Today we’d like to introduce you to Tina Jani.
Tina, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in India, I have two sisters and a brother, my dad was a banker and my mom was a homemaker. My parents believed in “simple living and high thinking.” They always motivated us to study and do our best academically. I still fondly remember my teachers from elementary and high school, who always believed in me more than myself! Teachers have a great role to play in a person’s life. The education and values they provide is a gift that lasts a lifetime!
While working on my bachelor’s degree in accounting, I pursued and cleared the professional examination of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, which focuses on advanced accounting, taxes and company laws and regulations. Working as an intern gave me the real-world experience of company formations, legal issues, and audit at an early age, which came in handy at a later stage in my career. I came to the United States in 2003 after getting married. It was a completely new world for me, but I quickly adapted to my new home in this beautiful country!
My husband encouraged me to further my studies. Even with his demanding work schedule, he always shared equal responsibilities of raising our children. My in-laws also always provided me with unconditional love and support and encouraged me to pursue my passion and dreams. I was able to spend long hours at work and give my complete attention to my clients, due to a strong family support.
I started studying for the CPA exam while working as an accountant for Pars Financials in Miramar. I learned a lot about the U.S. tax and payroll laws over a short span of one year. After clearing the CPA exam, I was hired by Covell & Hogan, CPA firm in 2006 as a staff accountant. My mentors Bridget Hogan and Lee Covell, took me under their wing, exposing me to various roles in the audit and tax department. It was a great experience to be able to work with various clients on their accounting and tax needs. The firm provided me flexibility so that I could focus on upbringing of my two young children without having to give up on my career. Lee Covell has been such a great inspiration in my life! He is a kind, hardworking, honest man and I am very grateful for the opportunities he has given me in my career! In 2017, I was offered the role as a partner in my firm, now known as Covell, Jani & Pasch, CPAs. I am honored to have Lee Covell and Teri Pasch as my business partners. Their integrity, ethics, and values, continue to inspire me, as well as our team.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was difficult to get my first break in the field of accounting without a U.S. college degree. One of my classmates from my CPA course recommended that I take a QuickBooks course, which paved the way for me to get my first job with Pars Financials. I passed the CPA exams soon after that. From there, doors opened and I was able to get to this place in my life. One thing I’ve learned is there will be bumps in life. It’s how you deal with those bumps and what learn from them that makes you a better person. As someone once said, “Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you are looking for.” I always enjoy the journey and try to keep evolving!
Please tell us about Covell, Jani and Pasch CPAs.
We’re a full-service CPA firm, Covell, Jani & Pasch, CPAs. Our firm specializes in the real estate and construction industry, providing assurance and tax services to our clients. We are a boutique firm of twelve dynamic and professional staff. Client service is a top priority for us, so we are always available for our client’s questions, emails, phone calls. As a team, we always strive to do better and excel in providing timely services while presenting a top-notch product every time. In this ever-changing profession, we always aim to stay on top of all updates, new rules and regulations. We pride ourselves on staying abreast of current developments in our industry so that we can provide relevant, accurate advice to our clients. Recently, due to COVID 19, The CARES act was passed. Our team stayed on top of providing appropriate guidance to our small business clients with regard to accounting and tax treatment of PPP loans and various credits introduced by the act.
What were you like growing up?
I was a shy and introverted person growing up. I enjoyed being with my close-knit family, crazy cousins, and a small group of friends. Yes, my cousins were crazy (and they still are)!
Back in those days, we didn’t have as many television shows, mobile or computer games. Playing barefoot on the streets for hours in the evening was the ultimate joy of life! There was not a formal way of developing an interest, at least not in the towns where I grew up. You just do what you like to do in your free time. We used to ride our bikes a lot and play cricket with friends those days.
Summer vacations were filled with activities like painting, learning embroidery from my grandma, knitting, making paper art projects from magazines, reading comic books, and of course, eating mangoes! Then at nights, watching horror movies, pretending to be brave but then hiding the face in the blanket, watching the stars sleeping on the terrace, singing Bollywood songs and making so much noise, then being yelled at by the neighbors! Those memories will never fade!
Contact Info:
- Address: 345 W 9th Avenue# 100
Escondido, CA 92025 - Phone: 760-737-0700
- Email: pjani@cjp-cpas.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Covell-Jani-Pasch-LLP-255126391321134/
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