Management Profiles

Crisler Quick founded The Finance Department (TFD) in 1993 to provide progressive businesses with an outsourced Finance Department, complete with staff to process transactions and accountants to provide guidance and advise.  She is President of TFD and responsible for the strategic vision of the organization.  Ms. Quick began her career in public accounting and was a manager at PriceWaterhouseCoopers before moving to the private sector.  As a CPA, she had varied experience working with both small closely-held businesses and major SEC corporations. After leaving public Accounting, Ms. Quick was responsible for the global accounting and reporting at Weight Watchers International, Inc. before founding TFD.  Since opening her own business, she has lobbied for reforms to benefit businesses in N.Y. State and has been a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business.  She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Association, and also served for twelve years on the Molloy College Board of Trustees holding the positions of Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Fiscal Affairs Committee.  Ms. Quick currently serves on the Hutchison School National Alumni Board and the National Selection Committee for The University of Virginia Jefferson Scholars Foundation.  Ms. Quick has received many awards for her accomplishments including an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Molloy College, the Business Woman of the Year award from the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Accountant Advocate of the Year Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Her experience and involvement provide her with an expertise in systems and procedures as well as an understanding of the advantages that analysis and reporting can provide to a business of any size.  Ms. Quick holds a BS from the University of Virginia, School of Commerce with concentrations in accounting and management. cquick@tfdonline.com

Carol Michaels co-founded The Finance Department (TFD) in 1993 with Crisler Quick and is Vice President responsible for the overall management of TFD.  Carol has been recognized by the LIA as a Small Business Advocate for her outstanding service and contribution to the business community.  Her background includes more than twenty years experience in both public and private accounting.  Before founding TFD, she worked as a CPA for a public accounting firm on Long Island and held management positions with a division of H.J. Heinz Company.  Her private sector responsibilities included cash management, payroll and benefits, managerial & financial reporting and general ledger functions. This broad range of experience provides her with a keen insight into the concerns and issues of growing businesses.  Carol earned a BBA in Accounting from Hofstra University.  cmichaels@tfdonline.com

Alice Sciara joined as Director of The Finance Department in June, 2007 bringing over 25 years of finance, accounting and operational experience. Her career has included executive roles as CEO and CFO in both public and private companies.  Before joining TFD, Alice was responsible for the North American operations of a global India based IT software and services company with a total of 600 staff working on projects throughout Europe, Asia and North America.  Previously she served as CFO in global transportation & logistics with offices and agents around the world.  She earned a BS in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a JD from St. John's University.  Although not currently a practicing attorney, Alice was admitted to the NY State Bar in 1988. asciara@tfdonline.com    


Leslie  Fajfer  joined The Finance Department in 1996 and is a Senior Manager with over 17 years of experience in both public and private accounting.  Prior to joining TFD, Leslie worked in public accounting providing both personal and corporate tax services.  Throughout her career, she has interfaced and collaborated with CFOs, CEOs, and COOs from a variety of industry sectors including finance, law, real estate, multispecialty medical practices, telecommunications, marketing and engineering/architectural services.  She has served as the main conduit for information flow to CPA firms providing full auditing and tax support.  Her expertise includes cash management, financial projections, profit and loss analysis and implementing initiatives to improve financial functions.  Leslie earned her BBA in Accounting from Dowling College. lfajfer@tfdonline.com