Headshot of Sue Novak

I love Jimmy Buffett music, and a few people have even referred to me as a “parrot head.”

Sue Novak
Partner, CPA, Employee Benefit Plan Practice Leader

Experience

I have two primary areas of client service: I lead the firm’s employee benefit plan audit (EBPA) practice, and I serve as an audit partner within the firm’s not-for-profit (NFP) practice. Beyond auditing, I have significant experience working with NFP organizations and religious institutes on accounting and business office operations, processes, and structure.

My clients appreciate that I always have time for them. When they examine their current financial status and want to know how that will impact their future decision-making, they turn to me for help understanding the big picture. It shouldn’t surprise many people that I chose this career because I genuinely want to serve clients and help them understand financial statements.

As the leader of the EBPA practice, I oversee an area that audits more than 1,200 benefit plans annually, including 11-K financial statements, 403(b) audits, defined contribution and benefit plans, health and welfare plans, and multi-employer plans.

Every day I strive to create an environment that supports the Plante Moran culture. As office managing partner, I ensure we have the appropriate focus on staff development. I try to match people with the right assignments to provide the best learning opportunities. Young staff members should never be overlooked. They often offer a fresh perspective that we can all benefit from.

I’m a member of the AICPA, the Michigan Association of CPAs, and the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, and I’m on the finance committee of Leadership Oakland.

Outside of work, you can find me curled up with a good book or, if the weather is nice, boating with my family. We also like to travel together.