About Us
Crisler Quick and Carol Michaels founded The Finance Department (TFD) in 1993 to provide businesses with outsourced financial expertise that was only accessible to large corporations at the time. For over 30 years, we’ve been more than a service provider, we’re a trusted business partner. At TFD, you get access to your own finance department, complete with staff to process transactions, review and analyze your financial data, and provide strategic insight and financial guidance.
Over the years, we’ve guided clients through industry changes and technology transitions, from early accounting systems to today’s cloud-based platforms. Our team-based service model offers broad expertise and reliability you can count on. We serve a diverse range of for profit and nonprofit industries, including education, professional associations, family offices, retail and more.
We are dedicated to helping our clients feel confident about their finances and maintain their competitive edge by providing accurate reporting, strategic insight and scalable solutions.
Executive Team
Crisler Quick, CPA
President & Founder
Crisler guides the strategic vision of The Finance Department, maintaining the firm’s high standards while staying up to date with the latest techniques and tools. She began her career in public accounting at PwC. As a CPA, she worked with both closely-held businesses and major SEC corporations. Crisler eventually left her role at PwC as an audit manager to move to the private sector. At Weight Watchers International, Inc., a division of the H. J. Heinz Corporation, she oversaw global accounting and reporting before starting The Finance Department.
Since opening her own business, Crisler has lobbied for reforms to benefit businesses in New York State and acted as a leader in her community. She currently serves as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the Long Island Association as well as the Vice-Chair of the Small & Midsized Business Committee. She is also a member of the Molloy University President’s Advisory Council, formerly serving as the Board of Trustees Vice Chair. Her many years of service to the community also include serving on the Board of Directors of the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholars Foundation; on the Jefferson Scholars National Selection Committee; on the Holy Child Academy Board of Trustees as Vice-Chair; on the Nassau County Council of Economic Advisors as Co-Chair; on the White House Conference on Small Business as a Delegate; and on the National Alumni Board of the Hutchison School. Crisler has been named one of The 25 Most Powerful People in Long Island Accounting by Long Island Business News and a Woman of Distinction by Blank Slate Media. She has received many awards for her accomplishments including an Honorary Doctor of Law from Molloy University, the Businesswoman 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.
Crisler holds a BS in Commerce with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce.
Carol Michaels, CPA
Director & Co-Founder
Carol Michaels runs and manages TFD’s operations as Vice President. She takes a proactive approach with all of the firm’s clients, focusing on streamlining processes and improving financial reporting. Before founding TFD, Carol worked as a CPA for a public accounting firm on Long Island. She moved to Weight Watchers International, Inc, a division of the H. J. Heinz Corporation, where she held several managerial roles. While there, she oversaw cash management, payroll and benefits, and managerial & financial reporting.
Since then, Carol has worked with a wide array of industries. Her experience spans from real estate to racehorses in the for profit sector, and from education to charitable organizations in the nonprofit sector. Carol has also been recognized by the Long Island Association as a Small Business Advocate for her outstanding service and contribution to the business community. With over 30 years of experience in both private and public accounting, Carol has a keen insight into the concerns and issues of growing businesses.
Carol earned a BBA in Accounting from Hofstra University.