About Us
Passionate About Taxes, Focused on You
Trusted Tax Solutions Backed by Decades of Expertise
More Than Taxes—We Build Success Stories
Welcome to Lee Mandel & Associates, where nearly a century of combined expertise meets personalized care. We specialize in tax solutions, accounting services, and business consulting, helping individuals and companies navigate their financial journey with confidence.
Our mission is rooted in delivering results that matter. From simplifying complex tax situations to providing strategic insights that drive business success, we take pride in helping our clients achieve their goals. Backed by decades of experience and a commitment to excellence, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Meet your Tax Experts
At Lee Mandel & Associates our team is made up of passionate professionals dedicated to simplifying taxes and empowering your financial success. With a wealth of experience across diverse industries, our experts bring personalized care, deep knowledge, and innovative solutions to every client relationship. Get to know the people who make it all happen!
Lee
Lee earned his B.S. in Accounting from the University of Michigan and began his career as an auditor with the IRS, working in the Criminal Fraud Division. He then moved on to Seidman BDO, a public accounting firm, where he consulted with small and mid-sized businesses on various business and compliance issues. Lee’s career continued at First Chicago Bank (now Chase), where he worked in mergers and acquisitions, followed by global tax management experience at Foote, Cone & Belding, a nationally renowned advertising agency.
Since founding his own practice, Lee has served on several boards, including St. Paul Federal Bank in Chicago and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. A popular lecturer, Lee has taught business courses as an adjunct professor at the College of DuPage and Aurora University. He’s also a frequent speaker at conferences and guest host on a radio show, where he shares his extensive knowledge of taxes and business, often with an engaging sense of humor.
Beyond his professional life, Lee is a musician, artist, and sculptor, showcasing his creative side. His unique blend of technical expertise and artistic talent allows him to approach tax and business challenges from multiple perspectives. With over 30 years of experience, Lee’s goal is to leverage his broad knowledge to help clients solve their toughest financial problems.
Jerilyn
Jerilyn began working with us during the 2021 tax season and has been a valued addition to our business. Jerilyn has her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and graduated in 1989. She began her professional career working in advertising, marketing, and sales before making her transition into the accounting field. Jerilyn joined her family’s tax and accounting firm in 2000 and continued through 2022. She enjoyed a successful career in the family business which included tax preparation, accounting, and bookkeeping as well as office and systems management. When not at work Jerilyn enjoys spending time with her adult child, family, and friends. She enjoys cooking, crafting, and playing trivia games.
Lisa
As a dedicated and detail-oriented accounting professional, Lisa joined our Bookkeeping staff here at Lee Mandel & Associates in 2020. She brought over 25 years of experience in the field, including 20 years in the Real Estate industry. She has been an active Notary Public for over 20 years. Lisa assists our Administrative team and Accountants as needed with special projects as well as performing her bookkeeping services to multiple clients with daily bookkeeping needs. QuickBooks online being her primary accounting software of choice, she works closely with our clients by monitoring & posting transactions, Bank Reconciliation, and Sales Tax Returns & Payments.
John
John has joined the Lee Mandel & Associates team as a Seasonal Tax Accountant in 2021 and has proven to be a valued team member of our company. John graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 1982.
He then passed his CPA exam in 1986 and continued his education receiving a master’s degree in taxation from DePaul University in 1992.
John has been a resident of Naperville since 1986 and in his spare time enjoys the outdoors, travel, and taking care of his many treasured pets.
Taylor
Taylor brings a diverse and impressive skill set to the team at Lee Mandel & Associates. Taylor began his career as a Mortgage Consultant before transitioning into the real estate industry to gain insight into financial markets and client relationships. His journey then expanded into Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design, where he honed his analytical and creative problem-solving abilities. With a strong foundation in mathematics, he eventually found his way to software engineering where he discovered tax software.
It was his experience with tax software that pushed him to transition into tax preparation. Seamlessly applying his technical expertise and detail-oriented mindset to help clients navigate complex financial situations, Taylor found his home. After his first tax season, he passed the Enrolled Agent examination, demonstrating his deep understanding of federal tax law. He combines a passion for numbers and problem-solving with a dedication to providing accurate and efficient tax services.
Outside of work, Taylor is a proud and devoted father and husband, finding joy in family life while bringing the same dedication and care to every professional endeavor. With a unique blend of technical knowledge and financial expertise, he is an invaluable asset to the team.
Rifat
Dr. Rifat Gorener is an associate professor of finance at the Heller College of Business (WEHCBA) at Roosevelt University and a valued seasonal tax preparer for Lee Mandel & Associates. With a distinguished academic and professional background, Dr. Gorener combines expertise in finance, accounting, and business strategy to deliver exceptional insights.
He holds a Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA in Finance, along with advanced graduate studies in inflation accounting and a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Dr. Gorener also holds professional certifications in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination, including the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) and MAFF (Master Analyst in Financial Forensics).
Before joining Roosevelt University, Dr. Gorener held executive roles in the telecommunications and logistics sectors, where he specialized in enterprise voice and data solutions. His academic career spans teaching roles in business and engineering schools in Turkey, offering graduate and undergraduate courses.
Recognized for his excellence, Dr. Gorener received the Heller College of Business Outstanding Teaching Award in 2010 and the Outstanding Service Award in 2012. He currently teaches graduate-level courses in accounting forensics, further demonstrating his dedication to shaping future leaders in the field.
Amber
Amber brings a wealth of diverse experience and unmatched organizational expertise to our team. Her professional journey spans several industries, including roles as a technical sales consultant, a member of the tax department at Aldi US, and a paralegal for an international law firm. Her unique background has equipped her with an extraordinary skill set, blending precision, strategic thinking, and a relentless drive for excellence.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Amber has a passion for revitalizing homes. She thrives on tackling complex rehab projects, showcasing her creativity and resourcefulness.
Here at Lee Mandel & Associates, Amber plays a critical role in keeping our team on track, solving problems before they arise, and ensuring that our operations are seamless. Her passion for excellence, coupled with her ability to manage multiple priorities with ease, makes her an invaluable part of our team.