Meet Amanda Brady, CPA, Shareholder and Co-Practice Leader at WilkinGuttenplan

Helping clients bridge the gap between policy, finance, and community growth

Amanda Brady, CPA

Shareholder

Years with company/firm: 26

Years in field: 26

Years in real estate industry: 26

Real estate organizations/affiliations: New Jersey Builders Association, NAIOP

What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2024?

In 2024, I became a shareholder at the firm and was named co-practice leader of our real estate department. It was a meaningful milestone for me and a reflection of the work I’ve put in over the years and the support of my colleagues.

Who or what has been the strongest influence on your career?

Len Nitti, with whom I co-lead our firm’s real estate group, has been both a role model and mentor to me. He’s offered guidance, support, and encouragement over the years. He has always understood my career goals and pushed me to step outside my comfort zone to achieve them. Having someone in my corner who understands both the technical side of the work and the importance of professional growth has made a real impact.

What challenges and/or obstacles do you feel you needed to overcome to become as successful as you are today?

The biggest challenge I’ve had to overcome is my natural reluctance toward networking. I’m very introverted, so it took time to get comfortable with the idea and recognize its importance in building relationships and growing in this field. Over time, I’ve learned to approach it in a way that feels genuine to me.

How did the PILOT audit practice at WG come to be, and what role do you play in leading it?

I worked on my first Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) audit nearly 20 years ago, and it was something new for the firm. Over time, more of our clients began entering into these agreements. While the same statute governs all PILOTs, each one is uniquely structured. I realized I needed to take a deep dive into the statute to serve our clients better. That specialized knowledge naturally led to the establishment and growth of PILOT audits as a dedicated practice area within the firm. Today, I lead the niche practice group and continue to guide our team as these audits become increasingly prevalent across the state.

How do you collaborate with developers, municipalities, and attorneys to ensure a smooth PILOT process?

The financial agreement for a PILOT program includes specific definitions that auditors rely on to complete the report submitted to the municipality. Our goal is to work closely with clients to make sure those definitions are clearly written and consistent with the statute, which helps minimize any gray areas that the town could challenge.

We also recognize that many developers maintain their records on an income tax basis, which can differ significantly from financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. To support a smooth process, we work with clients to bridge that gap, explaining the differences and how they affect the financial statements.

How do you manage the work/life balance?

I’m fortunate to work at a firm that allows us to define our own career paths. When my children were young, I worked a part-time schedule, which let me stay on track professionally while spending time with them. Now that they’re a bit older, I have the flexibility to adjust my hours, so I don’t miss important moments, like their sporting events. That kind of support has made a real difference for me, both personally and professionally.

Who are some of the other women at WG making an impact in real estate, and how do you see them shaping the future of the practice?

Cara Gray – Cara has extensive experience and knowledge of PILOT agreements. She’s been instrumental in helping me grow the PILOT practice area, and I see her continuing to take on a larger leadership role. In the next few years, I expect she’ll identify and build out a new sub-niche within the real estate practice that she can lead.

Stephanie Holston – Stephanie brings deep partnership expertise, which is the primary ownership structure used by most real estate developers. Her knowledge spans qualified opportunity zones, 1031 exchanges, and energy credits, among other areas of expertise. Having Stephanie on our team allows us to provide clients with sophisticated tax advice and support, which strengthens our ability to attract and serve complex real estate clients.

Together, Cara and Stephanie are playing a key role in shaping the future of our real estate practice and ensuring its continued growth.

What inspiring word of advice would you give to a young woman about to go into the field of commercial real estate or your allied field?

The world of real estate offers so many opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact. In accounting, we have the unique opportunity to be involved in projects from the initial idea through the challenges that arise along the way, and into the operational phase when developers see their vision become a reality. It’s rewarding to have a front-row seat to the full lifecycle of a project and to witness the impact these developments have on the communities they serve. For young women entering this field, it’s an exciting, ever-evolving industry with endless opportunities to build a meaningful career. Don’t be afraid to carve out your own path and bring your perspective to the table.