the overall client experience.

 

---

 

IN MEMORIUM

Lawrence G. Ceasar, CPA May 4, 1943 – September 22, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that Ceasar & Smilow LLP honors Mr. Lawrence Ceasar, who passed away on September 22, 2024.  He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know and work with him.

Larry was well-known in the accounting profession and was one of the founding partners of Ceasar & Smilow, LLP.   Known for his quick wit and kind generosity, Larry never passed up the opportunity to share a meal with friends or tell an engaging story or a good joke.

Larry was loved by his clients and respected by his partner, Alvin, and his colleagues.

We honor Larry for his friendship and the lasting contributions he made to the firm.