Our Team

Salim Omar, CPA - CEO

Meet Salim Omar, CPA, the visionary CEO behind Straight Talk, CPAs. With a unique promise of guaranteed success to clients who heed his advice, Salim is renowned as one of the nation's foremost CPAs, commanding admiration from clients spanning North America. 

Salim's unwavering belief in the pivotal role of small businesses in our economy fuels his passion. He has committed his career to guiding them towards financial stability and security through his firm’s exceptional services. This dedication has enabled him to establish one of the most esteemed accounting firms in the nation, with an extensive following of satisfied clients (check out our testimonials section). 

Salim's academic qualifications include a fusion of a Master's Degree in Accounting and the Certified Public Accountant credential. His professional journey encompasses a diverse background, including a stint as a former Chief Financial Officer, followed by twenty-seven years of entrepreneurial endeavors and investments. 

Notably, Salim is the author of the acclaimed book, "Straight Talk About Small Business Success In New Jersey." His insightful articles grace the pages of publications across the nation, including esteemed industry journals like Accounting Today and The CPA Journal. His passion for empowering small-business owners and his track record of personal success have made him a sought-after speaker, panelist, writer, and trusted advisor. 

As the CEO of Straight Talk, CPAs, Salim Omar's primary mission is to cultivate a client-focused work environment and assemble a team dedicated to helping clients reach their loftiest goals. His unwavering commitment to this vision is the driving force behind our firm's exceptional service and unrivaled success. Outside of his professional pursuits, Salim embraces his lifestyle freedom by indulging in table tennis, pickleball, and exploring the world through travel. 

Shawheen Amirkhizi – COO

Shawheen Amirkhizi, our Chief Operating Officer, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Wyoming and five years of diverse accounting experience. As Straight Talk’s COO, he is the driving force behind systematizing our operations, continuously enhancing our tech stack, standard operating procedures, and workflows.

Shawheen's unique skill set as a "Swiss Army knife" of the firm stems from his extensive experience in various software and roles. He is instrumental in adopting significant changes in our software tech stack, especially in implementing our client portal and workflow management system.

His career is marked by notable achievements, including winning first place in the University of Wyoming's John P. Ellbogen 30K Business Competition and successfully running an ecommerce business for 14 years. His approach to problem-solving is methodical and comprehensive, ensuring that every solution positively impacts the business.

In client service and accounting, Shawheen believes in the importance of care and quality. His insight into ecommerce accounting is especially valuable for Straight Talk CPA’s ecommerce clients.

Outside of work, Shawheen's interests include learning Python, prompt engineering and web development, hiking with his wife, and exploring cities and mountain trails. His personal motto, "If something feels like it is taking too long, then it’s probably taking too long," reflects his drive to challenge the status quo and find efficient solutions both in his personal life and work life.

Shawheen's future goals involve constantly improving operations, with his role evolving to meet ever-changing challenges. His advice to those starting in accounting: pay close attention to detail while maintaining a broader perspective.

Helen Passariello - Senior Accountant

Helen is our bookkeeper and payroll-sales tax specialist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Brooklyn College, City University of New York. She has over 20 years’ experience in the accounting industry. She worked for a Wall Street firm for over 15 years that maintained books and records for independent NYSE floor brokers. She also holds NASD series 27 certification.

Helen says: “It’s important to have accurate books and records as well as timely payroll and sales tax filings. By assisting small businesses with these functions, it allows them to concentrate on growing their business.”

Ellisha Caron – Tax Advisor

Ellisha Caron, a graduate of Texas A&M-University Commerce with a Master of Science degree in Accounting, brings seven years of tax preparation, review and accounting expertise to our team.

Her role involves providing strategic tax planning and handling complex tax situations, particularly for small businesses. Her expertise in tax analysis and federal filing, combined with her deep knowledge of IRS regulations, makes her an invaluable asset to our clients.

Ellisha's career is marked by key accomplishments, including leading projects in IRS representation and improving internal processes. She excels in client interactions, ensuring they receive personalized and effective tax solutions.

Beyond her professional commitments, Ellisha is passionate about DIY projects, sewing, and baking. She's also an active volunteer in raising Autism Spectrum Disorder awareness, reflecting her dedication to community service.

With aspirations of achieving her EA and CPA certifications, Ellisha aims to further her expertise and contribute significantly to our firm. Her motto, "Life is like a cup of coffee, it's all about how you make it," reflects her proactive and positive approach to both her professional and personal life.

Anash Kachaliya – Accountant & Tax Specialist

Bringing eight years of rich experience, Anash  is a pivotal member of our team, specializing in US tax and accounting. As a CA-Finalist and a bachelor's degree holder in accountancy and tax, Anash is also pursuing his Enrolled Agent certification, showcasing his dedication to professional growth.

At our firm, Anash oversees bookkeeping and accounting, meticulously reviewing and finalizing accounts. He also excels in preparing individual and business tax returns, combining his expertise with advanced proficiency in MS Excel and a keen eye for detail.

Anash's career is distinguished by achievements, such as enhancing bookkeeping processes for an e-commerce client and leading a successful offshore team for a major U.S.-based insurance tech company. His problem-solving approach involves breaking down complex issues, ensuring data accuracy, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Beyond his professional life, Anash is passionate about self-improvement, geopolitics, and cultural exploration. He actively volunteers in educational initiatives for underprivileged children and participates in community clean-up efforts.

Anash envisions a future where he continues to grow within the firm, embracing new challenges and opportunities. His philosophy, inspired by the '7 Habits,' focuses on effective action and continuous learning, driving him toward his goal of being a leader in the accounting field. His advice for budding accountants: stay curious, detail-oriented, and committed to ethical practices.

Donna Azzolina – Client & Team Support Specialist

Donna Azzolina, an administrator with a rich artistic background from Royan University, is a cornerstone of our team. Her journey, starting with a full art scholarship in illustration, design, and advertising, has led her to a crucial role in administration, client and team support at our firm.

In her role, Donna skillfully manages TaxDome, ProSeries, and Rightworks, excelling in customer service and ensuring seamless office operations. Her administrative acumen is underscored by her ability to handle complex tasks like billing, phone system management, and document processing.

With over 28 years in customer service, Donna's career highlights include leading the migration of ProSeries to the Rightworks Cloud and aiding in our transition to a virtual office. She approaches her work with innovative thinking and meticulous attention to detail, making her an invaluable asset to our team.

Donna's personal interests span art, world cultures, and social justice. She is guided by her principle of treating others with respect and integrity. Her personal motto, "Trust but verify, treat others as you would like to be treated," reflects her commitment to integrity and respect in every aspect of her work.

Ahmed Qamar – Administrator & Bookkeeping Specialist

Ahmed brings a fresh perspective to our team as a staff bookkeeper and administrator, holding a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a focus on Accounting and Finance. With two years of accounting experience, he's a certified QuickBooks expert, equipped with advanced bookkeeping skills from Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.

In his role, Ahmed is the operational right hand of our COO, Shawheen, assisting in various business aspects and bookkeeping for assigned companies. His knack for QuickBooks makes him an invaluable resource for the team, solving problems and answering queries with ease.

Ahmed's career, though in its early stages, already showcases his capabilities. He quickly reconciled five years of chaotic financial records for a client and tailored financial reports for multiple clients to meet specific requirements. His approach to problem-solving involves careful analysis and seeking guidance when needed, ensuring thorough solutions.

He's passionate about accounting technology advancements and stays informed through industry news. Outside work, Ahmed indulges in hobbies like website building, stock market analysis, and hiking.

Ahmed's future aspirations include making a significant impact in his field and taking on more responsibilities within the firm. His guiding philosophy, inspired by a poem, emphasizes gratitude and the pursuit of continuous growth. His advice for newcomers in accounting: prioritize enjoyment in your work above all.